Mississippi House Bill HB356

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

"Supplemental Salary Pay for Law Enforcement Act of 2023"; establish.

Impact

The enactment of this bill will directly impact state law and the compensation structure for law enforcement officers. It establishes a special fund, the 'Supplemental Salary Pay for Law Enforcement Fund,' dedicated to distributing these additional payments. The bill also creates a Board of Review to handle eligibility disputes over who qualifies for this additional pay, thereby amending existing compensation practices and potentially enhancing job satisfaction and officer retention in a critical public service role.

Summary

House Bill 356, known as the Supplemental Salary Pay for Law Enforcement Act of 2023, aims to provide additional monthly compensation of $600 for certified law enforcement officers who have been employed for at least one year. This act is designed to enhance the financial support for law enforcement personnel across the state of Mississippi by establishing a new funding mechanism that pays these supplemental salaries from state resources.

Contention

Despite its supportive intent for law enforcement, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its financial implications on state budgets and whether it could inhibit local jurisdictions from independently adjusting their compensation strategies. Critics may argue that it does not address underlying issues of police funding and resource allocation. Furthermore, there is a clear definition of those excluded from receiving additional compensation, which may raise questions about equity and fairness among different types of law enforcement roles.

Enforcement

The additional compensation will be included in calculations for retirement benefits, ensuring that officers receive a package reflective of their total earnings during their service. Moreover, if an officer’s additional pay is denied, they have the right to appeal to the established Board of Review within set time limits, adding a layer of procedural fairness to the implementation of this bill.