MS HB602

Creates the Mississippi Re-Entry Council led by a 12-member steering committee to develop strategies for assisting former inmates' return to society, reducing recidivism, increasing public safety, and reducing prison-related costs.

Steering committee membership includes representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Corrections, Attorney General, faith-based organizations, federal courts, state courts, Department of Mental Health, Division of Medicaid, Parole Board, a former offender, and Department of Employment Security.

Steering committee duties include developing statewide re-entry approaches, recommending evidence-based programs, reviewing studies, appointing subcommittees, studying recidivism legislation, and submitting recommendations to the Legislature, Governor, and Mississippi Supreme Court.

Creates the Mississippi Public Defender Task Force composed of 13 members representing public defenders, prosecutors, courts, bar associations, and legislative committees to study indigent defense needs and approaches in Mississippi circuit court districts.

Public Defender Task Force must submit annual reports to the Legislature at least one month before each regular session and is set to expire on July 1, 2018.