Senate Bill 2447

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 17-25-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES MAY ALLOW THE PAYMENT OF JUDGMENTS, FINES, COSTS AND PENALTIES IMPOSED UPON CONVICTION FOR CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC OFFENSES BY CREDIT CARDS, CHARGE CARDS, DEBIT CARDS AND OTHER FORMS OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 17-25-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

17-25-1. The board of supervisors of any county and the governing authorities of any municipality may allow the payment of various taxes, fees and other accounts receivable to the county or municipality by credit cards, charge cards, debit cards and other forms of electronic payment, in accordance with policies established by the State Auditor. Any fees or charges associated with the use of such electronic payments shall be assessed to the user of the electronic payment as an additional charge for processing the electronic payment, so that the user will pay the full cost of using the electronic payment. However, a county or municipality shall not charge the user any additional amount above the processing fee on each transaction. For purposes of this section, the term "accounts receivable" includes, but is not limited to, judgments, fines, costs and penalties imposed upon conviction for criminal and traffic offenses. This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2014.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2013.