Mississippi House Bill HB350

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/26
• Refer: 1/8/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

School resource officers; require to undergo Mental Health First Aid training.

Impact

The bill establishes the Mississippi Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools (MCOPS) grant program, which is intended to financially assist law enforcement agencies in deploying more SROs who can engage in community policing around schools. With a state contribution of up to $10,000 per officer position funded on a matching basis, the program is expected to increase the presence of law enforcement in schools. Participation in the MCOPS program also requires school resource officers to dedicate at least 75% of their time to serving within the educational settings, thereby promoting a stronger link between law enforcement and the school community.

Summary

House Bill 350 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code by mandating that local school districts and law enforcement agencies provide Mental Health First Aid training to individuals serving as School Resource Officers (SROs). This training is required to be evidence-based and approved by the Department of Mental Health, aiming to equip officers with the necessary skills to address mental health issues within the school environment. The bill aims to enhance the role of SROs in promoting well-being among students and creating a safer school atmosphere through proactive and informed intervention strategies.

Contention

While advocates of HB350 argue that providing Mental Health First Aid training for SROs will improve responses to mental health crises in schools, opponents may raise concerns about the balance between increased security presence and student privacy rights. There may be ongoing discussions around the adequacy of training provided compared to the potential for an increased policing atmosphere in schools. Additionally, issues surrounding funding mechanisms and the implications of state oversight on local law enforcement practices could be points of contention among stakeholders.