MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representatives Broomfield, Guice, Hamilton, Endt, Comans

House Bill 482

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 75-67-335, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE OWNER OF STOLEN GOODS WHICH ARE PAWNED SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE PLEDGED AMOUNT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. Section 75-67-335, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

75-67-335. If any pledged goods from a pawn transaction are found to be stolen goods and are returned to the rightful owner by law enforcement authorities and if the licensee who accepted such pledged goods has complied with all of the duties and responsibilities as specified in this article during such transaction, then the rightful owner of such pledged goods shall not be liable to the licensee for the pledged amount if the rightful owner fails to prosecute or cooperate in the criminal prosecution related to such pawn transaction, provided that the rightful owner can prove that the stolen goods are his. It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to prosecute or cooperate in the criminal prosecution related to such pawn transaction. If the identity of a person who pawned stolen goods can be determined, the district attorney shall prosecute such person for any applicable criminal violations.

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