Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1232

Introduced
1/16/23  
Refer
1/16/23  

Caption

Law enforcement officers; regulate payment for non exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1232 is poised to significantly alter the compensation structure for law enforcement personnel across the state. By conforming to FLSA requirements, the bill ensures that public safety employees are properly compensated for their work, especially for overtime. This step is intended to recognize the critical role of law enforcement and promote fair work practices within public service sectors. It also seeks to protect officers from losing earned compensatory time, further enhancing their job security and satisfaction.

Summary

House Bill 1232 aims to mandate that law enforcement officers in Mississippi, classified as nonexempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), receive compensation for hours worked according to specific guidelines. The bill stipulates that officers must be paid at least their regular hourly rate for up to 43 hours in a week, 86 hours in a two-week period, or 171 hours in a 28-day period. Additionally, should officers choose to receive compensatory time instead of pay, they are entitled to earn time on an hour-for-hour basis, which cannot be forfeited.

Contention

While the bill broadly seeks to fortify the welfare of law enforcement officers, it may face scrutiny regarding its financial implications for local governments and state budgets. Some critics might argue that the mandated compensation levels could strain resources, particularly in smaller municipalities where budget constraints are prevalent. Moreover, discussions around the effectiveness of enforcing the stipulated compensation guidelines could also arise among local governance, highlighting a potential tension between enforcing state standards and managing local fiscal responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2432

Law enforcement officers; regulate payment for nonexempt employees under the FLSA.

MS SCR3

Urge Fair Labor Standards Act changes for employees under 16

MS SB471

Increasing the Kansas minimum wage to $16 an hour and making such minimum wage applicable to employers and employees covered under the provisions of the federal fair labor standards act.

MS HB2548

Relating to labor standards for agricultural workers; and declaring an emergency.

MS H5678

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

MS S0589

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

MS S2166

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

MS H7490

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

MS HB438

Employee Payment For Unused Leave

MS SF5277

Definition of employee modification under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act and whistleblower protections to explicitly include incarcerated people

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.