MS SB2634

Creates a new category of "Special Need Events Marine Patrol Reserve Officers" within the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Enforcement Officers Reserve Unit who can be paid for work during events with critical personnel shortages

Reserve officers must meet specific criteria to qualify for paid Special Need Events work: be in good standing and have either a board of minimum standards certification (part-time or full-time) or completion of a law enforcement academy recognized by the Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training

The Chief of Marine Patrol determines what constitutes Special Need Events with critical shortages, subject to approval by the Executive Director

Pay rate for Special Need Events work is determined by the Executive Director, creating an exception to the general rule that reserve officers serve without compensation

Effective date: July 1, 2026