Bill > SB2780

This bill, known as the "Captain Justin James Whipps Correctional Safety and Wellness Act," aims to improve safety and well-being within Mississippi's correctional facilities by implementing several key provisions. It mandates that all state and privately operated correctional facilities conduct mandatory weapons screening for employees, contractors, and volunteers entering secure areas, which includes metal detection, bag inspections, and random secondary screenings, and also requires random inspections of employee vehicles parked on facility property to ensure no unauthorized weapons or contraband are present. Furthermore, the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) will be required to provide annual mental health, wellness, and leadership development training for all correctional officers and supervisory staff, covering topics like stress management, conflict de-escalation, emotional regulation, and ethical leadership, with completion of this training being a condition of employment. The MDOC will also be responsible for adopting rules to implement the act and will submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing compliance, incidents of violence, disciplinary actions, and recommendations for improvement, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2780.xml