HB1435 • 2026

Law enforcement stops; require explanation during the stop.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO STOPS OR OTHERWISE DETAINS A PERSON FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME TO ARTICULATE THE REASON OR REASONS FOR SUCH STOP OR DETENTION TO THE PERSON DURING THE TIME OF THE STOP OR DETENTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Gibbs (72nd)
Last action: 2026-02-03
Official status: Dead
Effective date: July 1, 20

Plain English Breakdown

The candidate explanation included a claim about defining terms which is implied by the context of the bill summary but not directly stated. The bill did not pass, so there are no further details on enforcement or consequences for non-compliance.

Police Stops Require Explanation

This bill requires police officers to explain the reason for stopping someone during the stop.

What This Bill Does

Defines 'law enforcement officer' and 'stop'.
Requires a law enforcement officer to explain the reason for stopping someone during the stop.

Who It Names or Affects

Law enforcement officers in Mississippi.
People who are stopped or detained by police.

Terms To Know

law enforcement officer: A person with the authority to stop someone if they do not comply, which could lead to criminal penalties.
stop: Any hinderance of a person's movement, interruption of movement or form of detention by a law enforcement officer for any reason.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass and will not become law.
It does not specify what happens if an officer fails to explain the stop.

Bill History

2026-02-03 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
02/03 (H) Died In Committee
2026-01-16 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
01/16 (H) Referred To Judiciary B

Official Summary Text

Law enforcement stops; require explanation during the stop.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

H. B. No. 1435 *HR31/R252* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR31/R252
PAGE 1 (GT\JAB)

To: Judiciary B
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representative Gibbs (72nd)

HOUSE BILL NO. 1435

AN ACT TO REQUIRE ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO STOPS OR 1
OTHERWISE DETAINS A PERSON FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME TO ARTICULATE 2
THE REASON OR REASONS FOR SUCH STOP OR DETENTION TO THE PERSON 3
DURING THE TIME OF THE STOP OR DETENTION; AND FOR RELATED 4
PURPOSES. 5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 6
SECTION 1. (1) The following words shall have the following 7
meanings described herein: 8
(a) "Law enforcement officer" means the same as defined 9
in Section 45-6-3, and includes any other person who has the 10
authority of law to stop or otherwise detain a person if the 11
failure or refusal of the person to stop or be detained could 12
result in criminal penalties to the person. 13
(b) "Stop" means any hinderance of a person's movement, 14
interruption of movement or form of detention by a law enforcement 15
officer for any reason including consensual or nonconsensual 16
searches of the person's body or property in the person's 17
possession or control. 18
H. B. No. 1435 *HR31/R252* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR31/R252
PAGE 2 (GT\JAB)
ST: Law enforcement stops; require explanation
during the stop.
(2) When a law enforcement officer stops any person for any 19
reason, such law enforcement officer or officers, as applicable, 20
shall articulate the reason or reasons for such stop during the 21
time of the stop. 22
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from 23
and after July 1, 2026. 24