House Bill 156 Summary

• Authorizes municipal governing authorities to provide tax-forfeited lands and buildings as compensation to full-time police officers employed by the municipality.

• Employment-linked housing provision terminates within 30 days of officer termination; municipalities may offer terminated officers the option to purchase the property at fair market value.

• Directs the Secretary of State to promulgate rules allowing donation of tax-forfeited lands to municipalities that establish police officer housing programs.

• Amends Mississippi Code sections 25-19-1, 7-11-11, 21-33-71, 21-33-73, and 21-33-75 to permit tax-forfeited lands and buildings to be used for police officer compensation and housing assistance programs.

• Establishes that public employers may provide tax-forfeited lands alongside funds for eligible employees' rental deposits, down payments, closing costs, and other housing-related expenses.