MS HB974

Revises qualifications for Commissioner of Public Safety to require minimum bachelor's degree and expands commissioner's powers to organize department structure and appoint office heads.

Establishes Mississippi Office of Homeland Security within Department of Public Safety to investigate cyber-related crimes, crimes of violence, and acts of terrorism or intimidation.

Transfers Office of Capitol Police from Department of Finance and Administration to Department of Public Safety with jurisdiction over Capitol Complex and related state properties.

Grants Mississippi Bureau of Investigation jurisdiction to investigate all officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death (except state trooper shootings, which are investigated by agency designated by Attorney General).

Enacts "Mississippi Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021" creating misdemeanor offense for unauthorized drone surveillance of critical infrastructure or correctional facilities (up to 1 year prison/$1,000 fine) and felony offense for delivering contraband via drone to correctional facilities (3-15 years prison/$25,000 fine).