MS SB2437

Creates a Pilot Work Initiative at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility allowing up to 25 inmates to participate in work release employment at any given time, with the Mississippi Department of Corrections maintaining oversight authority

Eligible inmates must have no more than 2 years remaining on their sentence, no escape convictions within the past 5 years, and no sex offense convictions; inmates in vocational or soft skills training receive admission priority

Requires participating employers to pay at least the prevailing wage (minimum federal minimum wage), with inmate wages distributed as: 25% for child support/fines/restitution, 10% to the corporation for administrative costs, 50% into mandatory savings for release, and 15% for personal expenses

Mandates semiannual data reporting to PEER Committee and the Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force, including participant demographics, program outcomes, recidivism rates, earnings data, and employer information beginning January 15, 2023

Requires PEER Committee to produce an effectiveness report by January 1, 2024; the program automatically repeals on July 1, 2024