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HB 1489

The MS Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Scholarship; revise definition of "law enforcement officers".

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Zack Grady

HB 1489 modifies Mississippi's law enforcement officer definition to adjust scholarship program eligibility, potentially expanding or restricting who qualifies for state educational funding.

Referred To Judiciary B;Appropriations A
#appropriationsa #judiciaryb
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Bill Summary · HB 1489

Legislative bill overview

HB 1489 revises the definition of "law enforcement officers" within Mississippi's existing law enforcement and firefighter scholarship program. The bill modifies eligibility criteria for who qualifies to receive scholarship benefits under this state program, though specific definitional changes are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Scholarship program definitions directly determine which public safety professionals and their families can access state educational funding. Expanding or narrowing the definition affects thousands of potential recipients and has budgetary implications for the state's higher education funding.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of definition expansion – Whether newly included professions (such as correctional officers, campus police, or other security roles) should qualify and receive public scholarship funds
  • Budget impact – Expanding the definition increases state spending on scholarships; narrowing it may exclude groups who feel they deserve coverage
  • Consistency across programs – How this definition aligns with other state statutes that define law enforcement for different purposes (licensing, benefits, pensions) and whether inconsistencies create problems

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

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