MS HB398

Amends Mississippi Code Section 45-3-21 to authorize the Department of Public Safety to investigate deaths of current or former elected/appointed public officials at the state, county, municipal, or political subdivision level when the official is killed or circumstances of death are questionable.

Names the new investigative authority the "Representative Ashley Henley Investigation Authority Act."

Allows the Governor or Acting Governor to invoke this authority without requiring a proclamation, unlike other Department of Public Safety powers which typically require gubernatorial proclamation.

Applies to both sitting and former public officials, expanding the department's investigative jurisdiction beyond typical law enforcement boundaries.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.