MS SB2469

Amends Mississippi Code sections 99-19-301, 99-19-305, and 99-19-307 to add law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians to the class of victims eligible for enhanced criminal penalties.

Allows penalty enhancement for felonies or misdemeanors committed with specific intent to target individuals based on their actual or perceived employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician.

Defines "law enforcement officer" to include full-time, part-time, trainee, reserve, volunteer, and federal law enforcement officers whose duties include arrests, searches, warrant execution, or inmate supervision.

Permits courts to enhance sentences up to twice the authorized penalty for the underlying offense, including doubled imprisonment terms or fines, when the crime targets covered first responders.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.