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HB 560

No-knock warrants; prohibit issuance of.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Zakiya Summers

HB 560 would ban law enforcement from issuing and executing no-knock warrants in Mississippi to reduce dangerous confrontations during home entries.

Died In Committee
#judiciaryb
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Bill Summary · HB 560

Legislative bill overview

HB 560 would prohibit law enforcement from obtaining and executing no-knock warrants in Mississippi. No-knock warrants allow police to enter a property without announcing their presence or purpose beforehand. The bill died in the Judiciary B Committee in February 2025 without advancing to a floor vote.

Why is this important

No-knock warrants have been controversial because they create safety risks for both residents and officers—residents may not know armed intruders are police, potentially leading to defensive confrontations, while officers face unpredictable resistance. High-profile incidents involving no-knock raids, such as the death of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, have intensified debate about whether such warrants are necessary or create more danger than they prevent.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement opposition: Police departments argue no-knock warrants are essential tools for executing warrants against suspects believed to be armed, destroying evidence, or fleeing, claiming prohibition would compromise officer safety and investigative effectiveness
  • Constitutional questions: Supporters emphasize Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches, while opponents argue no-knock warrants serve legitimate law enforcement purposes when properly justified
  • Practical alternatives: Debate exists over whether knock-and-announce procedures with reasonable timeframes provide adequate safeguards without eliminating the warrant tool entirely

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

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