MS SB3097

Authorizes the Issaquena County Board of Supervisors to contract with private entities for construction, lease, acquisition, improvement, operation or management of a county-owned jail facility used as a regional correctional facility for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Requires contractors to demonstrate qualifications, experience, compliance with federal and state laws, and a history of successfully operating other private county jails, with private operations offering at least 10% cost savings compared to county operation.

Establishes contract terms of not more than 5 years initially with renewal options for additional 5-year periods; construction or lease contracts may not exceed 20 years, and contractors must convey the jail to the county for $1.00 at the county's option.

Requires contractors to provide at least $1,000,000 liability insurance per instance with $2,000,000 annual aggregate, post a performance bond, defend all suits arising from jail operations, and reimburse the county for any related costs; sovereign immunity is waived for the contractor.

Permits the board to contract with the United States, other states, or their subdivisions to house minimum or medium security offenders, but prohibits contracts for housing maximum security offenders.