MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Fees, Salaries and Administration

By: Senator(s) Posey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-3-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ALLOW ANY COUNTY CONSTABLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE USED PASSENGER AUTOMOBILES DIRECTLY FROM THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE AUCTIONING, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSING OF, THE USED AUTOMOBILES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 45-3-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-3-31. The commissioner is authorized to purchase (a) uniforms for the members of the Highway Safety Patrol at a price not to exceed One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) each, (b) automobiles, motorcycles and other equipment necessary for the efficient operation of the Highway Safety Patrol, but the number of passenger automobiles purchased, owned or operated by the Highway Safety Patrol shall not exceed the number set forth in Section 25-1-85, Mississippi Code of 1972, and (c) identification equipment in a sum of not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). The commissioner is further authorized to purchase or lease necessary equipment for two-way radio sub and booster stations, and he may equip each of the patrol automobiles with sending and receiving radios, of a type to be selected by him, within the limits of any appropriation made therefor. The commissioner may trade in used equipment on the purchase of new equipment or other materials. Before auctioning, or otherwise disposing of, any used passenger automobiles, the commissioner shall allow any county constable the opportunity to purchase such automobiles directly from the department.

The commissioner shall allow and furnish to each patrolman at least two (2) complete uniforms per year. The commissioner shall keep all automobiles, motorcycles and other equipment in good state of repair and pay the expenses incident thereto, and he is authorized to pay the expenses of maintaining and operating necessary equipment for two-way radio sub and booster stations purchased or leased.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.