MS HB296

Amends Section 45-3-9 of the Mississippi Code to establish new minimum qualifications for Highway Safety Patrol members including chief, directors, inspectors, and patrol officers.

Requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, U.S. and Mississippi citizens of good moral character, and meet one of four educational/experience pathways: bachelor's or master's degree with 2.0 GPA, 60 college hours/associate degree with 2.0 GPA plus 2 years law enforcement experience, 2 years active military duty plus 2 years law enforcement experience and high school diploma/GED, or high school diploma/GED with law enforcement academy certification and 2 years field experience.

Requires all Highway Safety Patrol applicants to pass examinations on physical and mental fitness, traffic laws, state arrest laws, and Department of Public Safety regulations.

Preserves compensatory, personal, and sick leave accrued by sworn Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents employed as enforcement troopers.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.