House Bill 956

AN ACT TO REQUIRE VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE OF EVIDENCE; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN IDENTIFICATION EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR ALL EVIDENCE AND THE USE THEREOF; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Every law enforcement agency shall install video and audio surveillance equipment in any room or other area where evidence is stored. Such equipment shall include features that require an officer to sign in with an electronic signature that identifies the officer when an officer enters the room or other area where evidence is stored. Electronic bar codes shall be used on all evidence for identification and inventory purposes. Any person handling any evidence shall sign in whenever handling such evidence. Processing officers shall be matched to any evidence at arrest, submission of evidence and the use of evidence in any court proceeding.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2014.