Law enforcement agency; authorize to purchase equipment with certain proceeds.

HB 770 amends Mississippi law to allow law enforcement agencies to use proceeds from selling forfeited weapons to purchase equipment for their own use. Specifically, if a weapon seized during a crime investigation is deemed "merchantable" (in good condition), it can be sold at auction through federally-licensed dealers, with the funds directed solely toward agency equipment purchases. This applies to agencies that seized the weapon, such as local police departments or sheriff's offices. The bill does not change seizure rules but redirects existing forfeiture proceeds toward operational equipment needs. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.