AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-29-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "POLYGRAPH EXAMINER" WITHIN THE POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS LAW; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Summary
Senate Bill 2115 amends Mississippi’s Polygraph Examiners Law by revising the statutory definition of “polygraph examiner” in Section 73-29-3 of the Mississippi Code. The bill keeps the existing framework for the Polygraph Examiners Board, internships, and related terms, but updates the definition to describe a polygraph examiner as a person who uses any device or polygraph instrument to test or question individuals for the purpose of verifying the truth of statements.
The measure is a narrow definitional change rather than a broad policy overhaul. It appears intended to clarify who falls within the scope of the licensing and regulatory provisions governing polygraph examiners in Mississippi, which may affect who must comply with board rules, licensing requirements, and oversight under the chapter. The act would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Impact
SB2115 would amend Section 73-29-3 of the Mississippi Code, which defines terms used in the Polygraph Examiners Law. By revising the definition of “polygraph examiner,” the bill could affect the reach of Mississippi’s licensing and regulatory scheme for individuals who administer polygraph examinations or use related devices. The change may influence who is subject to board regulation, internship requirements, and any enforcement or qualification standards tied to the statutory definition.
Sentiment
There is little recorded debate or voting history available for this bill, so overall sentiment cannot be measured from committee testimony or floor votes. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears technical and noncontroversial, focused on clarifying an occupational definition rather than creating new restrictions or expanding regulatory authority in a dramatic way.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. If concerns were raised, they would likely center on how the revised definition affects the scope of regulated polygraph practice, whether it broadens or narrows who must be licensed, and whether the language is sufficiently precise for enforcement by the Polygraph Examiners Board. However, no committee transcript or vote record is available to identify any opposing viewpoints.