MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Banks

House Bill 1549

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-37-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A SEIZED WEAPON SHALL ONLY BE RETURNED TO AN ADULT OWNER IF CHARGES ARE DISMISSED OR THE DEFENDANT IS ACQUITTED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 97-37-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     97-37-3.  Any weapon used in violation of Section 97-37-1, or used in the commission of any other crime, shall be seized by the arresting officer, may be introduced in evidence, and in the event of a conviction, shall be ordered to be forfeited, and shall be disposed of as ordered by the court having jurisdiction of such offense.  In the event of dismissal or acquittal of charges, such weapon shall be returned to the owner if the owner is aged eighteen (18) years or older.

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