MS HB1494

Amends Chapter 991 of Local and Private Laws of 1998 to authorize the Walnut Grove Correctional Authority to contract with the State of Mississippi to operate the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility or lease the facility's real property to the state.

Establishes a five-member board of commissioners appointed by Walnut Grove's governing authorities to oversee the authority, with initial staggered terms of 2, 3, and 4 years, then 5-year terms thereafter.

Requires facilities to comply with American Correctional Association Standards, state and federal constitutional standards, and all applicable court orders, with a Department of Corrections compliance officer stationed on-site.

Mandates that management contracts include provisions requiring private contractors to waive sovereign immunity, indemnify the authority and state, and reimburse all legal costs and expenses related to offender litigation and facility operations.

Exempts all authority obligations, leases, facilities, and revenues from state and local taxation, including sales taxes, ad valorem taxes, and the contractor's tax.