MS HB1071

Creates "Rachel's Law" establishing requirements for law enforcement agencies using confidential informants, defined as persons cooperating with police to avoid arrest, prosecution, or reduce punishment in exchange for assisting criminal investigations

Requires law enforcement to inform potential informants that agencies cannot promise immunity, dropped charges, or reduced sentences, and that only appropriate legal authorities can determine the value of their assistance

Guarantees prospective confidential informants the opportunity to consult with legal counsel before agreeing to perform informant activities, though does not create a right to publicly funded counsel

Mandates law enforcement agencies adopt written policies covering informant recruitment, handling guidelines, supervisory oversight, restrictions on officer-informant social relationships, deactivation procedures, and special approval requirements for using juveniles as informants

Requires agencies to assess informant suitability based on factors including age, maturity, substance abuse history, emotional stability, criminal history, and risk of physical harm to the person or their family

Establishes secure record-keeping requirements for informant files with restricted access, access logs, and defined destruction processes, along with periodic reviews to ensure policy compliance