House Bill 621

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-27-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE ANY PORTION OF THE COLUMBIA TRAINING SCHOOL PROPERTY TO BE CONVEYED OR TRANSFERRED TO ANY STATE AGENCY, MUNICIPALITY, POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE OR ANY NONPROFIT AGENCY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 43-27-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

43-27-39. (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that Mississippi's juvenile justice system is cost-efficient and effective at reducing juvenile crime and to create a continuum of options for Mississippi's youth court judges so that they are better equipped to protect our communities and to care for our children.

(2) The Columbia Training School shall no longer operate as a secure training school for juvenile delinquents. All youth, both male and female, committed to the custody of the Department of Human Services and adjudicated to training school shall be housed at the Oakley Youth Development Center. The Oakley Youth Development Center shall provide gender-specific treatment for youth who are adjudicated delinquent.

(3) Any portion of Columbia Training School property and facilities may be conveyed or transferred to any state agency, municipality, political subdivision of this state or any nonprofit agency.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.