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Bill

SB 3391

Forrest County; authorize sheriff to use radar speed detection equipment.

2026 Regular Session

Forrest County may authorize the Sheriff to purchase and use radar speed detection on unincorporated county roads and state highways outside municipalities.

Died In Committee
#localandprivate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3391

Summary of Bill: SB 3391 (Session 2026) – Forrest County; authorize sheriff to use radar speed detection equipment

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes Forrest County’s Board of Supervisors to purchase radar speed detection equipment for use by the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department.
  • The targeted enforcement area is speed limits on public county roads and state highways located outside the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality within Forrest County.
  • The bill seeks to empower local authorities to improve enforcement of motor vehicle speed limits in unincorporated areas of the county.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authority to purchase: The Board of Supervisors may expend county funds to purchase radar speed detection equipment. The amount is determined by the board and drawn from available county funds.
  • Use by sheriff’s department: Once authorized, the Sheriff of Forrest County and any duly sworn deputy sheriff may operate and use the radar equipment.
  • Geographic scope: Enforcement authority applies to:
    • Public county roads
    • State highways
    • Specifically outside the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality within Forrest County
  • Compliance requirements: The sheriff is required to ensure that radar equipment is:
    • Properly certified
    • Calibrated
    • Operated in compliance with applicable state law, training standards, and evidentiary requirements
  • Effective date: The act becomes effective upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Authorized entity: Forrest County Board of Supervisors (local governing body)
  • Enforcement agency: Forrest County Sheriff’s Department (sheriff and deputy sheriffs)
  • Geographic focus: Unincorporated areas of Forrest County (county roads and state highways outside municipalities)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative action: SB 3391 was referred to the Senate Local and Private Committee.
  • Action history:
    • March 11, 2026: Referred to Local and Private
    • April 15, 2026: Died in Committee (did not progress to full Senate or House)
  • Effective date: If enacted, the bill would take effect on passage.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enables local, unincorporated-area speed enforcement using radar, potentially increasing traffic safety on county roads and state highways outside municipalities.
  • Requires careful compliance with certification, calibration, and evidentiary standards to ensure enforcement is legally sound in court proceedings.
  • Financial impact depends on the board’s chosen expenditure level for radar equipment and related training.

Note: The bill did not advance out of committee during the 2026 session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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