MS HB1557

Creates new financial and reporting requirements for local crime stoppers programs, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, annual federal compliance documentation, and audited financial statements submitted every two years to the Department of Public Safety.

Designates the Commissioner of Public Safety as Director of the Crime Stoppers Advisory Council and clarifies council member terms at two years.

Makes crime stoppers records confidential and exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act, allowing disclosure only when records contain exculpatory evidence in criminal trials.

Requires the statewide toll-free crime reporting service to operate continuously 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, instead of limited evening and overnight hours.

Routes local surcharges from counties and municipalities (up to $2.00 per misdemeanor fine) into the State Crime Stoppers Fund for disbursement back to participating jurisdictions, with 1% retained by the Department of Public Safety for administrative costs.