MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2000 Regular Session
To: Forestry
By: Senator(s) King, White (29th), Johnson (19th), Burton
Senate Bill 3148
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO PROHIBIT OR RESTRICT OUTDOOR BURNING DURING DROUGHT CONDITIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE FORESTRY COMMISSION SHALL DETERMINE IF SUCH DROUGHT CONDITIONS EXISTS; TO PROVIDE PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) In this section, "drought conditions" means the existence of a long-term deficit of moisture creating severe conditions with increased wildfire occurrences as determined by the State Forestry Commission through use of drought indices or models.
(2) If the State Forestry Commission determines that drought conditions exist in a county, the commission shall notify the board of supervisors of that county. The commission may recommend that a temporary outdoor burning ban or other restrictions be adopted by the board of supervisors. The State Forestry Commission shall notify the board of supervisors when the drought conditions no longer exist.
(3) The board of supervisors may, by order, prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in all or part of the unincorporated parts of the county if drought conditions have been determined to exist by the State Forestry Commission. An order must specify the period during which burning is restricted. Any order issued under this section shall expire upon the determination that the drought conditions no longer exist.
(4) Any person who knowingly and willfully violates an order under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
(5) The sheriff of the county shall enforce the order and may cite persons for violations of an order under this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.