House Bill 724

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 75-35-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR BRIBING A STATE MEAT INSPECTOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 75-35-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

75-35-29. Any person, firm, or corporation, or any agent or employee of any person, firm, or corporation, who shall give, pay, or offer, directly or indirectly, to any inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector, or any other officer or employee of this state authorized to perform any of the duties prescribed by this chapter or by the rules and regulations of the commissioner, any money or other thing of value, with intent to influence said inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector, or other officer or employee of this state in the discharge of any duty herein provided for, shall be deemed guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and by imprisonment not less than one (1) year nor more than three (3) years. Any inspector, deputy inspector, chief inspector, or other officer or employee of this state authorized to perform any of the duties prescribed by this chapter who shall accept any money, gift, or other thing of value from any person, firm, or corporation, or officers, agents, or employees thereof, given with intent to influence his official action, or who shall receive or accept from any person, firm, or corporation engaged in intrastate commerce any gift, money, or other thing of value given with any purpose or intent whatsoever, shall be deemed guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be summarily discharged from office and shall be punished by a fine not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and by imprisonment not less than one (1) year nor more than three (3) years.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.