HB 1982 Summary

• Establishes the Mississippi School Resource Officers School Safety (MS ROSS) Act to provide state funding to local law enforcement agencies and school governing bodies for employing School Resource Officers (SROs) at public and private elementary and secondary school campuses.

• State Department of Public Safety covers an escalating percentage of SRO employment costs (30% in 2024-2025, increasing to 70% by 2028-2029), with local law enforcement agencies and school boards covering the remaining costs, capped at $55,000 per SRO salary.

• Requires joint applications from local law enforcement and school governing bodies, a Memorandum of Understanding documenting roles and responsibilities, and comprehensive school safety plans within 60 days of SRO employment.

• Creates the MS ROSS Fund as a special state treasury fund and authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds up to $107 million to fund the program, with annual limits ranging from $13 million (2024-2025) to $30 million (2028-2029).

• Mandates SROs receive Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training and requires SROs to maintain active presence on school campuses one hour before school starts through one hour after dismissal on school days, Monday through Friday.