WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 977

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Billy Adam Calvert

Allows Mississippi law enforcement agencies to contract with private schools to station armed school resource officers through formal agreements.

Referred To Education
#education
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 977

Legislative bill overview

HB 977 authorizes local law enforcement agencies in Mississippi to enter into agreements with independent (private) nonpublic schools to provide school resource officers (SROs). The bill enables law enforcement to station armed officers in private school settings through formal contractual arrangements.

Why is this important

This bill extends law enforcement presence in schools beyond traditional public school systems to the private school sector. It addresses school safety concerns while potentially creating funding and liability questions about who bears responsibility for SRO services in private institutions that operate independently from public districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: The bill does not specify whether private schools or local governments fund these SRO positions, potentially creating budget disputes or shifting public law enforcement resources away from other duties
  • Liability and accountability: Unclear who bears legal responsibility if an SRO uses force or causes injury in a private school setting, raising questions about insurance coverage and sovereign immunity protections
  • Equity concerns: Private school access to SROs may depend on school wealth and ability to pay, creating disparities compared to public school resource levels
  • Scope and oversight: The bill provides minimal detail on standards, training requirements, or oversight mechanisms for how these agreements operate

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

Sign in to ask a question.