MS HB586

Authorizes sheriffs in Rankin County, Harrison County, and Lee County to establish pilot work release programs for eligible inmates with a maximum of 25 participants at any time.

Prohibits participation for persons convicted of crimes listed in Section 97-3-2 and limits eligibility to those with less than one year remaining on their sentence.

Requires sheriffs to collect and report semiannually to PEER and the Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force detailed data on participants including demographics, completion rates, recidivism, and earnings distribution.

Mandates participating employers pay at least the prevailing wage or federal minimum wage, with offenders required to maintain a bank account and pay up to 25% of wages toward court-ordered support, restitution, fines, and costs.

Extends the program's repeal date from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2024, and requires PEER to produce an effectiveness report by December 1, 2022.