MS HB470

Brings forward Sections 47-5-531 through 47-5-575 (Mississippi Prison Industries Act of 1990) and Section 47-5-1251 (Prison Industry Enhancement Program) for purposes of amendment and re-codification.

Establishes a nonprofit corporation governed by an 11-member board of directors (appointed by Governor with Senate consent) plus ex officio members to manage and operate prison industry programs at state correctional facilities.

Corporation has exclusive rights to operate prison industries, establish new industries after feasibility studies and public hearings, and sell products to government agencies, educational institutions, private entities, and foreign governments.

Prison Industry Enhancement Program allows the Department of Corrections to contract with the nonprofit corporation to employ offenders at wages equal to similar work in the locality, with wage deductions capped at 80% (for taxes, room and board, family support, and crime victims' compensation at 5-20%).

Effective date is July 1, 2017; requires annual financial audits by State Auditor and biennial performance audits by legislative committees.