House Bill 833

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS WHO ENTER AND EXIT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE MISSISSIPPI COMMISSION ON WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS SHALL NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE FIRST TWO VIOLATIONS OF COMMISSION RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE PERSONS TO CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT AT PERMIT STATIONS BUT SHALL BE ISSUED A WARNING THAT A THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION MAY RESULT IN A FINE OR OTHER PENALTY; TO PRESCRIBE THE FINE THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR A THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Any person who fails to comply with rules and regulations promulgated by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks that require persons who enter and exit wildlife management areas under the jurisdiction of the commission to check-in and check-out at permit stations located on such areas shall not be charged for the first two (2) violations but shall be issued a warning that a third or subsequent violation may result in a fine or other penalty. A third or subsequent violation of such rule or regulation shall be punished by a fine of Five Dollars ($5.00); however, no state assessment provided for by Section 99-19-73, or any other state law, may be imposed or collected.

(2) A person shall not be required to check-in or check-out at any such permit station unless the person actually engages in hunting or fishing activities on the wildlife management area.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.