MS HB516

Reduces the minimum law enforcement experience required to become a conservation officer from five years to two years for candidates who have passed the Law Enforcement Academy

Maintains alternative qualification pathway requiring 64 semester hours of college credit or an associate degree from an accredited institution

Preserves existing requirements that conservation officer applicants must be at least 21 years of age

Requires all conservation officers to complete training at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy before beginning duties, at department expense

Effective date of July 1, 2023