MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2025 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Burch

House Bill 1602

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE PROVISIONS OF THE FORMER "HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL AND DRIVER'S LICENSE ACT OF 1938," TO RENAME THE PROGRAM AS THE "DRIVER'S LICENSE ACT"; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE THE TERM "SYSTEM OF RECORD"; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY'S PLACE OF ADMINISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LICENSE EXAMINERS TO INPUT ALL APPLICATIONS REJECTED OR APPROVED FOR LICENSURE INTO THE SYSTEM OF RECORD; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-16, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DRIVER SAFETY BUREAU'S WEBSITE TO PROVIDE A LINK TO ACCESS A "WAIT ANYWHERE APPOINTMENT" OPTION FOR APPLICANTS; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER TO KEEP A RECORD OF ALL ORDERS MAILED TO HIM BY TRIAL JUDGES; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-45, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LICENSE EXAMINERS TO KEEP A RECORD OF ALL FUNDS RECEIVED FROM APPLICANTS IN A DIGITAL RECORD OR ACCOUNTING SYSTEM PRESCRIBED AND FURNISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT COPIES OF THE ABSTRACT OF THE COURT RECORDS FOR CONVICTIONS OF INDIVIDUALS FOR VIOLATIONS THAT EXCEED TEN DOLLARS BE SENT SPECIFICALLY TO THE COMMISSIONER IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-52, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL MEANS OF NOTIFYING INDIVIDUALS' WHOSE DRIVER'S LICENSES HAS BEEN SUSPENDED, REVOKED OR CANCELLED, INCLUDING IN WRITING BY UNITED STATES FIRST CLASS MAIL OR NOTIFICATION MADE TO THE PERSON'S DULY ISSUED MOBILE IDENTIFICATION; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 63-1-5, 63-1-6, 63-1-6.1, 63-1-7, 63-1-8, 63-1-9, 63-1-10, 63-1-10.1, 63-1-13, 63-1-19, 63-1-21, 63-1-23, 63-1-25, 63-1-27, 63-1-31, 63-1-33, 63-1-34.1, 63-1-35, 63-1-37, 63-1-39, 63-1-41, 63-1-43, 63-1-47, 63-1-49, 63-1-53, 63-1-55, 63-1-57, 63-1-58, 63-1-59, 63-1-60, 63-1-61, 63-1-63, 63-1-65, 63-1-67, 63-1-69, 63-1-71 AND 45-9-101, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS; TO REPEAL SECTION 63-1-34, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH REQUIRES THE MISSISSIPPI AUTHORITY FOR EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION TO PREPARE VIDEO TAPES OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS TO BE LOANED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ASSIST VISUALLY IMPAIRED APPLICANTS IN PREPARING FOR THE DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

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

63-1-1. This article may be cited as the * * *~~Highway Safety Patrol and~~ Driver's License * * *~~Law of 1938~~ Act.

SECTION 2. Section 63-1-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-3. The following words and phrases when used in this article shall, for the purpose of such law, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:

(a) The term "commissioner" means the Commissioner of Public Safety of this state;

(b) The term "highway" means every way or place of whatever nature open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel, and shall include streets of municipalities;

(d) The term "owner" means a person who holds the legal title of a vehicle; in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of this article.

(e) The term "system of record" means the software database which maintains all documents related to the credentials issued by the Driver Services Bureau of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

SECTION 3. Section 63-1-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-11. The provisions of this article with reference to administration shall be under the supervision of the Commissioner of Public Safety * * *~~at Jackson, Mississippi~~, who, if not otherwise specifically authorized, is hereby empowered to make and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this article.

SECTION 4. Section 63-1-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-15. The Commissioner of Public Safety shall be authorized to designate persons who may act as examiners for license or instruction permits. License examiners shall input into the system of record all applications rejected or approved in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the commissioner.

* * *

SECTION 5. Section 63-1-16, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-16. (1) The Department of Public Safety shall, upon request of the board of supervisors, furnish a Driver Service Bureau public access computer at a location in each county seat to access the Driver Service Bureau website. The county shall furnish the Internet connectivity at the location for the Driver Service Bureau public access computer.

(2) At each driver's license location in the state, there shall be location signs prominently displayed providing for required information for the various licenses, cards and other services.

(3) On the Driver Services Bureau's website, there shall be tutorial videos linked to online procedures to help clearly illustrate how to use the website.

