MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Corrections

By: Representatives Banks, Johnson, Straughter

House Bill 367

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO IMPLEMENT AN EXTENDED FAMILY VISITATION PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE OFFENDERS WHO ARE INCARCERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The Department of Corrections shall implement an Extended Family Visitation Program.  The department shall provide extended visitation through the program for any incarcerated offender who is eligible based upon the rules of the department.  As used in this section, "Extended Family Visitation Program" means a program that allows visitation by the immediate family members of eligible offenders on the grounds of a correctional facility for an extended period of time.  Such visitation shall occur as follows:

          (a)  Visitation will be for a period not to exceed five (5) days; and

          (b)  The frequency of such visitation shall not exceed once every three (3) months.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.