MS HB1288

Designates an existing Department of Corrections employee as a contract compliance officer to monitor private correctional facility contracts and ensure compliance with performance standards and prisoner care requirements.

Requires the contract compliance officer to work on-site daily with access to all facility areas, offenders, and staff at all times, and mandates private contractors provide all requested data and reports.

Obligates the contract compliance officer to report at least annually to the Governor, Senate Committee on Corrections, House Penitentiary Committee, and Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review regarding private contractor performance.

Requires private entities operating or managing correctional facilities to reimburse the Department of Corrections for the contract compliance officer's salary and expenses.

Effective date: July 1, 2010.