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MississippiHB 16122026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Department of Public Safety; consolidate offices and revise provisions related to.

Sponsored By: Kevin Horan (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary BJudiciary, Division B

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Highway Patrol powers clarified and expanded

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Highway Patrol enforces traffic laws on state highways and may, when requested by the Department of Revenue and approved by the Governor, enforce highway tax laws and collect taxes to remit. Patrol officers can arrest for crimes committed in their presence and pursue offenders statewide. Broader general police powers can be activated only by the Governor through a signed proclamation that lasts up to 90 days and can be renewed. Patrol officers cannot receive witness fees or have an interest in prosecution costs.

New reporting rules for auto recyclers

Beginning July 1, 2026, used parts dealers and scrap processors must report each day’s vehicle buys within two business days. Until the state’s online system is live, send data to NMVTIS within 48 hours through an approved consolidator. You must check for liens before buying for scrap, verify crushed vehicles were reported, and keep ID copies and other records for two years. DPS can inspect vehicles before branded titles and can inspect your shops for compliance. Late or missing reports can bring civil fines up to $1,000 per violation, and knowing falsification or lien violations carry criminal penalties. The state treats your submitted data as confidential business information, shared only with law enforcement or for title cancellation.

New Homeland Security office and fusion center

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates an Office of Homeland Security in DPS. Its investigators can investigate and arrest statewide for cybercrime, terrorism, violent acts, and intimidation. The commissioner may pay rewards to help find and convict offenders. The law also creates a fusion center to share threat and school‑safety info; if funded, three analysts monitor social media threats and send out school safety updates.

Public Safety Department reorganized and streamlined

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state consolidates the Department of Public Safety and sets its offices and divisions. The Governor appoints a commissioner, confirmed by the Senate, who can hire office heads, reorganize units, and must submit an annual org chart with the Governor’s budget. The commissioner appoints a statewide safety training officer and sets active‑shooter response guidelines after consulting police chiefs and sheriffs. Certain DPS code sections are repealed July 1, 2028.

Tell DPS when you scrap a car

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you scrap, dismantle, or destroy a vehicle, you must mark that on the title. You must mail or deliver the title to the Department of Public Safety for cancellation right away. A new title is issued only with a vehicle inspection certificate and proof you paid the required fee.

Higher fees for branded titles and VINs

Beginning July 1, 2026, the branded title inspection fee is $125 per vehicle (up from $75). The VIN verification fee is $50 (up from $25). The state deposits these fees into the Salvage Certificate of Title Fund.

Higher autopsy and expert witness payments

For death investigations from Jan 1, 2024 through Dec 31, 2027, counties pay $185 per report plus actual expenses. For investigations on or after Jan 1, 2028, the fee is $195. Pathologists are paid $1,200 per autopsy starting Jan 1, 2024, plus mileage and up to $100 per autopsy for outside testing. The office that employs a subpoenaed medical examiner, physician, or pathologist can bill the subpoenaing party for a reasonable hourly expert‑witness fee and mileage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kevin Horan

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Hale

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 325 • No: 7

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 2

House vote • 3/31/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 114 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 2/11/2026

Passed

Yes: 109 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/8/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/6/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/2/2026House

  4. Conference Report Adopted

    3/31/2026House

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    3/31/2026Senate

  6. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026House

  7. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026Senate

  8. Conferees Named Fillingane,Sparks,Rhodes

    3/23/2026Senate

  9. Conferees Named Horan,Owen,Anderson (122nd)

    3/23/2026House

  10. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/18/2026House

  11. Returned For Concurrence

    3/12/2026Senate

  12. Passed As Amended

    3/10/2026Senate

  13. Amended

    3/10/2026Senate

  14. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/3/2026Senate

  15. Referred To Judiciary, Division B

    2/17/2026Senate

  16. Transmitted To Senate

    2/12/2026House

  17. Passed

    2/11/2026House

  18. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/3/2026House

  19. Referred To Judiciary B

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

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