Mississippi Senate Bill SB2233

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Sidearms; authorize next of kin of law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty to purchase.

Impact

This bill will directly influence the existing regulations surrounding the disposal of issued sidearms within law enforcement agencies. It modifies Section 45-9-131 of the Mississippi Code, allowing next of kin—whether it be a spouse or, in cases where a spouse declines, other family members—to acquire firearms previously issued to deceased officers. Such a provision marks a shift in policy that recognizes the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel and extends significant privileges to their families.

Summary

Senate Bill 2233 aims to amend the Mississippi Code by enabling the next of kin of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty to purchase the officer's sidearm. This legislation seeks to provide a measure of comfort and closure to families of fallen officers, allowing them to retain a personal item that may hold significant emotional value. The bill stipulates that the purchase must be approved by the governing authority of the respective municipality or county, which adds a layer of administrative oversight to the process.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support as a gesture of honoring law enforcement officers, it may also be met with scrutiny regarding the implications of allowing private ownership of these weapons. Concerns may arise about public safety and the appropriateness of such firearms remaining accessible to family members of deceased officers. Issues around mental health and the responsible use of such weapons could also be points of debate during discussions surrounding this legislation.