MS SB2550

Grants law enforcement authority to the director and investigators of the Fraud Investigation Unit within the Mississippi Department of Human Services, allowing them to bear arms and make arrests

Classifies Fraud Investigation Unit investigators as both full-time and part-time law enforcement officers under state law, subject to the same training and certification requirements

Expands the Fraud Investigation Unit's responsibilities to include fraud prevention (not just detection) and investigations involving nonfederal entities that have agreements with the department

Requires Fraud Investigation Unit trainees to complete law enforcement certification before exercising arrest powers, unless supervised by a certified officer or previously certified in Mississippi or a reciprocating state

Effective date: July 1, 2021