MS SB2011

Adds Mississippi legislators to the list of public officials who must receive a probable cause hearing in circuit court before an arrest warrant can be issued against them for alleged crimes committed while performing official duties

Currently protected categories include licensed public school teachers, certified jail officers, adolescent opportunity program counselors, and sworn law enforcement officers

The probable cause hearing allows the accused to appear with legal counsel (at their own expense), hear evidence against them, and present evidence or testify in their own behalf

Exception allows a circuit court judge to issue an arrest warrant without a hearing if evidence shows significant flight risk or the accused poses a threat to public safety

Effective date: July 1, 2020