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HB 1484

MS Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program; create.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Keen

Mississippi bill proposing private "bounty hunter" program to apprehend undocumented immigrants died in committee without advancing.

Died In Committee
#judiciaryb #stateaffairs
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Bill Summary · HB 1484

Legislative bill overview

HB 1484 would establish a "certified bounty hunter program" in Mississippi targeting individuals in the state illegally. The bill died in committee in February 2025 after being referred to the Judiciary B and State Affairs committees in January. The specific mechanics and enforcement details of the proposed program are not publicly detailed in available records.

Why is this important

This represents a significant policy approach to immigration enforcement by potentially deputizing private citizens to apprehend undocumented immigrants, a function traditionally reserved for law enforcement. The bill reflects ongoing state-level efforts to address immigration independent of federal authority, which has constitutional and practical implications for civil rights protections and liability.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Questions about whether states can legally authorize private citizens to enforce federal immigration law, and whether such a program could violate due process or Fourth Amendment protections
  • Liability and accountability: Who bears legal responsibility if bounty hunters act wrongfully, and what oversight mechanisms exist to prevent abuse or false accusations
  • Implementation challenges: Defining "certification" standards, training requirements, scope of authority, and how to prevent the program from targeting legal residents or citizens based on appearance or ethnicity

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

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