Mississippi House Bill HB1695

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Failed: 2/22/23

Caption

Appropriation; DPS for salary increase for active officers of MHP, MBN and MBI for FY 2024.

Impact

The passage of HB1695 is expected to have a positive effect on the state’s law enforcement agencies by improving the financial remuneration of active officers. This action could potentially boost morale among officers and enhance recruitment and retention rates within these key safety organizations. It represents an acknowledgment of the importance of providing adequate compensation to law enforcement personnel, which is crucial given the increasing demands placed on them.

Summary

House Bill 1695 seeks to appropriate funds to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety aimed at providing salary increases and required state-funded fringe benefits for active sworn officers of various law enforcement agencies, specifically the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. For the fiscal year 2024, a total of $4,419,240 is designated for this purpose, as the legislation focuses on enhancing compensation for these officers.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB1695 may reflect broader themes of budget allocation, particularly in a context where financial resources are often limited. There is likely to be debate regarding the prioritization of funding for law enforcement salaries versus other state needs, such as education and healthcare. While supporters would argue these increases are necessary for maintaining public safety and supporting first responders, critics may raise concerns about the implications of resource allocation and whether such funding should come at the expense of other programs.