Appropriation; Corrections, Department of.

This bill appropriates approximately $463 million in state funds to support and maintain the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the fiscal year 2025. The legislation allocates specific amounts from both the General Fund and a special fund to cover operational costs, staffing, and services across various facilities, including central offices, regional prisons, community corrections, and private prison contracts. Key provisions authorize a total of 2,279 permanent and time-limited positions and set spending limits for areas such as medical services, farming operations, and local confinement centers. Additionally, the bill includes restrictions requiring that vacancy funds be used exclusively to hire new staff rather than for salary increases or promotions for existing employees.