Senate Bill 2067

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS TO DIRECT, CONTROL OR REGULATE TRAFFIC WHILE ACTUALLY ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 63-3-203 AND 63-3-313, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. A volunteer fire fighter registered with the State of Mississippi or a political subdivision thereof shall be authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic while actually engaged in the performance of his duties if in the absence of or at the direction of a law enforcement authority.

SECTION 2. Section 63-3-203, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-3-203. No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer or volunteer fire fighter invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.

SECTION 3. Section 63-3-313, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-3-313. No driver of a vehicle shall disobey the instructions of any official traffic-control device placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless at the time otherwise directed by a police officer or volunteer fire fighter invested by law with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.