MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Juvenile Justice

By: Senator(s) Chaney

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-32-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR SUSPENSION OF DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT OF YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS IN POSSESSION OF TOBACCO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 97-32-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

97-32-13. (1) Any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who falsely states he is eighteen (18) years of age or older, or presents any document that indicates he is eighteen (18) years of age or older, for the purpose of purchasing or possessing any tobacco or tobacco product shall be penalized not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) or required to complete at least thirty (30) days community service, or both.

(2) (a) Any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who violates the provisions of this chapter, in addition to any other punishment authorized by law, may have his driver's license suspended for a period of one (1) month, and shall pay a fine of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for the first offense, or shall have his driver's license suspended for three (3) months and pay a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for a second or subsequent offense.

(b) Upon conviction or adjudication of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years for a violation of this chapter, the judge shall notify the Commissioner of Public Safety of the adjudication on a form to be devised by the commissioner. The commissioner or his authorized agent shall suspend the driver's license or permit to drive or deny the issuance of a license or permit to the person as provided in this subsection (2).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.