Bill > SB2803

This bill mandates that law enforcement officers in Mississippi issue a citation, which is a written notice requiring a court appearance, instead of making an arrest for most nonviolent misdemeanors, which are minor offenses punishable by fines, community service, probation, or up to one year in jail. However, arrests are still permitted for "violent misdemeanors," defined as offenses involving physical force, domestic violence, stalking, deadly weapons, or those specifically designated as violent by law. Additionally, officers can arrest individuals for any misdemeanor if the person refuses to provide identification, provides false information, has an outstanding arrest warrant, is on supervised release for a felony and the misdemeanor violates those terms, is dangerously under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if another law explicitly requires an arrest. The bill also clarifies that officers can still conduct investigations and temporarily detain individuals as legally allowed, and failure to appear for a citation can result in a warrant. This new law will supersede any local rules that contradict these provisions and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2803.xml