MS HB877

Reenacts sections 47-5-701 through 47-5-729 of the Mississippi Code establishing the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act, which allows the Governor to declare a prison overcrowding emergency when system population exceeds 95% of operating capacity for 30 consecutive days.

Allows the Governor to order conditional advancement of parole eligibility dates by 30 to 90 days for qualified inmates during an emergency, with qualified inmates excluded from violent crimes, sexual offenses, deadly weapon offenses, murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, and habitual offender sentences.

Requires the Commissioner of Corrections and State Parole Board to report findings to the Governor within 10 days after the 30-day threshold is exceeded; the Governor must act within 14 days or the action terminates.

Permits additional advancement of parole eligibility dates (30-90 days) if prison population remains above 95% capacity 60 days after an initial declaration, upon Commissioner recommendation and Governor approval.

Extends the sunset date of the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act from July 1, 2018 to July 1, 2022.