* * *

SECTION 6. Section 63-1-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-17. As the license examiners file their statements showing the serial numbers of licenses and temporary driving permits issued pursuant to this article during the preceding month, the commissioner shall keep a record of all licenses and permits issued pursuant to this article by such examiners, a record of all licenses and permits revoked, a record of all * * *~~perforated sections~~ orders mailed to him by the trial judges, and such other information that he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this article.

SECTION 7. Section 63-1-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-45. (1) License examiners shall keep a complete record of all funds received from applicants upon * * * digital record or accounting systems as prescribed and furnished by the department. A receipt of the transactions shall be provided to the applicant. Application funds shall be subject to audit at any time. Upon submission, application forms shall be digitized and stored in the system of record.

(2) There shall be tendered with all applications for a temporary driving permit, temporary motorcycle driving permit, initial issuance of any license issued pursuant to this article, renewal licenses, duplicate licenses or any other services for which a fee is charged, the proper fee required by law by cash, certified check, money order or electronic payment as authorized under Section 27-104-33.

(3) The Commissioner of Public Safety shall deposit the amount of fees, together with all fees for duplicate licenses, permits, delinquent fees and reinstatement fees collected by him into the General Fund of the State Treasury, in accordance with the provisions of Section 45-1-23(2); however, Seven Dollars ($7.00) of the fee derived from the fee charged for original and renewal operators' licenses imposed under Section 63-1-43(1) and Four Dollars ($4.00) of the fee derived from the fee charged for original and renewal Class D commercial drivers' licenses under Section 63-1-43(4) shall be deposited into a special fund that is created in the State Treasury. Monies in the fund may be expended upon legislative appropriation solely for the purchase by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol of patrol cars, communications equipment and weapons.

SECTION 8. Section 63-1-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-51. (1) It shall be the duty of the court clerk, upon conviction of any person holding a license issued pursuant to this article where the penalty for a traffic violation is as much as Ten Dollars ($10.00), to mail a copy of abstract of the court record or provide an electronically or computer generated copy of abstract of the court record immediately to the commissioner * * * ~~at Jackson, Mississippi~~, showing the date of conviction, penalty, etc., so that a record of same may be made by the Department of Public Safety. The commissioner shall forthwith revoke the license of any person for a period of one (1) year upon receiving a duly certified record of each person's convictions of any of the following offenses when such conviction has become final:

(a) Manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;

(b) Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;

(c) Failure to stop and render aid as required under the laws of this state in event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another;

(d) Perjury or the willful making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the department under this article or under any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles; or

(e) Conviction, or forfeiture of bail not vacated, upon three (3) charges of reckless driving committed within a period of twelve (12) months.

(2) The commissioner shall revoke the license issued pursuant to this article of any person convicted of negligent homicide, in addition to any penalty now provided by law.

(3) In addition to the reasons specified in this section, the commissioner shall be authorized to suspend the license issued to any person pursuant to this article for being out of compliance with an order for support, as defined in Section 93-11-153. The procedure for suspension of a license for being out of compliance with an order for support, and the procedure for the reissuance or reinstatement of a license suspended for that purpose, and the payment of any fees for the reissuance or reinstatement of a license suspended for that purpose, shall be governed by Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be. If there is any conflict between any provision of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 and any provision of this article, the provisions of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be, shall control.

SECTION 9. Section 63-1-52, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-52. (1) Whenever the Commissioner of Public Safety suspends, cancels or revokes the driver's license or driving privileges of any person, notice of the suspension, cancellation or revocation shall be given to such person by the commissioner, or his duly authorized agent, in the manner provided in subsection (2) of this section and at the time provided in subsection (3) of this section or in the manner and at the time provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(2) (a) Whenever a person's driver's license or driving privileges are suspended, revoked or cancelled in accordance with the Mississippi Driver License Compact Law, the Mississippi Implied Consent Law, the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law or subsection (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e) or (2)(f) of Section 63-1-53, notice shall be given in writing, in any of the following manners:

* * *~~(a) In writing,~~ (i) By United States * * *~~Certificate of Mailing~~ first class mail; * * *or

(ii) By personal service at the person's address as it appears on the driving record maintained by the Department of Public Safety or at the person's last-known address; * * *or

(iii) By personal notice being given by any law enforcement officer of this state or any duly authorized agent of the Commissioner of Public Safety on forms prescribed and furnished by the Commissioner of Public Safety; or

(iv) * * * By notification made to the person's duly issued mobile identification.

