MS HB998

Clarifies that mental health care providers and mental health facilities are included in enhanced assault penalties under Mississippi Code Section 97-3-7, making assault against these workers punishable by up to $1,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment for simple assault, or up to $5,000 fine or 30 years imprisonment for aggravated assault.

Requires all hospitals licensed in Mississippi to establish a hospital police department, effective immediately, with hospital police officers meeting the same certification requirements as law enforcement officers.

Mandates campus police and security at mental health and intellectual disability facilities comply with law enforcement training requirements, including attendance at the Law Enforcement Officer's Training Academy within the hiring period.

Expands the definition of "hospital" under Section 41-9-41 to include both public and private hospital premises for purposes of establishing police departments.

Requires hospitals to pay training expenses and tuition for hospital police officers attending the law enforcement training academy, with the hospital police department provisions set to expire on July 1, 2028.