MS HB837

Amends Mississippi Code Section 47-7-3.1 to require that if an inmate is ordered to alcohol and/or drug treatment as part of their case plan, the treatment must commence within 90 days of admission.

Case plans for parole-eligible inmates must include programming and treatment requirements based on risk and needs assessments, sentencing order requirements, and behavior standards.

The Department of Corrections must complete case plans within 90 days of admission for inmates admitted on or after July 1, 2021, and provide written copies to inmates with caseworker explanations of conditions.

Caseworkers must meet with inmates every 8 weeks to review case plan progress, and the Parole Board must receive progress reports every 4 months.

The act takes effect July 1, 2023.