MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Senator(s) Hamilton

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO WILLFULLY DESTROYS ANY FIELD CROP SHALL BE LIABLE FOR TWICE THE VALUE OF THE CROP DESTROYED.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Any person or entity who willfully and knowingly damages or destroys any field crop product that is grown for personal or commercial purposes, or for testing or research purposes in the context of a product development program in conjunction or coordination with a private research facility or a university or any federal, state or local government agency, shall be liable for twice the value of the crop damaged or destroyed.

(2) In awarding damages under this section, the courts shall consider the market value of the crop prior to damage or destruction and production, research, testing, replacement and crop development costs directly related to the crop that has been damaged or destroyed as part of the value of the crop.

(3) Damages available under this section shall be limited to twice the market value of the crop prior to damage or destruction plus twice the actual damages involving production, research, testing, replacement and crop development costs directly related to the crop that has been damaged or destroyed.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "field crop" means any product grown, developed or raised for purposes, including, but not limited to, human or animal consumption, research, industrial, commercial or pharmacological purposes.

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