Senate Bill 2574

AN ACT TO REQUIRE PROOF THAT THE OWNER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IS A UNITED STATES CITIZEN OR ALIEN WHO IS LEGALLY IN THIS COUNTRY BEFORE HE MAY RECEIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Every owner of a motor vehicle in this state shall furnish proof that he is a citizen of the United States or that he is an alien who is legally in this country before he may receive a license tag for a motor vehicle or renew a license tag; however, once an owner has presented adequate proof that he is a citizen of the United States, he shall not be required to present proof of citizenship thereafter. Proof of citizenship or legal alien status shall be made by presenting to the tax collector in person or by mail such evidence of citizenship or legal alien status as may be required by the Department of Revenue.

(2) Any person who presents or causes to be presented to the tax collector false evidence of such person's citizenship or legal alien status, upon conviction, shall be fined Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and shall be subject to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2012.