Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2028

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/17/25  

Caption

Radar; authorize limited use of by sheriffs in certain counties.

Impact

If enacted, the bill is expected to bring significant changes to local law enforcement practices regarding traffic enforcement. By empowering county sheriffs to use radar speed detection, it provides them with additional tools to increase road safety, potentially leading to lower speeds and fewer accidents in rural or less populated areas. However, the bill does impose strict limitations on the use of radar equipment, prohibiting its use within 500 yards of incorporated municipalities, county boundaries, and speed limit changes, as well as on interstate highways and major highways. This acknowledges concerns regarding overreach and ensures that local jurisdictional boundaries are respected during enforcement activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 2028 amends Section 63-3-519 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to authorize sheriffs and their deputies in specific counties to use radar speed detection equipment. This bill permits the use of such equipment on public streets, roads, and highways located outside incorporated municipalities. This change is designed to enhance the ability of local law enforcement agencies to monitor and enforce speed limits, particularly in areas that may not currently have sufficient traffic control measures in place. The bill specifies that the use of radar equipment in these counties is contingent upon certain conditions regarding the number of full-time deputies in the sheriff's department and the geographical limitations on where radar may be employed.

Contention

The introduction of SB2028 may spark debates about the balance between effective law enforcement and respecting local governance. Proponents of the bill argue that it enhances public safety by providing sheriffs with the necessary tools to address speeding in less patrolled areas. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the appropriateness of expanding radar use, fearing it could lead to increased fines or negative interactions between law enforcement and the public. Additionally, discussions about the number of radar guns that can be purchased could lead to differing opinions on resource allocation within sheriff’s departments across various counties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2504

Radar; authorize limited use of by sheriffs.

MS SB2300

Radar; authorize limited use of by sheriffs.

MS SB2632

Radar; authorize limited use of by sheriffs until a specified date.

MS SB2633

Radar; authorize limited use of by sheriff's until a specified date subject to approval by the county board of supervisors.

MS SB2658

Radar; authorize use of by sheriffs with limitation on the number of equipped patrol vehicles.

MS HB1134

Radar speed detecting equipment; authorize use by sheriffs and deputies.

MS HB1346

Radar; authorize use by sheriff and deputies for enforcing speed limits within school zones.

MS HB886

Radar; authorize sheriff and deputies to use on county roads to enforce speed limits.

MS HB42

Radar; authorize sheriff and deputies to use on county roads to enforce speed limits.

MS HB41

Radar; authorize use in Rankin County subject to approval of voters within the county.

Similar Bills

MS HB846

Deputy sheriffs and police officers; require certain courses for continuing education.

MS SB3146

Lowndes County; authorize to contribute Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to certain nonprofits.

MS SB2803

Sheriffs; increase annual salaries of.

MS SB2166

Sheriffs; increase annual salaries of.

MS HB1408

Sheriffs' salaries; increase.

MS SB3109

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MS SB2311

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MS HB1049

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