(b) Whenever a person's driver's license or driving privileges are suspended, revoked or cancelled in accordance with the Mississippi Commercial Driver's License Law, the Youth Court Law, Chapter 23 of Title 43, Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 63-1-45, Section 63-1-51, subsection (2)(g) or (2)(h) of Section 63-1-53 or Section 63-9-25, notice shall be given in writing, by United States first class mail * * *.

(3) Notice shall be given at the following time:

(a) Before suspension, revocation or cancellation, whenever a person's driver's license or driving privileges are suspended, revoked or cancelled in accordance with the Mississippi Driver License Compact Law, the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law or subsection (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e) or (2)(f) of Section 63-1-53.

(b) Unless otherwise specifically provided for by law, at the time of suspension, revocation or cancellation, whenever a person's driver's license or driving privileges are suspended, revoked or cancelled in accordance with the Mississippi Commercial Driver's License Law, the Mississippi Implied Consent Law, the Youth Court Law, Chapter 23 of Title 43, Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 63-1-45, Section 63-1-51, subsection (2)(g) or (2)(h) of Section 63-1-53 * * *, or Section 63-9-25.

(4) Whenever the Commissioner of Public Safety suspends, revokes or cancels the driver's license or driving privileges of any person in accordance with some provision of law other than a provision of law referred to in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, and the manner and time for giving notice is not provided for in such law, then notice of such suspension, revocation or cancellation shall be given in the manner and at the time provided for under subsections (2)(b) and (3)(b) of this section.

SECTION 10. Section 63-1-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-5. (1) (a) No person shall drive or operate a motor vehicle or an autocycle as defined in Section 63-3-103 upon the highways of the State of Mississippi without first securing an operator's license to drive on the highways of the state, unless specifically exempted by Section 63-1-7.

(b) The types of operator's licenses are:

(i) Class R;

(ii) Class D;

(iii) Class A, B or C commercial license governed by Article 5 of this chapter; and

(iv) Interlock-restricted license as prescribed in Section 63-11-31.

(2) (a) Every person who makes application for an original license or a renewal license to operate any single vehicle with a gross weight rating of less than twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or any vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds other than vehicles included in Class C, vehicles which require a special endorsement, or to operate a vehicle as a common carrier by motor vehicle, taxicab, passenger coach, dray, contract carrier or private commercial carrier as defined in Section 27-19-3, other than those vehicles for which a Class A, B or C license is required under Article 5 of this chapter, may, in lieu of the Class R regular driver's license, apply for and obtain a Class D driver's license. The fee for the issuance of a Class D driver's license shall be as set forth in Section 63-1-43 and the Class D license shall be valid for the term prescribed in Section 63-1-47. Except as required under Article 5 of this chapter, no driver of a pickup truck shall be required to have a Class D or a commercial license regardless of the purpose for which the pickup truck is used.

(b) Persons operating vehicles listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection for private purposes or in emergencies need not obtain a Class D license.

(3) An interlock-restricted license allows a person to drive only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition-interlock device.

(4) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be punished by imprisonment for not less than two (2) days nor more than six (6) months, by a fine of not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or both.

SECTION 11. Section 63-1-6, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-6. (1) Unless exempted under Section 63-1-7 or Section 63-1-6.1, no person shall drive or operate a motorcycle, except for an autocycle as defined in Section 63-3-103, upon the highways of the State of Mississippi without first securing an operator's license with a motorcycle endorsement upon it.

(2) (a) A motorcycle endorsement may be issued to any person who holds a valid Mississippi driver's license and meets the other requirements for a motorcycle endorsement contained in this chapter.

(b) Every applicant for a motorcycle endorsement shall first obtain a temporary motorcycle permit, successfully complete the examination provided in Section 63-1-33, and pay the temporary motorcycle permit fee and examination fee prescribed in Section 63-1-43. Applicants for a temporary motorcycle permit shall:

(i) Be at least fifteen (15) years of age;

(ii) Operate a motorcycle only under the direct supervision of a person at least twenty-one (21) years of age who possesses either a valid driver's or operator's license with a motorcycle endorsement or a valid restricted motorcycle operator's license;

(iii) Be prohibited from transporting a passenger on a motorcycle;

(iv) Be prohibited from operating a motorcycle upon any controlled access highway; and

(v) Be prohibited from operating a motorcycle during the hours of 6:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m.

