MS SB2277

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

During a declared emergency, parole eligibility dates for qualified inmates can be conditionally advanced by 30 to 90 days to reduce prison population

Excludes inmates convicted of murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, rape, sexual offenses, offenses involving deadly weapons, or those sentenced as habitual offenders from early parole eligibility

Requires the Commissioner of Corrections and State Parole Board to submit reports to the Governor certifying overcrowding conditions and confirming full utilization of existing population reduction measures before an emergency can be declared

Extends the repeal date of the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2026