Bill > HB398

This bill amends Mississippi law to expand the investigative authority of the Department of Public Safety by allowing them to investigate the death of current or former elected or appointed public officials at the state, county, municipal, or political subdivision level when the circumstances of their death are considered questionable. The bill specifically adds a new provision to Section 45-3-21 of the Mississippi Code that empowers the Department of Public Safety to intervene and investigate such deaths, which was not previously part of their standard duties. The bill is named the "Representative Ashley Henley Investigation Authority Act," which suggests it may have been inspired by a specific incident involving the death of a public official. By granting this expanded investigative power, the legislation aims to ensure thorough and independent investigations into the deaths of public officials, potentially providing additional oversight and transparency when the circumstances surrounding a death are unclear or suspicious. The new authority will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for the implementation of this expanded investigative mandate.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0398.xml