Mississippi House Bill HB30

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

County jail dockets; require additional data for transparency purposes and require uniform recording of data.

Impact

The introduction of HB30 is expected to improve the accountability of sheriff departments by standardizing how jail information is documented and displayed. This could enhance public trust and provide clearer insights into the workings of the criminal justice system at the county level. By having a uniform method for recording jail dockets, the potential for errors or inconsistencies could be minimized, which is crucial for public records and rights of the incarcerated individuals.

Summary

House Bill 30 aims to amend the existing Section 19-25-63 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, focusing on increasing the transparency and uniformity of data recorded in county jail dockets. The bill mandates that sheriffs keep comprehensive records regarding each inmate that comes into custody. This includes details such as the nature of the warrants, names of the prisoners, the dates of arrests, reasons for imprisonment, and the duration of their detention. The goal is to ensure that a complete history of each case is maintained for public scrutiny and legal purposes.

Contention

While the bill has been framed as a necessary step for greater transparency, it may face opposition. Critics might argue that the additional requirements could place an undue burden on local sheriffs and staff, particularly in small counties with limited resources. Some may also raise concerns about privacy, fearing that too much detailed information being made public could jeopardize the rights of those involved in the criminal justice process, especially if the information is misused or misunderstood.