House Bill 1393

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO ESTABLISH A REENTRY HOUSING PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PROGRAM SHALL BE FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ON PROBATION OR PAROLE AND DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE HOUSING PLANS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The Mississippi Department of Corrections Community Corrections Division is authorized to establish a Reentry Housing Program (RHP)to provide housing to qualified individuals under the supervision of the department's community supervision division. The program shall be for qualified individuals who do not have valid residence plans.

(2) These individuals described in subsection (1) of this section may be released from prison or jail or may be active participants in an accountability court such as felony drug, mental, health, veteran or family court. Certified RPH providers shall provide stable housing and food access to these individuals. The goals of the RHP are to provide short-term housing assistance to help stabilize an individual's reentry process and enhance his or her ability to remain crime free.

(3) The department shall identify certified RHP providers and such providers shall be reimbursed by the department on a monthly basis for up to six (6) months, as determined by the participant's tier level. A parole officer shall monitor each program participant for compliance with conditions of parole and probation and shall support participants' successful reentry into the community.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.