MS HB763

Extends the repeal date of the Pilot Work Release Program from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2027, allowing sheriffs in Rankin, Harrison, and Lee counties to continue authorizing eligible offenders to participate in work, educational, and rehabilitative programs while confined in jail.

Increases the maximum number of concurrent program participants from 25 to 100 people at any given time.

Requires sheriffs to collect and report semiannual data to the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) and the Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force, including participant demographics, completion rates, new arrests or convictions, and earnings distribution.

Mandates PEER to conduct annual reviews and produce reports to the Legislature by December 1 of each year assessing program effectiveness, with assistance from the Corrections and Criminal Justice Task Force.

Maintains eligibility restrictions excluding persons convicted of crimes in Section 97-3-2 and those with more than one year remaining on their sentence.