House Bill 306

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-173, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN INMATE BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OR A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHEN HE OR SHE IS GRANTED EMERGENCY LEAVE DUE TO SICKNESS OR DEATH IN THE OFFENDER'S FAMILY; TO PROVIDE, IN ALL CASES WHERE AN OFFENDER IS GRANTED LEAVE, THAT THE COMMISSIONER OR HIS DESIGNEES SHALL DETERMINE WHEN A SECURITY ESCORT IS DEEMED NECESSARY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 47-5-173, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

47-5-173. The commissioner, or his designees, may grant leave to an offender and may take into consideration sickness or death in the offender's family or the seeking of employment by the offender in connection with application for parole, for a period of time not to exceed ten (10) days. At least fifteen (15) days prior to the release of an offender on leave, the director of records of the department shall give the written notice required pursuant to Section 47-5-177. However, if an offender is granted leave because of sickness or death in the offender's family, written notice shall not be required * * *. In all * * *~~other~~ cases the commissioner, or his designees, shall * * *~~provide required~~ determine when a security escort by a correctional officer or law enforcement officer is * * *~~when~~ deemed necessary. The commissioner, or his designees, in granting leave, shall take into consideration the conduct and work performance of the offender.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.