MS HB1728

Creates a Civil Service Commission for the Harrison County Sheriff's Department composed of three members appointed by the sheriff and approved by the Board of Supervisors, with six-year staggered terms and compensation of $100-$200 per month.

Establishes commission authority to oversee and approve all personnel rules, regulations, and policies for the sheriff's department, including hiring, promotions, transfers, suspensions, and discharges for full-time employees with 12+ months service (excluding sheriff, chief deputy, captains, and certain other positions).

Grants covered employees the right to request hearings before the commission to appeal personnel actions, with the employee bearing burden of proof by preponderance of evidence that the sheriff's decision lacked justification or violated department policies.

Requires the commission to ensure discipline is applied for "good cause and good faith," prohibits political discrimination, mandates written decisions within 30 days of hearing requests, and permits appeals to circuit court within 30 days.

Repeals previous civil service law from 1990 and automatically repeals this act on December 31, 2013.