MS SB2442

Establishes the "Prison-to-Paycheck Pipeline Pilot Program" to provide comprehensive case management and reentry services for 1,000 randomly selected inmates, with preference for veterans returning to Mississippi.

Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) shall issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a third-party coordinator to operate the program for five years under a hybrid contract with base cost plus performance incentive rebates based on recidivism reduction.

Coordinator shall provide employment connections, housing assistance, drug and alcohol counseling, family reunification, anger management, financial literacy, and other support services based on each participant's criminogenic risk-needs assessment.

Program funded by annual appropriation of up to $2,500,000 through MDES, with coordinator eligible to receive 33% rebates equal to state cost-savings from incarceration avoidance at three-, four-, and five-year marks as determined by PEER evaluation.

Participants in existing prison industries work initiative programs established under Section 47-5-579 are ineligible for the pilot program; coordinator must employ personnel and award at least 20% of subcontracts to minority-owned or female-owned businesses.