MS HB1344

Amends Section 97-3-19 of Mississippi Code to classify the killing of a uniformed security guard as capital murder when the guard is acting in an official capacity and the killer knows the victim is a security guard.

Adds "uniformed security guard" to the definition of "peace officer" in capital murder statute, placing security guards on equal legal footing with law enforcement officers, firefighters, judges, and corrections personnel.

Capital murder charge applies when a uniformed security guard is killed while performing official duties or due to an act performed in official capacity, with knowledge of victim's status.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.