MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Senator(s) Doxey

Senate Bill 2581

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-20, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972,TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO RECEIVES AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE U.S. ARMED FORCES IS NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE TO OBTAIN A HUNTING LICENSE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-7-20.  (1)  It is unlawful for any person born on or after January 1, 1972, to procure any Mississippi hunting license, except a resident apprentice hunting license, unless the person has been issued certification of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department.  This subsection shall not apply to any person who has received an honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

     (2)  It is unlawful for any person to issue any Mississippi hunting license, except a resident apprentice hunting license, to any person born on or after January 1, 1972, unless the purchaser has provided valid certification of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department or has provided proof of an honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

     (3)  It is unlawful for any person to fraudulently obtain a hunter education certification.

     (4)  The department may revoke any hunting license or hunter education certification upon determination that the holder was not entitled to issuance or obtained the license or certification by any fraudulent means.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.