MS HB1402

Department of Corrections shall implement an evidence-based recidivism reduction program for parole-eligible inmates offering incentives including up to 30 minutes daily phone/video privileges (510 minutes monthly), additional visitation time, facility transfers closer to release residence, and increased commissary spending or email access.

Amends Section 47-7-3.1 to require Department of Corrections to develop case plans within 90 days of admission that include a risk assessment system classifying inmates as minimum, low, medium, or high recidivism risk and assigning programming based on criminogenic needs.

Case plan risk assessment component must include periodic reassessment of recidivism risk, determination of when to provide incentives for program participation, readiness for prerelease custody, and accommodation of inmates with dyslexia through audio technology.

Department of Corrections shall submit a report by October 1, 2020 assessing capacity to provide evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment, for inmates with opioid and heroin abuse problems, and shall execute an expansion plan outlined in the report.

Brings forward Section 47-5-1003 regarding intensive supervision programs as alternative to incarceration, requiring courts to notify Department of Corrections within 15 days of placing offenders in the program and Department to report relevant data to the Oversight Task Force.