Senate Bill 2556

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-148, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO ALLOW HANDICAPPED OR ELDERLY HUNTERS TO USE ATV'S IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS DURING HUNTING SEASON FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-7-148, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-148. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may provide handicapped hunters and elderly hunters reasonable access to hunting areas in public wildlife management areas under its jurisdiction. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall promulgate rules and regulations for reasonable access and include a definition of "handicapped hunters" as used in this section. "Elderly hunter" means any person sixty-five (65) years of age or older. The department shall allow such hunters to use all-terrain vehicles in wildlife management areas during hunting season to transport stands, equipment or game.

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