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HB 197

MCOPS Grant Program; increase grant amount up to a minimum of $40,000 per officer employed as a school resource officer.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Hale and 4 co-sponsors

Mississippi bill increases school resource officer grant minimums to $40,000 per officer to expand law enforcement presence in schools statewide.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 197

Legislative bill overview

HB 197 proposes increasing grant funding through Mississippi's MCOPS (Mississippi Certified Officer Program in Schools) program to provide a minimum of $40,000 per school resource officer employed in schools. The bill aims to enhance financial support for law enforcement personnel assigned to educational institutions across the state.

Why is this important

School resource officer (SRO) programs represent a significant investment in school safety infrastructure, and grant funding directly affects whether districts can afford to employ these officers. Increasing minimum grant amounts could expand SRO presence in under-resourced districts that currently cannot afford such positions, while also affecting state budget priorities and appropriations.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: Determining the fiscal cost of raising minimum grants statewide and identifying funding sources in a constrained state budget
  • Efficacy debate: Ongoing national discussion about whether increased SRO funding represents the most effective approach to school safety compared to alternative interventions (mental health services, facility upgrades, threat assessment programs)
  • District autonomy vs. mandate: Whether a state-mandated minimum grant represents appropriate leverage over local school district decisions about resource allocation and security priorities

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

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