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Bill

HB 493

School resource officers; authorize local law enforcement agencies to enter agreement with independent nonpublic schools to provide.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doc Harris and 1 co-sponsor

Allows Mississippi law enforcement agencies to contract with private schools to provide school resource officer services through formal agreements.

Referred To Education
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Bill Summary · HB 493

Legislative bill overview

HB 493 authorizes local law enforcement agencies in Mississippi to enter into agreements with independent (private) nonpublic schools to provide school resource officer (SRO) services. The bill creates a legal framework for law enforcement to station officers in private schools, similar to existing arrangements in public schools.

Why is this important

Currently, SRO programs are established in public schools across Mississippi, but private schools lack clear statutory authority to contract with local law enforcement for these services. This bill extends that option to independent schools, potentially affecting school safety policies, student discipline, and law enforcement resource allocation across the state's education sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and costs: Unclear whether private schools must fully fund SRO services or if public law enforcement resources subsidize private institutions
  • Equity concerns: May create disparities where wealthy private schools can afford SROs while under-resourced public schools cannot, or conversely, stretches law enforcement thin across both sectors
  • Student rights and discipline: Introduces police presence in private school disciplinary matters, raising questions about arrest rates, juvenile justice involvement, and due process protections that may differ from public school policies
  • Accountability and oversight: Private schools may have fewer transparency and accountability requirements than public schools regarding SRO conduct and student interactions

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

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