MS HB1585

Grenada County Board of Supervisors may contract with private entities for construction, lease, acquisition, improvement, operation and management of a private county jail.

Private jail contractors must demonstrate qualifications, experience, management personnel, ability to comply with federal and state laws, and history of successful operation of other private jails.

Private jail contracts must offer at least 10% cost savings compared to county jail operation for the same level and quality of service, verified annually by a certified public accounting firm.

Contractors must carry a minimum of $5,000,000 in liability insurance (including civil rights claims), post a performance bond, defend the county against lawsuits, and waive sovereign immunity; initial operation contracts limited to 5 years with 2-year renewal option.

Board of Supervisors may contract with the United States, states, or political subdivisions to house minimum or medium security offenders (excluding maximum security), and may contract with the Department of Corrections for facility inspection and monitoring.