Bill > HB402

This bill establishes the Mississippi Joint Municipal Law Enforcement Act, which allows two or more municipalities within a county to create a shared police department when their governing authorities determine it would be beneficial. The joint department will be governed by a board composed of the mayors from each participating municipality and the county sheriff, who will meet at least quarterly. The board will have extensive powers, including hiring a police commissioner, setting the department's budget, purchasing equipment, adopting bylaws, and managing the department's operations. Municipalities can contribute equipment like vehicles and weapons, and the new joint department will have jurisdiction across all participating municipalities. Funding will be proportional, with larger municipalities paying a greater share based on population, and county boards of supervisors can also provide additional funding. To establish the joint department, board members must file an application with the Secretary of State, pay a $50 filing fee, and receive a certificate of incorporation. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to potentially improve law enforcement efficiency and reduce costs by allowing municipalities to collaborate on police services.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0402.xml