MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Corrections
By: Senator(s) Jackson (32nd), Barnett, Sparks, Branning, Jackson (11th), Jordan, Simmons (13th), Simmons (12th)
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CAUSE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND PRISON INDUSTRY TO REPORT ANNUALLY ON THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SUCCESSES; TO PROVIDE REPORTS TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 47-5-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
47-5-1. It shall be the policy of this state, in the operation and management of the correctional system, to so manage and conduct the same in that manner as will be consistent with the operation of a modern correctional system and with the view of making the system self-sustaining. Those convicted of violating the law and sentenced to a term in the state correctional system shall have humane treatment, and be given opportunity, encouragement and training in the manner of reformation.
It shall be the policy of this state that the correctional system shall be operated and managed in the most efficient and economical manner possible. The Mississippi Department of Corrections shall so manage and operate the correctional system in that manner in order to make the system self-sustaining and to conserve state general fund revenues. The Mississippi Department of Corrections shall provide leadership to bring about the earliest possible construction of satisfactory prison inmate facilities, and shall utilize existing state resources, including inmates for prison construction labor, when and wherever practicable, in order to minimize the need for state general funds for prison construction.
It shall be the policy of this state that periodic independent internal investigations of the department shall be conducted to ensure the implementation of state correctional policies.
Both the Department of Corrections and the prison industry must file annual reports to document their accomplishments and successes on or before July 1, 2021. The reports must be filed with the chairpersons of the corrections committees in the Mississippi House of Representatives and the Mississippi Senate.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.