Senate Bill 2857

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR WILLFULLY DISCHARGING A FIREARM TOWARD THE DWELLING OF ANOTHER AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE DWELLING OR DOMESTICATED ANIMALS OR LIVESTOCK; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO DEVELOP A SAFETY PROGRAM FOR HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING AND WALKING TRAILS IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. A person who willfully discharges his firearm toward the dwelling of another, causing property damage to the dwelling or any domesticated animal or livestock, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment not exceeding twelve (12) months in the county jail, or both.

SECTION 2. (1) The department shall clearly designate and mark hiking, horseback riding and walking trails on state-owned wildlife management areas. The department shall develop and implement a safety program and regulations for the use of the trails during any gun season.

(2) The department is directed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the USDA Forest Service to develop and implement a safety program and regulations for the use of hiking, horseback riding and walking trails during any gun season in wildlife management areas on national forest lands.

SECTION 3. A county may regulate the discharge of any firearm or weapon, other than a BB gun, within any platted subdivision. However, no county may prohibit the discharge of any firearm or weapon on land, if such firearm or weapon is discharged in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile from such firearm or weapon to travel across any property line without permission of the property owner.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2010.