House Bill 55

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-1-14, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION ON WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO PERMIT RETIRING SWORN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS EMPLOYED BY THE COMMISSION TO RETAIN ONE SIDE ARM ISSUED TO HIM DURING HIS SERVICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-1-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-1-14. (1) Each person employed by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a sworn law enforcement officer who meets the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, and who retires for superannuation or for reason of disability under the Public Employees' Retirement System * * *, upon his request, may be allowed by the commission to retain, as his personal property, one (1) side arm which was issued to him, during his service, provided funds are available for such purpose.

(2) In order to be eligible to retain a side arm issued to him under subsection (1) of this section, a retiring sworn law enforcement officer employed by the commission must have attended and successfully completed the law enforcement curriculum at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy, and must be certified as a qualified law enforcement officer by the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.