MS SB2582

Authorizes the Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner to establish work release programs in cooperation with county sheriffs, with participants housed separately under sheriff supervision.

Excludes any person sentenced for a sex crime from program participation and limits eligibility to inmates within two years of their earliest release date.

Requires employers to pay at least prevailing wage or federal minimum wage (whichever is higher), provide workers compensation and health insurance equivalent to non-participant employees, or have DOC cover health care costs.

Mandates the Department of Corrections collect and report detailed demographic and outcome data semiannually to the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review and Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force, beginning January 15, 2023.

Requires the PEER Committee to review all work release programs after two years and report findings to the Legislature; the program automatically repeals on July 1, 2027.