MS HB515

Reenacts the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act (Sections 47-5-701 through 47-5-729), which allows the Governor to declare a state of emergency when prison population exceeds 95% of operating capacity for 30 consecutive days

Extends the repeal date of the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2025

During a declared emergency, parole eligibility dates for qualified inmates may be advanced by 30 to 90 days; excludes inmates convicted of murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, rape, sexual offenses, deadly weapon offenses, or habitual offenders

Requires the Commissioner of Corrections to notify the Governor and State Parole Board when population exceeds 95% capacity, and the emergency terminates when population drops below 95% for seven consecutive days

Effective date of July 1, 2022