MS HB471

Grants full police powers to up to six Mississippi Forestry Commission Law Enforcement Officers, designating them as peace officers with statewide jurisdiction.

Requires all officers to complete the Law Enforcement Officer's Training Academy or equivalent facility and maintain current certification, with complete training records kept in employee files.

Authorizes officers to bear arms, investigate and arrest persons violating Mississippi state laws or Forestry Commission rules, and issue citations for fire-related violations.

Requires citations issued by Forestry Commission officers to be on uniform forms with original and at least two copies, showing officer name, court information, and appearance details, and to constitute a sworn complaint.

Sunsets the law enforcement authority provisions on June 30, 2019, unless extended by the legislature.