MS SC529

Affirms support for the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) on its 25th anniversary, which protects incarcerated individuals' right to religious exercise in facilities receiving federal funds

Honors Prison Fellowship on its 50th anniversary (2026), the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, reaching over 600,000 individuals annually with support from more than 200,000 volunteers

Cites Prison Fellowship Academy program evaluations showing over 60% reduction in recidivism for participants, based on studies by Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Baylor University, and Minnesota Department of Corrections

Encourages Mississippi correctional agencies to adopt policies consistent with RLUIPA protections and maintain accessibility of faith-based and volunteer-led programs

Directs copies be sent to the Governor, Mississippi Commissioner of Corrections, and the state's congressional delegation