MS HB197

Expands qualifications for the PEER Correctional Auditor to include certified fraud examiners in addition to certified public accountants and experienced accountants

Grants the auditor authority to conduct audits and reviews of inmate and financial information at the Department of Corrections, regional facilities, county jails, private prisons, community work centers, and restitution centers

Requires the auditor to review purchases, contracts, inventories, staffing, security, and operational practices, as well as Parole Board activities when directed by legislative leadership

Mandates that all correctional facilities cooperate with the auditor by providing access to persons (including inmates), records, files, documents, and computer databases, with real-time remote access to department databases

Authorizes the PEER Committee to issue subpoenas if facilities fail to cooperate, with the Attorney General able to enforce compliance through chancery courts, including contempt proceedings and potential jail confinement for non-compliance

Effective date: July 1, 2016