MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Wildlife and Fisheries

By: Senator(s) Posey

Senate Bill 2522

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-8, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM LICENSE FEE FOR NONRESIDENT FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSES AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN SPECIAL LICENSES FOR HUNTS FOR NONRESIDENT YOUTHS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-7-8, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-7-8.  (1)  No nonresident sixteen (16) years of age or older may hunt, fish, kill, take or trap any game animal, bird or fish without having acquired and having in his immediate possession a valid license issued by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

     (2)  The commission shall have the following duties and powers:

          (a)  To prescribe the forms and types of nonresident licenses that a nonresident must obtain;

          (b)  To determine the total number of each type of nonresident license to be issued annually;

          (c)  To establish fees for nonresident licenses and the collection fees for the agent issuing such licenses; provided, however, that the fee for a nonresident all game hunting license shall not be less than Sixty Dollars ($60.00).  The fee for a nonresident freshwater fishing license shall not be less than the fee that the nonresident's domicile state charges a Mississippi resident for a nonresident freshwater fishing license.

          (d)  To exercise all incidental powers necessary to develop a nonresident licensing program.

     (3)  The commission shall not allow special nonresident youth hunts or licenses.  Any special nonresident youth hunts or license are prohibited.

     (4)  A nonresident who violates this section or any licensing regulation of the commission is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Section 49-7-21(3).

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.