MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Clark

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 45-3-29 AND 97-7-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IMPERSONATING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OR OTHER OFFICERS SHALL BE A FELONY; TO REVISE PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 45-3-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-3-29. It shall be unlawful for any person not authorized so to do to impersonate a state highway safety patrolman, wear or use the insignia or uniform thereof, or to in anywise imitate or impersonate such patrolman. Any person adjudged guilty of violating this section shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail, where such offense is committed, for a term of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Nothing in this section however, shall be construed to prevent or preclude the boards of supervisors of the several counties from employing county highway patrolmen as presently authorized by law, and said county patrolmen shall, when authorized by the commissioner and under rules and regulations with respect thereto, after completing such examinations and meeting such requirements as are specified by the commissioner, be entitled to wear the uniform and insignia of state highway safety patrolmen and discharge the duties thereof.

SECTION 2. Section 97-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

97-7-43. Whoever falsely and willfully assumes or pretends to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the State of Mississippi or any department, agency or officer thereof; or of any county, municipality or any other subdivision of the State of Mississippi, or of any department, agency or officer of such county, municipality or subdivision, shall be guilty of a felony and punished for each separate such offense by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years in jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.