MS SB2268

Creates a 10-member Corrections Inspection Council to serve in advisory capacity to the Governor, Attorney General, Corrections Commissioner, and Legislature.

Council membership includes representatives from the Attorney General's office, public defenders, prosecutors, judiciary, reentry services, mental health, medicine, FWD.us, clergy, and higher education; excludes legislators and Department of Corrections employees or their family members.

Council shall establish and maintain an inspection program of all state correctional institutions including prisons, private facilities, regional institutions, and restitution centers, with unannounced access to all areas and ability to conduct private inmate interviews.

Council shall conduct inspections of state and private facilities at least once every two years and other facilities at least once every three years; must examine physical conditions, health and safety, staffing adequacy, and policy compliance.

Council shall submit inspection reports to state officials and prepare annual public reports available on Department of Corrections and Legislature websites, with employee and inmate names redacted; effective July 1, 2022.