Senate Bill 2813

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 51-9-176, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE PEARL RIVER VALLEY WATER DISTRICT RESERVOIR PATROL TO PARTICIPATE IN MULTIJURISDICTIONAL TRAINING, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 51-9-176, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

51-9-176. At the request of a Mississippi municipality, county, other legal political subdivision of the state or a Mississippi state agency, federal agency, or under a declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the Governor or the President of the United States, the officers of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Reservoir Patrol may render law enforcement services including search and rescue using Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Reservoir Patrol equipment. Officers of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Reservoir may also participate in joint multijurisdictional training exercises, multijurisdictional law enforcement operations and multijurisdictional search and rescue operations. The officers may exercise the law enforcement authority granted under Section 59-9-175 in the jurisdiction of the training, operation or emergency. The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Reservoir Patrol, with the approval of the governing board, may enter into agreements with jurisdictions regarding the circumstances in which emergency assistance may be provided and administered. Unless otherwise directed by an agreement, officers will remain under the authority of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Reservoir Patrol Chief or to whomever and to what level of authority is delegated by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Patrol Reservoir Chief or by assignment through the National Incident Management System or by the stated declaration of disaster or emergency. The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District Reservoir Patrol may seek reimbursement for services and related expenses if available.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.