Corrections

SB 2778 extends the deadline for collecting monthly fees from offenders on probation, parole, or other field supervision in Mississippi. Currently set to end July 1, 2030, this extension delays when the fee collection authority expires. The bill maintains a $55 monthly fee, with $50 deposited into the Community Service Revolving Fund (used for restitution centers, drug programs, and supervision services), $3 into the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, and $2 into the Training Revolving Fund. This affects offenders under supervision and the state funds they support.

SB 2041 directs Mississippi's Department of Corrections (MDOC) to conduct a study on dyslexia prevalence among inmates. The study requires MDOC to screen inmates using approved methods, collect anonymized demographic and educational data, and analyze links between dyslexia, educational background, disciplinary records, and recidivism. All data must comply with privacy laws (HIPAA/FERPA), and inmates can opt out without penalty. MDOC must submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, including findings and recommendations for potential educational or rehabilitation programs. This bill does not create new programs or funding but authorizes a data-gathering study affecting all inmates under MDOC jurisdiction.

Mississippi Senate Bill 2777 clarifies that probation, post-release supervision, or suspended sentence may be revoked if a person commits a new felony offense *before* their supervision period begins. This directly affects individuals sentenced to these supervision terms who commit a felony prior to the start date of their supervision. The bill amends Mississippi Code 47-7-37.1 to state that such pre-commencement felonies trigger revocation "the same as if it had already commenced," aligning with existing revocation rules for violations during active supervision. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

SB 2038 establishes a pilot program called "Our House Residential Multi-Service Center" within Mississippi's Department of Corrections at a facility in Pike County. It provides comprehensive services - including employment assistance, housing support, healthcare, and counseling - to returning citizens under community supervision who meet specific eligibility criteria (e.g., unemployed but willing to work, homeless or in at-risk housing, no violent/sex crime convictions). Participants must contribute 25-50% of program costs and complete five structured phases focused on stabilization, skill-building, workforce development, and community reintegration over 2-3 months. The bill requires annual reports on outcomes and biennial independent evaluations to measure recidivism reduction and cost savings.

HB 1120 requires the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) to pay the Town of Walnut Grove $569,212.02 for unpaid utility services provided to the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility from January 2017 through February 2024. The bill mandates payment within 365 days of the law's effective date, directly affecting MDOC and the town's municipal utility. If payment isn't made on time, the Commissioner of Corrections' salary will be withheld until the debt is settled. This is a straightforward payment obligation with a specific enforcement mechanism, not a new policy.