MS HB1718

Establishes the DeSoto County Regional Forensics Laboratory in DeSoto County as a new regional facility within the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory system

Authorizes the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory to coordinate with the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors on planning, construction, staffing, and ongoing operations

Requires the laboratory to receive necessary funding, staff, facilities, and equipment to continuously operate and meet local law enforcement needs

Maintains existing law requiring Mississippi Forensics Laboratory funding to be kept separate from Department of Public Safety funds, with a $300 laboratory analysis fee imposed on convicted individuals or those in diversion programs

Effective date of July 1, 2026