MS HB388

Allows persons sentenced to the Department of Corrections to serve all or part of their sentence in county jails when the Commissioner of Corrections determines that state correctional institutions lack physical space.

Establishes reimbursement to counties at no more than $20.00 per day per offender for food and housing costs, with medical costs reimbursed at negotiated rates or Mississippi Medicaid reimbursement rates, whichever is greater.

Permits persons classified as low-risk (not needing close supervision) to serve up to 24 months in approved county jails if requested by the county sheriff, with the county assuming full responsibility for housing costs in this scenario.

Requires all persons under Department of Corrections custody to be classified at a reception center or county jail within 90 days, and allows sheriffs to petition for inmate removal to state facilities for dangerous behavior or lack of medical facilities.

Repeals Section 47-5-911 (the automatic repealer) and declares that county jail housing of state inmates is a temporary measure to address capacity limitations, effective July 1, 2014.