Bill > HB56

This bill establishes a framework for municipalities within counties having seven or more municipalities to create joint municipal police departments through a collaborative process. The bill defines key terms like "board" (the governing body of the joint police department) and specifies that the board will consist of mayors from participating municipalities and the county sheriff. Municipalities can establish a joint department by adopting resolutions that demonstrate potential benefits such as more efficient and economical law enforcement. The joint department will be governed by a board with extensive powers, including hiring a police commissioner, setting budgets, purchasing equipment, adopting bylaws, and managing department assets. Participating municipalities will fund the joint department proportionally based on population, with the larger municipalities paying a greater share, and county boards of supervisors may also provide additional funding. Each joint department will have jurisdiction across all participating municipalities, and members can loan vehicles, weapons, and other property to the joint department. The bill requires board members to file an application with the Secretary of State to officially establish the joint department, and the law will take effect on July 1, 2025. The primary goal is to allow smaller municipalities to collaborate on law enforcement services, potentially reducing costs and improving public safety through shared resources and coordinated efforts.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0056.xml