MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representatives Blackmon, Smith (39th), Reynolds, Read, Wells-Smith, Smith (27th), Bailey, Perkins, Johnson, Moore, Franks, Fredericks

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-5-89, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO MAKE AWARDS FOR REPORTING ARSON VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. Section 83-5-89, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

83-5-89. (1) The Commissioner of Insurance shall establish a program for the collection of information relating to arson incidents occurring in the state. The program shall be administered through an appropriate bureau within the Department of Insurance.

(2) The fire department, sheriff, chief of police or mayor, an agency of the state or political subdivision shall submit any information required on the Uniform Arson Incident Report, established by the Commissioner of Insurance, to the Commissioner of Insurance when an arson incident occurs in their respective jurisdictions.

(3) The Commissioner of Insurance shall promulgate rules to implement the program and may obtain any assistance available from the United States Department of Justice in the accomplishment of this section.

(4) The Commissioner of Insurance is authorized to make awards of up to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to individuals who report incidents of arson which result in the arrest and conviction of any person for the crime of arson.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.