MS HB1077

Establishes the "Telecommunications Fraud Prevention and Utility Infrastructure Protection Act" and authorizes the Mississippi Public Service Commission to employ certified law enforcement officers designated as fraud and enforcement agents.

Grants fraud and enforcement agents authority to investigate violations of telecommunications laws including the Telephone Solicitation Act, Caller ID Anti-Spoofing Act, Automatic Dialing-Announcing Devices Act, and Unsolicited Residential Telephonic Sales Calls Act.

Expands agents' investigative powers to include fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, computer fraud, utility service theft, destruction of utility infrastructure, and related crimes enumerated in state law.

Authorizes fraud and enforcement agents to exercise law enforcement powers including carrying weapons, serving warrants, making arrests, and conducting civil asset forfeiture, subject to limitations in the act.

Requires the Public Service Commission to report to legislative leadership by December 31, 2021, detailing investigations, indictments, prosecutions, and convictions; the entire act automatically repeals July 1, 2022.