Mississippi Lawmakers Reject Sheriff Radar Bill Amid Concerns Over Speed Traps

Victim's family grieves loss of legislation that could have helped curb state's high traffic fatality rate.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Despite Mississippi leading the nation in fatal car crashes, state legislators have repeatedly blocked bills that would allow county sheriffs to use speed radars, citing concerns over potential abuse and government overreach. The latest attempt, Senate Bill 2614, was recently tabled in committee, devastating the family of 14-year-old Ayden Stockstill, who was killed in a high-speed crash. Advocates argue radars could save lives, while opponents worry about the creation of speed traps.

Why it matters

Mississippi has struggled for years with an alarmingly high rate of traffic fatalities, particularly on rural roads. Giving sheriffs the ability to use speed radars has been proposed as a potential solution, but concerns about government overreach and speed traps have prevented the legislation from advancing. This latest defeat is a major setback for road safety advocates and victims' families who believe radar enforcement could help curb the "slaughter" happening on the state's highways.

The details

Senate Bill 2614 would have allowed counties to provide a set number of speed radars to sheriff's departments based on population, in an effort to monitor county roads and reduce the high number of fatal crashes. However, the bill was tabled on February 12th after concerns were raised about the potential for abuse and the creation of speed traps. Opponents argue that sheriffs, who are elected officials, should be held accountable by voters if they misuse radar technology.

  • Ayden Stockstill, 14, was killed in a high-speed crash on Texas Flat Road in Mississippi in 2025.
  • Senate Bill 2614, the first-ever radar bill to make it out of committee in Mississippi, was tabled on February 12, 2026.

The players

Richard Bouchard

Ayden Stockstill's grandfather and a strong advocate for giving sheriffs the ability to use speed radars.

Ayden Stockstill

A 14-year-old boy who was killed in a high-speed crash in Mississippi in 2025.

Charlie Sims

Forrest County Sheriff who argues that sheriffs can be held accountable by voters if they misuse radar technology.

Sen. Rod Hickman

The senator who put forth the motion to table Senate Bill 2614.

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What they’re saying

“People tell me that's Mississippi State colors. It's not. It's the color of dried blood on the side of our highways.”

— Richard Bouchard, Ayden Stockstill's grandfather (wdam.com)

“Even though he [Ayden] was buckled in the back seat, the crash was so violent that he suffered a neck injury and died in his father's arms on the side of the road.”

— Richard Bouchard, Ayden Stockstill's grandfather (wdam.com)

“Of all the agencies in Mississippi that would utilize radar if sheriffs had it, they are the only ones who can be held accountable every four years when they come up for vote. If sheriffs were abusing that and setting up speed traps or that nature, then citizens have the right to take that sheriff out of office.”

— Charlie Sims, Forrest County Sheriff (wdam.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.