MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Massengill

House Bill 1351

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-3-1201, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT RECKLESS DRIVING SHALL BE PRESUMED WHEN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH RESULTS FROM THE MANNER IN WHICH A PERSON DRIVES; TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS DRIVING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 63-3-1201, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     63-3-1201.  Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.  Reckless driving shall be presumed when serious bodily injury or death results from the manner in which a person drives. Reckless driving shall be considered a greater offense than careless driving.

     Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine of not less than * * * Five Dollars ($5.00) Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than * * * One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), and on a second or subsequent conviction he may be punished by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) days or by a fine of not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.