Committee debates four-year phase-down of Parchman prison; bill ultimately tabled after divided votes

Lawmakers debated Senate Bill 2047 on a proposal to phase down the Mississippi State Penitentiary, commonly called Parchman, over a four-year period while preserving medical services and death-row functions there.

Supporters said the bill would reduce long-term maintenance and overtime costs by transferring many operations to the Tutwiler facility and converting Tutwiler from private to state-operated status. “My plan … is to phase down the facility known as Parchman over a 4 year period,” the chairman said, describing projected savings and a target of better staffing ratios under American Correctional Association standards.

The bill directs the commissioner of corrections to develop a detailed phase-down plan and submit recommendations to the legislature by Jan. 1, 2026. The draft language in the bill exempts Unit 29 (death row) and medical and infirmary operations from the phase-down, and authorizes management of Parchman assets by the proposed Northwest Mississippi Correctional Facility if Tutwiler becomes a state facility.

Opponents pressed for hard numbers, independent cost estimates, firm agreements with Tutwiler’s owners, and the presence of the corrections commissioner during committee debate. “With a momentous decision like this … the commissioner of corrections should be in the room to answer questions,” Senator Liz Chazenal said. Members asked for documentation of Tutwiler sale or lease terms, expected inmate and staff transfers, and the projected costs saved versus the purchase or lease price.

Committee members also raised concerns about medical access if inpatient services remain at Parchman while other inmates move to Tutwiler; one senator asked whether inmates at Tutwiler would be transported to Parchman for emergency care.

During debate a motion to place a “reverse repealer” on the bill was offered and recorded in the transcript as moved by Senator Liz Chazenal. Later the committee considered a motion to table the bill. The transcript records voice and hand-count votes, the chair calling for show-of-hands when members split, and the chair indicating doubt about the outcome; the final committee disposition in the hearing record is that the bill was tabled (killed) after the motion to table was put, but the transcript shows confusion in the final tally and the chair’s ruling.

The bill includes a stated target to reduce the inmate population at Parchman by 1,700 persons by July 1, 2027, authorizes leases of buildings and land (up to 40 years) with Public Procurement Review Board approval, and encourages creation of a mental health treatment facility using existing buildings.

Committee members asked the sponsor to return with firm financial numbers, documented negotiations with Tutwiler’s owners, and staffing and transport plans. The sponsor agreed to provide additional data and welcomed the committee’s offer to schedule a site visit to Parchman.

If the legislature advances any part of SB 2047 in subsequent sessions, staff said the commissioner’s report due Jan. 1, 2026, would be the primary vehicle for the committee to review specific implementation steps and costs.

Reported speakers (from committee discussion): Chairman (unnamed), Senator Liz Chazenal (Vice Chair), Senator David Simmons, Senator Jackson, Attorney Bob (present for counsel), Commissioner of Corrections (referenced, not present).

Votes and formal actions recorded in committee: the transcript shows a motion to place a reverse repealer (mover recorded in the transcript as Senator Liz Chazenal) and a later motion to table the bill; the transcript shows voice votes and a show-of-hands with the chair expressing doubt about the final tally; the hearing record indicates the bill was tabled. The transcript does not contain a clear, unambiguous roll-call tally for the final table action.