MS HB1406

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-19 to expand the definition of capital murder to include the killing of emergency medical technicians, first responders, and uniformed security guards acting in their official capacity.

Defines "emergency medical technician" as a person licensed to provide emergency medical services at the ambulance, intermediate, paramedic, or nurse-paramedic level.

Defines "first responders" as state and local law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical, emergency management, and public works personnel deployed to bioterrorism attacks, terrorist attacks, catastrophic or natural disasters and emergencies.

Adds a new capital murder category (subsection k) for the killing of utility workers employed by or contracted with public utilities, municipal utilities, county utilities, state utilities, or public agencies while acting in their official capacity.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.