MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Local and Private Legislation; Penitentiary

By: Representative Masterson

House Bill 1601

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF VICKSBURG TO CONTRACT WITH THE ISSAQUENA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE USE OF INMATE LABOR FROM THE ISSAQUENA COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY TO WORK ON PUBLIC ROADS AND TO CUT AND CLEAN PRIVATE LOTS THAT ARE A MENACE TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND TO THE SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY; TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF VICKSBURG TO INSURE THE CITY OF VICKSBURG AND ISSAQUENA COUNTY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES AGAINST ANY LIABILITY THAT MAY OCCUR WHILE INMATES ARE ENGAGED IN SUCH WORK; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  The governing authorities of the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi, may contract with the Board of Supervisors of Issaquena County for the use of inmate labor from the Issaquena County Correctional Facility, in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Issaquena County Correctional Facility.  The contract shall require the City of Vicksburg to provide transportation, guards, meals and other matters necessary to make use of such inmate labor or shall provide that the City of Vicksburg shall reimburse Issaquena County or the Issaquena County Correctional Facility for the costs of transporting, guarding, providing meals or other matters necessary for the use of such inmate labor.  Such inmate labor may be used to clean and work on the public roads and other public works within the City of Vicksburg and to cut and clean private property that has been determined by the governing authorities of the City of Vicksburg to be in such a state of uncleanliness or disrepair that it is a menace to the public health or safety of the community or is in such condition or disrepair that it is dangerous or injurious to the public health and safety of the occupants of buildings or the occupants of neighboring buildings.

     SECTION 2.  The governing authorities of the City of Vicksburg may insure the City of Vicksburg and Issaquena County and their respective officials and employees against any liability which may occur as a result of the inmates performing work pursuant to this act or for the guarding or transporting of inmates under this act.  The public officials and employees of the City of Vicksburg shall have all the immunities allowed the Commissioner of Corrections under Section 47-5-110(3), Mississippi Code of 1972, for all acts of inmates who perform work pursuant to this act.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.