Sheriffs and police officers; require availability of less-lethal force option while on duty.

HB 1316 requires all Mississippi sheriffs and police officers to have at least one non-lethal tool (such as a stun gun, baton, or pepper spray) available during duty hours. The bill amends existing laws to mandate that this equipment be provided as part of standard police gear and included in county sheriff’s office budgets. It directly affects every sheriff and police officer in Mississippi by requiring counties to allocate funds for these tools in their annual budgets. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and has not become law.