MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Municipalities

By: Senator(s) Kirby

Senate Bill 2923

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-37-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF ANY MUNICIPALITY TO RESTRICT THE ACCESS TO A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET BETWEEN THE HOURS DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY UPON A FINDING THAT A COMPELLING SAFETY INTEREST EXISTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 21-37-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     21-37-7.  (1)  The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power to close and vacate any street or alley, or any portion thereof.  No street or alley or any portion thereof shall be closed or vacated, however, except upon due compensation being first made to the abutting landowners upon such street or alley for all damages sustained thereby.

     (2)  The governing authority of any municipality may, in its discretion, adopt an ordinance to restrict the access to a neighborhood street between the hours determined by the governing authority upon a finding that a compelling safety interest exists.  The governing authority may repair, maintain, pave, sprinkle, adorn and light such street.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.