MS HB844

Requires ex-offender transitional group care homes housing seven or more individuals to obtain a license from the State Department of Health, with applications accompanied by a fee of $20 per bed (minimum $200 per home).

Mandates licensed homes implement comprehensive programs including recidivism needs assessments, intensive drug and alcohol treatment, individualized transition plans addressing employment and housing, and tracking of residents at 30-day intervals.

Requires homes to report annually on resident recidivism data and to provide information about each resident to local district attorneys, police chiefs, sheriffs, and legislators in the jurisdiction where the home is located.

Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt and enforce rules, regulations, and minimum standards for the homes, including fire safety requirements and six-month fire inspection certificates.

Establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for first offense and $1,000 per subsequent offense for operating a home without a license, with each day of continuing violation counted as a separate offense; effective July 1, 2015.