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SB 3383

Lee County; authorize sheriff to use radar on county roads within school zones.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad McMahan

Lee County voters could authorize using radar to enforce school-zone speeds on county roads and state highways outside municipalities.

Died In Committee
#localandprivate
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Bill Summary · SB 3383

Summary: SB 3383 (Mississippi, 2026 Regular Session)

Overview

SB 3383 would authorize Lee County to purchase and deploy radar speed detection equipment for the sheriff’s department to enforce school zone speed limits on county roads and state highways located outside any incorporated municipality’s boundaries. The bill specifies conditions under which the equipment may be used and defines “school zone.”

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide Lee County with a tool to enhance enforcement of speed limits in school zones outside incorporated towns.
  • Allow the county to allocate and spend available funds to acquire radar speed detection equipment for the sheriff’s department.
  • Target safety improvements around schools by ensuring compliance with reduced speed limits in designated school zones on county and state roads.

Key Provisions

  1. Authority to Purchase and Use Radar Equipment

    • The Lee County Board of Supervisors may expend county funds to purchase radar speed detection equipment.
    • The expenditure amount is at the board’s discretion, based on what it determines is sufficient.

  2. Enforcement Authority for Sheriff’s Department

    • If the board authorizes the expenditure, the Lee County Sheriff and any duly sworn deputy sheriff may operate and use the radar equipment.
    • Enforcement applies to motor vehicle speed limits on:
      • Public county roads, and
      • State highways within Lee County
      • Specifically where a school zone is located outside the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality.

  3. Definition of “School Zone”

    • A school zone is defined as designated roadway segments near, adjacent to, or beyond school buildings/grounds, or where school-related activities occur.

  4. Effective Date

    • The act takes effect on passage.

Affected Entities

  • Governmental/Administrative: Lee County Board of Supervisors; Lee County Sheriff’s Department; duly sworn deputy sheriffs.
  • Geographic Scope: Lee County, Mississippi, on county roads and state highways located outside municipal boundaries where a school zone exists.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Action: Died in committee (Local and Private) on April 15, 2026.
  • Referral History: Referred to Local and Private on March 3, 2026.
  • Effective Date upon Enactment: If enacted, the act becomes effective upon passage.

Potential Implications

  • Enhanced enforcement capability in school zones outside cities could improve traffic safety near schools in Lee County.
  • Local funding decision-making remains at the county level (Board of Supervisors), with no statewide mandate.
  • The measure does not create statewide radar authority; its applicability is limited to Lee County and to areas meeting the defined school-zone criteria outside municipal boundaries.
  • Since the bill died in committee, it did not advance to a full chamber vote, meaning no current change in law at this time.

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

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