MS HB298

Allows beneficiaries of Highway Safety Patrol or Bureau of Narcotics officers killed in the line of duty to retain the officer's sidearm as personal property.

Allows beneficiaries of any law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty to retain the officer's sidearm.

Permits law enforcement officers of the Mississippi Department of Transportation to retain one sidearm upon retirement for superannuation or disability.

Establishes three pathways for Highway Safety Patrol appointment qualifications: (a) 60 college hours/associate degree with 2.0 GPA plus one year law enforcement experience; (b) two years active military duty plus one year law enforcement experience and high school diploma/GED; or (c) high school diploma/GED, law enforcement academy certification, and one year field experience.

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