MS SB2431

Requires municipalities to provide a predisciplinary hearing before suspending or terminating any law enforcement officer employed by the municipality.

Mandates written due process procedures including written notice of reasons for suspension/termination, officer right to appear and be represented by counsel, and right to present evidence and question witnesses.

Allows officers five (5) days from receiving written notice to request a hearing in writing, with failure to request deemed a waiver of the right to hearing.

Permits municipalities to conduct evidentiary hearing phases in executive session, but requires final adjudication to occur in open session before an impartial hearing officer or body.

Does not apply to municipalities with five (5) or fewer full-time sworn officers or municipalities that already have a civil service commission or existing due process ordinance; takes effect January 1, 2012.