MS HB319

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 that the Department of Corrections has agreed to provide.

Amends multiple sections of Mississippi Code (47-4-1, 47-4-11, 47-5-471, 47-5-941, 47-5-943, 47-5-1211, and 47-5-1213) to incorporate the 10% work program participation requirement as a condition for private facility use.

Restricts inmate eligibility for work programs to exclude those convicted of sex crimes, crimes of violence as defined in Section 97-3-2, or crimes that specifically prohibit parole.

Allows requesting counties to refuse any inmate deemed to present an undue risk and places responsibility for housing costs on the county while inmates are in the custody for work programs.

Takes effect upon passage of the act.