Senate Bill 2551

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-19-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT THE BAD CHECK LAW APPLIES TO CHECKS GIVEN IN PAYMENT OF RENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 97-19-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

97-19-55. It shall be unlawful for any person with fraudulent intent:

(a) To make, draw, issue, utter or deliver any check, draft or order for the payment of money drawn on any bank, corporation, firm or person for the purpose of obtaining money, services or any article of value, * * * for the purpose of satisfying a preexisting debt or making a payment or payments on a past due account or accounts, or for the purpose of paying rent, whether on real or personal property, making a loan payment, a lease payment, or making any installment payment, knowing at the time of making, drawing, issuing, uttering or delivering said check, draft or order that the maker or drawer has not sufficient funds in or on deposit with such bank, corporation, firm or person for the payment of such check, draft or order in full, and all other checks, drafts or orders upon such funds then outstanding;

(b) To close an account without leaving sufficient funds to cover all outstanding checks written on such account.

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