MS HB735

Creates Special Need Events Marine Patrol Reserve Officers within the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources' Enforcement Officers' Reserve Unit, allowing these reserve officers to receive payment for work during critical manpower shortage events

Requires reserve officers to be in good standing and possess either a Mississippi board of minimum standards law enforcement certification (part-time or full-time) or completion of an out-of-state academy recognized by the Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training to qualify for paid special need event work

Grants the Chief of Marine Patrol, with executive director approval, authority to determine what constitutes special need events with critical manpower shortages

Maintains that general reserve unit members continue to serve without pay and are not considered state employees for purposes of the personnel system, workers' compensation, retirement, or health insurance

Effective date is July 1, 2026