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Bill

SB 2204

Law enforcement; require centralized registry for all reports of stolen agriculture-related items.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Fillingane

Mississippi requires law enforcement to establish a centralized registry of stolen agricultural items to improve theft investigation coordination and recovery across jurisdictions.

Approved by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 2204

Legislative bill overview

SB 2204 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to maintain a centralized registry documenting all reports of stolen agriculture-related items. The bill standardizes theft reporting across the state's jurisdictions, creating a unified database that law enforcement can access when investigating agricultural equipment and property thefts.

Why is this important

Agricultural theft is a significant economic problem in rural areas, with stolen equipment like tractors, irrigation systems, and tools costing farmers thousands of dollars and disrupting operations. A centralized registry improves coordination between local law enforcement agencies, enables faster identification of stolen property across county lines, and provides better data on agricultural crime patterns that can inform prevention strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Establishing and maintaining a statewide database system requires funding for technology infrastructure, staffing, and training across multiple law enforcement agencies
  • Data standardization challenges: Different agencies may report stolen items using inconsistent descriptions or categories, potentially reducing the registry's effectiveness and requiring ongoing quality management
  • Privacy and access scope: Questions about who can access the registry, what information is included (owner details, serial numbers, photographs), and how long records are retained could raise concerns about data security and appropriate use limitations

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

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