SB 2280 Summary

• Creates a new independent Mississippi Department of Reentry and Supervision, effective July 1, 2022, transferring the Division of Community Corrections from the Department of Corrections; led by a Director appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate.

• Establishes an Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman with authority to inspect facilities, investigate inmate complaints, monitor conditions, and issue annual reports; ombudsman selected by a Corrections Oversight Committee for six-year terms.

• Creates a Corrections Oversight Committee composed of legislative members and public appointees to oversee the ombudsman position and ensure accountability of the corrections system.

• Directs the PEER Committee to conduct annual reviews of the Department of Reentry and Supervision beginning in fiscal year 2022, assessing program effectiveness, caseloads, recidivism rates, and funding.

• Redirects offender supervision fees previously deposited into a special fund to the State General Fund, effective July 1, 2021; adds the Director of the Department of Reentry and Supervision to the Mississippi Re-Entry Council.