MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Judiciary

By: Senator(s) Simmons

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE GIVING OF WEAPONS AS PRIZES AT CARNIVALS, CIRCUSES, FAIRS AND LIKE CONCERNS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO ANY PERSON LESS THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE; TO ESTABLISH THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF SUCH PROHIBITION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. (1) It is unlawful for:

(a) Any carnival, circus, fair or like concern or organization;

(b) Any person associated with any carnival, circus, fair or like concern or organization;

(c) Any person operating any business in connection with any carnival, circus, fair or like concern or organization; or

(d) Any person operating any business located on the premises on which any carnival, circus, fair or like concern or organization is being conducted;

to give or offer to give to any person less than twenty-one (21) years of age any weapon or deadly weapon as a prize in any type of game or contest held in connection with the carnival, circus, fair or like concern or organization. For the purpose of this section the terms "weapon" and "deadly weapon" mean any weapon or firearm mentioned in Section 97-37-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, and any rifle or shotgun regardless of barrel length.

(2) Any person convicted of violating this section shall be punished as follows:

(a) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both, in the discretion of the court, for the first conviction.

(b) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and imprisonment in the county jail for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, for the second and any subsequent conviction.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.