MS HB1717

Amends the charter of the Walnut Grove Correctional Authority to permit housing of offenders classified to any custody level, rather than restricting to minimum or medium security only.

Authority remains prohibited from contracting for maximum security offenders and must comply with American Correctional Association Standards and all constitutional and court-ordered requirements.

Management contracts with private operators must include provisions eliminating sovereign immunity for the contractor, requiring reimbursement of state and local legal costs, and mandating indemnification of the authority, city, and state.

Authority and private contractors must allow Department of Corrections compliance officers full facility access, cooperate with investigative task forces, and provide immediate NCIC warrants for escapes.

Facility obligations and equipment purchases are exempt from state taxation including sales tax and ad valorem taxes.