"The Prison to Paycheck Act of 2025"; enact.

HB 1478 establishes "The Prison to Paycheck Act of 2025," creating work release programs for eligible inmates in Mississippi county correctional facilities and jails. It requires participating employers to pay at least the local prevailing wage (minimum federal wage), excludes inmates convicted of recent sex crimes or multiple violent felonies, and mandates that inmates save 40% of earnings for post-release use. The bill also requires facilities to receive a $34 daily per diem payment for each participating inmate and specifies how inmate wages must be distributed (20% for dependents/support, 20% for program costs, 10% for room/board, 10% for personal expenses, with 40% saved). The program applies to state inmates housed in county facilities and expires on July 1, 2029.