MS SB2938

Expands enforcement authority of law enforcement officers employed by Forrest County General Hospital Board of Trustees to all violations of law occurring on or within 500 feet of any property owned, leased, or managed by the hospital.

Officers must be certified law enforcement officers under Mississippi Code Chapter 6, Title 45 and vested with powers and duties of a constable.

Board may only authorize such enforcement if it determines law enforcement presence is reasonably necessary to protect safety of hospital employees, staff, patients, or visitors on hospital property.

Hospital board, members, and employees are not liable for failure to enforce laws or respond to activities occurring outside boundaries of hospital-owned, leased, or managed property.

Board may enter interlocal agreements with other law enforcement entities for equipment or traffic control, but local police or sheriff departments retain duty to enforce traffic and state/municipal laws off hospital property regardless of such agreements.