MS SB2888

Changes Mississippi Department of Corrections authority from "may" to "shall" contract with Walnut Grove Correctional Authority for housing state offenders at a maximum security facility in Walnut Grove.

Establishes capacity limit of 1,500 offenders at the Walnut Grove facility with commitment to the Department of Corrections jurisdiction, not directly to the facility.

Requires the facility to comply with American Correctional Association standards, constitutional standards of the United States and Mississippi, and all applicable court orders.

Directs the commissioner to assign offenders to appropriate facilities consistent with public safety rather than allowing court orders for specific facility placement.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.