MS HB1079

Amends Mississippi Code Section 47-5-931 to authorize the Department of Corrections to contract with Forrest County and Wayne County for housing, care, and control of state inmates in correctional facilities.

Allows the Department of Corrections to contract with one or more counties or regional facilities to house state offenders, with facilities required to meet American Correctional Association standards and all constitutional and court order requirements.

Specifies that if contracting with multiple counties for non-regional facilities, the first facility shall be constructed in Sharkey County and the second in Jefferson County.

Maintains existing requirements for the Department to contract with designated county pairs and individual counties for regional correctional facilities, with the Department deciding the priority order for contracting.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.