MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Representative Lott

House Bill 444

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-148, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO ALLOW HANDICAPPED HUNTERS TO USE ATVS IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS DURING HUNTING SEASON FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-7-148, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-7-148.  The department * * * may provide handicapped hunters reasonable access to hunting areas in public wildlife management areas under its jurisdiction.  The commission * * * shall promulgate rules and regulations for reasonable access and include a definition of "handicapped hunters" as used in this section.  The department may allow such hunters to use all-terrain vehicles in wildlife management areas during hunting season.  If the commission allows the use of all-terrain vehicles, the department shall issue a special permit to use all-terrain vehicles and the person must have the permit in possession when operating such vehicle in a wildlife management area.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.