MS HB1444

Increases the daily per diem rate the Department of Corrections pays regional correctional facilities from $31.00 to $32.00 per state offender housed in the facility.

Changes the per diem payment from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") in DOC contracts with regional facilities.

Makes medical services reimbursement mandatory rather than discretionary, establishing a minimum of $6.25 per day per offender for contract medical services.

Allows DOC to contract for up to an additional $2.00 per offender per day if extraordinary medical circumstances require higher reimbursement than the $6.25 minimum.

Permits a three percent annual increase in contract prices as an inflation factor.

Effective July 1, 2023.