Senate Bill 2432

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO CONTRACT FOR THE PRIVATE OPERATION OF THE PENITENTIARY AT PARCHMAN; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 47-5-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

47-5-23. (1) The department shall be vested with the exclusive responsibility for management and control of the correctional system, and all properties belonging thereto, subject only to the limitations of this chapter, and shall be responsible for the management of affairs of the correctional system and for the proper care, treatment, feeding, clothing and management of the offenders confined therein. The commissioner shall have final authority to employ and discharge all employees of the correctional system, except as otherwise provided by law.

(2) The department may contract for the private operation of the State Penitentiary at Parchman. If the department contracts for private operation of the Parchman facility, the department shall comply with the requirements of Sections 47-5-1211 through 47-5-1227.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.