MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Conservation and Water Resources

By: Representative Ellington

AN ACT TO CREATE A NEW CODE SECTION THAT PROHIBITS CERTAIN BOATS FROM BEING OPERATED IN COASTAL PRESERVES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate airboats, aircraft, personal water craft, hover craft or marsh buggies on any publicly owned and managed vegetated wetlands inside the coastal preserves.

(2) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this subsection:

(a) "Operate" means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or vessel.

(b) "Personal water craft" means a vessel having an inboard motor that powers a water jet pump as the primary source of propulsion and is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel.

(3) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less that One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this act shall be codified in Chapter 27, Title 49, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.