MS HB37

Prohibits the Commissioner of Corrections from housing offenders in private correctional facilities unless at least 10% of eligible incarcerated offenders participate in joint state-county work programs agreed to by the department.

Allows private correctional facilities to operate in Wilkinson County and Leflore County under contract with the state or federal government for inmate confinement.

Permits the Department of Corrections to contract with Leflore County and Tallahatchie County for housing up to 1,000 state inmates each, with Tallahatchie County requiring daily inmate costs at least 10% less than state facility costs.

Prohibits private entities housing state inmates from displacing state inmate beds with federal inmate beds without prior written approval from the Commissioner of Corrections.

Authorizes the Commissioner to amend, extend, and renew lease and inmate housing agreements with private correctional facilities for up to 10 years, subject to the 10% work program participation requirement.