MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Holland

House Bill 726

AN ACT TO PROTECT UTILITY WORKERS FROM HARM BY ANIMALS; TO PROVIDE A FINE FOR THE OWNER OF AN ANIMAL HARMING A UTILITY WORKER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The owner of any animal which causes harm to a utility worker while such worker is engaged in the course and scope of his employment shall be liable for a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).  Any such animal may be seized by law enforcement authorities and if it is determined that the animal is dangerous it may be destroyed.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.