MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Smith (35th)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 75-67-335, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF STOLEN GOODS WHICH ARE PLEDGED 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, * * * the rightful owner of such pledged goods shall not be liable to the licensee for the pledged amount.  The rightful owner shall cooperate in the criminal prosecution related to such pawn transaction * * *. It shall also be the responsibility of the licensee to assist 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 may prosecute such person for any applicable criminal violations.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.