HB 1599: Require MDOC to develop data collection and reporting system

House Bill 1599, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would require the Department of Corrections to procure a data collection and reporting system that allows the department to collect detailed information to, among other purposes, enable officials to accurately determine what combination of punishment, training, and other assistance is most likely to result in reducing the likelihood of a person committing another crime after release from prison. 

Under this proposal, MDOC would be required to gather and maintain various information, including detailed inmate profiles, offense specifics, probation or parole supervision data, including successful reentry into society, and statistics related to prison operations.  

It requires the department to record extensive details such as inmate demographics, offense descriptions, court-imposed penalties, incarceration history, disciplinary actions, and rehabilitation progress. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of transparency by obligating the department to publish aggregated data regularly on its website in a user-friendly format. 

There would also be reporting requirements for MDOC, which include providing semiannual reports to the Oversight Task Force and responding to requests from the PEER Committee.  

Overall, the proposal aims to enhance accountability, improve decision-making processes, and provide valuable insights into the corrections system in Mississippi. It underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in managing the justice system and emphasizes the need for accessibility and transparency in sharing information with the public. 

Empower Mississippi supports this legislation. 

HB 1599 has passed the House Corrections Committee and is awaiting action in the House Appropriations A Committee. You can read the bill here.