Bill Text: MS HB385 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Department of Corrections; require to develop pilot programs to ban smoking in state correctional facilities.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2011-02-01 - Died In Committee [HB385 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2011-HB385-Introduced.html

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MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2011 Regular Session

To: Corrections

By: Representative Dickson

House Bill 385

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO CONDUCT ONE OR MORE PILOT PROGRAMS BANNING SMOKING AT STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; TO PROVIDE THAT PARTICIPANTS IN THE PILOT PROGRAMS SHALL BE VOLUNTEERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SHALL PAY THE EXPENSES FOR ADMINISTERING SUCH PROGRAMS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE CORRECTION COMMITTEES ON THE STATUS OF THE PROGRAMS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  The Department of Corrections shall conduct  one or more pilot programs banning smoking both inside buildings and on the grounds of state correctional facilities and shall administer smoking cessation programs for staff and inmates.

     (2)  As used in this section, "tobacco products" means cigars, cigarettes, snuff, loose tobacco or similar goods made with any part of the tobacco plant that are prepared or used for smoking, chewing, dipping or other personal use.
     (3)  The pilot smoking cessation programs shall be available to inmates and staff on a volunteer basis, and no person shall be compelled or coerced to participate.

     (4)  The smoking cessation program shall include instructions  and education that will help inmates and staff cease the use of tobacco products and remain smoke free.

     (5)  The cost of administering the pilot smoking cessation program shall be paid from existing funds available to the Department of Corrections.

     (6)  The Department of Corrections may use services, personnel and resources donated by nongovernmental agencies and organizations to implement this program.

     (7)  The Department of Corrections shall report to both the House and Senate Corrections Committees on or before January 15, 2012, on the progress and status of the pilot programs.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2011.