Senate Bill 2704

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-94, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE MISSISSIPPI STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PERFORM AN ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE INFIRMARY AT THE STATE PENITENTIARY AT PARCHMAN; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 47-5-94, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

47-5-94. The Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management of the Department of Finance and Administration and the State Board of Health are hereby authorized and directed, upon the passage of this section, to institute permanent annual structural and environmental inspections of institutional housing and service facilities at the State Penitentiary, such inspections to include, but not be limited to, structural soundness, repairs and maintenance of buildings; food service; fire and safety hazards; fresh water supply; wastewater system; sewage collection and treatment; solid waste collection, storage and disposal; rodent and pest control and general institutional housekeeping. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health shall conduct an annual structural and environmental inspection of the infirmary at the State Penitentiary at Parchman and make a report thereon as required in this section.

All other state agencies, authorities, boards, commissions and departments are hereby directed, upon the request of the Commissioner of Corrections, the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management of the Department of Finance and Administration or the State Board of Health, to assist in such inspections with the fullest degree of reasonable cooperation.

Within thirty (30) days of the completion of the inspections provided for herein, the participants shall compile a written report of their findings which shall be submitted to the Governor, the Commissioner of Corrections and the Warden or Superintendent of the State Penitentiary at Parchman.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.