MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
By: Representative Eaton
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REDUCE THE PENALTY IMPOSED FOR HUNTING OR TRAPPING ALLIGATORS OUT OF SEASON WITHOUT THE REQUIRED PERMIT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 49-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
49-7-47. (1) The commission may control, regulate and manage the taking of all alligators.
(2) Residents and nonresidents shall be required to purchase a combination hunting and fishing license to hunt, kill or catch any alligator for sporting purposes.
(3) Residents and nonresidents shall be required to obtain a special permit to hunt, kill, catch or possess any alligator for commercial purposes. The commission may establish a reasonable fee for an annual special sporting permit, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), and may prescribe regulations governing commercial trade in alligators. Any reasonable fee established for an annual special commercial permit shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Such permit shall be good from the date of its issuance to June 30 following its date.
(4) Any person violating
this section is guilty, upon conviction, of a Class * * * II offense and is punishable as provided
in Section * * *
49-7-143.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.