MS SB2271

Adds members of the Mississippi Legislature to the list of persons entitled to a probable cause hearing in circuit court before an arrest warrant can be issued against them for alleged criminal acts occurring during official duties

Existing law already provides this protection for licensed public school teachers, certified jail officers, counselors at adolescent opportunity programs, and sworn law enforcement officers

The accused has the right to appear at the hearing with legal counsel (at their own expense), hear evidence against them, and present evidence or testify on their own behalf

Exceptions allow a judge to issue an arrest warrant without a hearing if the accused poses a significant flight risk or threatens public safety

Law enforcement officers may still arrest any person without a warrant under circumstances where a warrant would not normally be required

Effective date: July 1, 2021