MS SB2139

Creates a 10-member Corrections Inspection Council to serve in advisory capacity to the Governor, Attorney General, Corrections Commissioner, and Legislature, with members representing the Attorney General's office, public defenders, prosecutors, judiciary, reentry services, mental health, medicine, FWD.us, clergy, and higher education.

Council members serve three-year terms with possibility of one additional three-year term; legislators and Department of Corrections employees or their family members are prohibited from serving.

Establishes mandatory inspection program requiring inspections of state and private correctional institutions at least once every two years and regional facilities at least once every three years, with council members granted access to all facility areas and ability to conduct private inmate interviews without advance notice.

Council must examine physical conditions, health and safety of incarcerated persons, staffing adequacy, complaint procedures, and policy compliance; shall prepare inspection reports and annual public reports (with names redacted) for submission to state officials and Legislature.

Takes effect July 1, 2021; inspections require prior approval from majority of council officers and must involve at least four council members, generally conducted during normal business hours unless officers determine otherwise for emergency or justifiable cause.