Senate Bill 2530

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-161, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF DUCK STAMP; TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-163, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO ISSUE AN ELECTRONIC DUCK STAMP; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-7-161, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-161. For purposes of Sections 49-7-161 through 49-7-173, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meaning described herein:

(a) "Migratory waterfowl" means any wild goose, brant or wild duck.

(b) "Commission" means the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

SECTION 2. Section 49-7-163, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-163. It is unlawful for any person sixteen (16) years of age or older to hunt or take any migratory waterfowl within this state without first procuring a state migratory waterfowl stamp or its electronic equivalent and having the stamp or proof of purchase of the electronic equivalent in his possession while hunting or taking any migratory waterfowl. Any penalty for not having the stamp in possession while engaged in hunting or taking migratory waterfowl shall be waived if the person can verify purchase of a stamp prior to the date of the violation. Each stamp shall be validated by the signature of the licensee written across the face of the stamp or the proof of purchase of the electronic equivalent. The commission shall determine the form of the stamp and the electronic equivalent and shall furnish the stamps to bonded agents for issuance or sale in the same manner as other types of licenses or cause the electronic equivalent to accrue to the purchaser's benefit when purchasing a license from an automated point of sale vendor.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.