MS HB1534

Creates a 10-member Corrections Inspection Council to serve in advisory capacity to the Governor, Attorney General, Department of Corrections Commissioner, and Mississippi Legislature.

Council membership includes representatives from the Attorney General's office, Public Defender, Prosecutors Association, judiciary, reentry services, mental health, medicine, FWD.us, clergy, and higher education; members serve three-year terms and may not be current legislators or MDOC employees.

Authorizes council to conduct unannounced inspections of all state, private, and regional correctional facilities, technical violation centers, and restitution centers with access to all areas and ability to conduct private interviews with inmates and staff.

Requires council to examine physical conditions, health and safety, staffing adequacy, complaint procedures, and policy compliance; conduct inspections at least every two years for state/private facilities and every three years for regional facilities and other institutions.

Mandates council submit inspection reports to state officials and an annual public report (with names redacted) to the Governor, Attorney General, MDOC Commissioner, and legislative Corrections Committee chairs; effective July 1, 2020.