Mississippi House Bill HB539

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Case plans for inmates; require ordered alcohol/drug treatment to commence within 90 days of admission.

Impact

The bill intends to improve the rehabilitation process for parole-eligible inmates by requiring timely access to necessary treatment. By establishing a clear timeframe for the beginning of substance abuse treatment, the legislation addresses a critical need in the rehabilitation efforts within the state's correctional facilities. It recognizes that early intervention can play a significant role in preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society and significantly reduce the chances of re-offending.

Summary

House Bill 539 seeks to amend Section 47-7-3.1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by mandating that inmates ordered to undergo alcohol or drug treatment as part of their rehabilitation case plan shall commence that treatment within the first 90 days of their admission to the corrections system. This legislative change aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatment programs on reducing recidivism rates among inmates who are parole-eligible.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 539 relates to the availability and adequacy of resources within correctional facilities to implement these mandates effectively. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the Department of Corrections can fulfill its obligations under the bill, including the provision of appropriate treatment programs and regular progress reporting on inmate rehabilitation. Furthermore, the logistics of maintaining comprehensive case plans for each inmate and facilitating timely meetings between inmates and caseworkers add another layer of complexity to the implementation of the bill.