MS SB2126

Requires school resource officers to complete training before being placed in schools and interacting with students, rather than within two years of employment as previously allowed

Mandates a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training developed by the Mississippi Department of Education covering child adolescent development, cultural competence, de-escalation techniques, identifying students' social/emotional/mental needs, and due process protections

Authorizes Mississippi Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools (MCOPS) grant funds to pay for the required training, including for officers whose salaries are not funded through MCOPS grants

MCOPS grants provide up to $10,000 per officer position annually on a 50/50 local matching basis, with officers required to devote at least 75% of their time to work in and around schools

Effective date of July 1, 2017