Mississippi House Bill HB1094

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Law enforcement; allow interoperability between MSHP and counties and municipalities.

Impact

Should it be enacted, HB1094 would authorize counties or municipalities with a 24-hour law enforcement system to request the MHSP to purchase and install appropriate radio receiving equipment in their jurisdictions. This infrastructure would allow local agencies to access and program their radios to receive broadcasts from MHSP channels. The intended outcome is improved operational efficiency for law enforcement bodies at both state and local levels, potentially leading to quicker response times and better resource allocation during emergencies or coordinated operations.

Summary

House Bill 1094 is a legislative act aimed at amending Section 45-3-41 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The primary focus of this bill is to facilitate interoperability between the radio communication systems of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (MHSP) and local counties and municipalities. By enabling these diverse law enforcement agencies to communicate more effectively with one another, the bill seeks to enhance coordination in public safety efforts, particularly in situations requiring collaborative responses.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding this bill could relate to the financial responsibilities placed on local governments. Specifically, counties or municipalities would be required to reimburse the state for the costs associated with the installation of radio equipment. This requirement raises questions about budget allocations for local law enforcement agencies and whether it could strain resources that might otherwise be used for community safety initiatives. Additionally, such mandates may generate discourse about the proper allocation of state and local law enforcement funding and priorities.