MS HB238

Creates a nine-member task force to address the disparity of African-American males in the judicial system, composed of three House members, three Senate members, and representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Corrections.

Task force shall review data on incarceration rates and education levels of African-American males, evaluate current dropout prevention methods, and examine early guidance and job skill development programs.

Task force shall develop best practices for drug rehabilitation, create a program to prepare African-American males to become certified elementary school teachers and role models, and evaluate methods used by training schools to prevent youth from entering the adult prison system.

Requires the task force to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature by December 1, 2017.

Establishes that legislative members appointed within 30 days shall meet to select officers, with nonlegislative members receiving per diem compensation and mileage reimbursement; effective July 1, 2017.