MS HB308

Amends Mississippi Code Section 47-7-3.1 to require case plans for all nonviolent inmates include at least two programs from the following areas: criminal thinking, alcohol and drugs, life skills, and behavioral health.

Department of Corrections must complete case plans within 90 days of admission for all nonviolent inmates in addition to existing case plan requirements for all parole-eligible inmates.

Caseworkers must meet with inmates every 8 weeks to review case plan progress and notify inmates of their parole eligibility date within 90 days of admission.

Department must submit progress reports to the Parole Board every 4 months on parole-eligible inmates, and the board may provide written feedback on inmate progress.

Parole Board must report semiannually to the Oversight Task Force on the number of parole hearings held, prisoners released to parole without a hearing, and parolees released after a hearing.

Act takes effect July 1, 2016.