Bill > HB1484

This bill creates the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, which establishes a comprehensive system for identifying, reporting, and detaining individuals deemed to be illegal aliens in the state. The bill defines a "certified bounty hunter" as a licensed bail bond agent or surety recovery agent who is specifically authorized to find and detain illegal aliens. Under the proposed law, an "illegal alien" who enters and remains in Mississippi commits a felony punishable by life imprisonment, with additional permanent consequences including being disqualified from voting, obtaining a driver's license, receiving public benefits, or becoming a legal resident. The Department of Public Safety will develop an information system to receive reports about illegal aliens, including a toll-free hotline and online reporting portal, and will offer a $1,000 reward to individuals who provide reports that lead to an arrest. The program will certify bounty hunters through a four-year application process, and a dedicated fund will be created to support the program's implementation. The bill also brings forward existing sections of Mississippi law related to bail bond agents and fees, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1484.xml