Mississippi Senate Bill SB2402

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Department of Corrections; create the Division of Parole to perform the administrative and fiscal functions of the Parole Board.

Impact

With the establishment of the Division of Parole, the responsibilities associated with the management of parolees will be standardized. This move is expected to enhance supervision over paroled inmates as the Division will maintain a central registry, ensuring that information on parolees is organized and accessible. Moreover, the Parole Board will be restricted from performing administrative or fiscal functions, allowing it to focus on its adjudicatory duties, which could lead to more timely decision-making concerning parole grants.

Summary

Senate Bill 2402 aims to restructure the Mississippi Department of Corrections by creating a Division of Parole. This division will absorb the current functions of the Parole Board, consolidating administrative and fiscal responsibilities under a new Deputy Commissioner for Parole. The intent behind this legislation is to streamline the parole process and improve the efficiency of the Department of Corrections, reflecting a move towards centralization of various functions associated with parole management.

Contention

While supporters view the restructuring as a necessary step to address inefficiencies within the current system, critics may argue that such centralization could reduce oversight and accountability. Some stakeholders are concerned that moving too many functions under a single division might lead to a lack of checks and balances that were previously afforded by having a separate Parole Board. The implications of this bill also open up discussions on how electronic monitoring of parolees will be handled and the associated costs with these programs.