2026 Regular Session
To: Corrections
By: Senator(s) Brumfield
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE "OUR HOUSE RESIDENTIAL MULTI-SERVICE CENTER PROGRAM" AS A PILOT INITIATIVE WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO RETURNING CITIZENS, UNDER COMMUNITY SUPERVISION, FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS FOLLOWING RELEASE FROM INCARCERATION; TO SET FORTH CRITERIA THAT MUST BE MET TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM; TO OUTLINE PROGRAM STRUCTURE, SERVICES AND PHASES; TO IDENTIFY EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET OFFICE, TO PROVIDE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE DETAILING PROGRAM OUTCOMES, PARTICIPANT PROGRESS AND FINANCIAL SAVINGS ACHIEVED THROUGH THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THAT AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM'S EFFECTIVENESS BE CONDUCTED EVERY TWO YEARS TO ASSESS ITS IMPACT ON RECIDIVISM AND OVERALL COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Establishment of the Our House Residential Multi-Service Center Program. (1) For purposes of this act, "program" shall mean the Our House Residential Multi-Service Center Program, which is hereby established as a pilot initiative within the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
(2) The program shall provide comprehensive services to returning citizens, under community supervision, for at least two (2) years following release from incarceration.
SECTION 2. Program eligibility. In order to be eligible for the program, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) Be unemployed and willing to accept work;
(b) Be homeless or in an "at-risk" environment;
(c) Be willing to pay sixty-six percent (66%) of their earnings for room, board and transportation;
(d) Have no convictions for crimes of violence as defined in Section 97-3-2, sex crimes or arson;
(e) Be physically and mentally capable of self-care;
(f) Agree to participate in anti-narcotic testing;
(g) Comply with program rules and service plans; and
(h) Not receive or apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other financial assistance.
SECTION 3. Program structure and services. (1) The program shall be delivered through a multi-disciplinary treatment team consisting of security staff, community mental health therapists, substance use disorder counselors, probation officers and parole officers.
(2) Program services shall include:
(a) Employment assistance and job development;
(b) Housing support and transportation services;
(c) Food and healthcare provisions; and
(d) Community linkages and aftercare support.
(3) Participants shall be referred to as "members." Members shall actively contribute to the therapeutic community and foster ownership of their recovery journey.
SECTION 4. Program phases. The program will be structured into phases, including:
(a) Phase One: Orientation and Assessment, to involve stabilization, initial assessments and participation in core groups.
(b) Phase Two: Self-discovery, to involve engagement in individualized goals, community support development and job readiness preparation.
(c) Phase Three: Action, to involve focusing on job searches, budget management and community integration.
(d) Phase Four: Transition and Re-entry, to involve development of a realistic discharge plan and community transition.
(e) Phase Five: Aftercare services, to involve continued support following discharge to ensure sustained success.
SECTION 5. Expected outcomes. The program aims to significantly reduce recidivism rates among participants, creating a positive impact on community safety and well-being. The program is projected to avoid significant expenditures each year by facilitating successful re-entry and reducing reliance on state resources.
SECTION 6. Reporting and evaluation. (1) In conjunction with the Legislative Budget Office, the Mississippi Department of Corrections shall provide an annual report to the Legislature detailing program outcomes, participant progress and financial savings achieved through the program.
(2) An independent evaluation of the program's effectiveness shall be conducted every two (2) years to assess its impact on recidivism and overall community reintegration.
SECTION 7. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.