Temporary motorcycle driving permits shall be valid for the same period of time and may be renewed upon the same conditions as learner's permits issued under Section 63-1-21.

SECTION 12. Section 63-1-6.1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-6.1. (1) No person shall be required to secure a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement upon it while operating a motor scooter as defined in Section 63-3-103 provided that:

(a) The person is not the owner of the motor scooter and is only renting the scooter for a period of time not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours.

(b) The person is operating the motor scooter within the corporate limits of a municipality in which a university campus is located or is immediately adjacent to, or within the limits of, the university's campus.

(c) The person has been issued and has on their person a regular or commercial driver's license issued by the State of Mississippi or the state of their residence.

(2) Any scooter operated on the roads or highways of this state under this section shall not be operated:

(a) At a rate of speed greater than thirty (30) miles per hour;

(b) On a road which has a speed limit greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour; or

SECTION 13. Section 63-1-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-7. No license issued pursuant to this article shall be required of:

(a) Any person while operating a motor vehicle for military purposes, if the person is a member of the United States Armed Forces or Reserves on active duty, a member of the National Guard on active duty or full-time National Guard duty, a National Guard military technician, or participating in part-time National Guard training.

(b) Any nonresident person who has in his immediate possession a valid license to drive a motor vehicle on the highways of his home state or country, issued to him by the proper authorities of his home state or country, or of any nonresident person whose home state or country does not require the licensing of a person to operate a motor vehicle on the highways but does require him to be duly registered. Such person being eighteen (18) years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle in the state for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days without securing a license. However, any nonresident person operating a motor vehicle in this state shall be subject to all the provisions of this article, except as specified above.

(c) Any person while operating a road roller, road machinery or any farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily drawn, moved or propelled on the highways.

(d) Any engineer or motorman using tracks for road or street, though used in the streets.

(e) Any person while operating an electric personal assistive mobility device as defined in Section 63-3-103.

(f) A member of any active or reserve component branch of the United States of America Armed Forces, or a spouse or a dependent child not less than sixteen (16) years of age of a member of any active or reserve component branch of the United States of America Armed Forces, who has been licensed as a driver under a law requiring the licensing of drivers in his home state and who has in his immediate possession a valid driver's license issued to him in his home state shall be permitted without examination or license under this article to drive a motor vehicle on public roads, streets and highways of the State of Mississippi. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be affected by the person's, spouse's or dependent child's ownership of a motor vehicle registered in the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 14. Section 63-1-8, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-8. The Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to negotiate a mutual agreement between the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Republic of China (Taiwan), through the Ministry of Transportation and Communications represented by the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, Texas, for reciprocity in issuing driver's licenses to citizens of the State of Mississippi residing in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and to Taiwanese citizens residing in the State of Mississippi. The mutual agreement shall be written and signed by the commissioner and Director General.

SECTION 15. Section 63-1-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-9. (1) No driver's license or learner's permit shall be issued pursuant to this article:

(a) To any person under the age of eighteen (18) years except as provided in this article.

(b) To any person whose license to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of Mississippi has been previously revoked or suspended by this state or any other state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, if the revocation or suspension period has not expired.

(d) To any person who would not be able by reason of physical or mental disability to operate a motor vehicle on the highways with safety. However, persons who have one (1) arm or leg, or have arms or legs deformed, and are driving a car provided with mechanical devices whereby the person is able to drive in a safe manner over the highways, if otherwise qualified, shall receive an operator's license the same as other persons. Moreover, deafness shall not be a bar to obtaining a license.

(e) To any person as an operator who has previously been adjudged to be afflicted with and suffering from any mental disability and who has not at time of application been restored to mental competency.

(f) To any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who does not at the time of application present a diploma or other certificate of high school graduation or a general educational development certificate issued to the person in this state or any other state; or on whose behalf documentation has not been received by the Department of Public Safety from that person or a school official verifying that the person:

(i) Is enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a course leading to a general educational development certificate;

(ii) Is enrolled in school in this state or any other state;

(iii) Is enrolled in a "nonpublic school," as such term is defined in Section 37-13-91(2)(i); or

(iv) Is unable to attend any school program due to circumstances deemed acceptable as set out in Section 63-1-10.

(g) To any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who has been convicted under Section 63-11-30.

(h) Beginning on July 1, 2027, to any person who has not previously obtained a driver's license unless that person has successfully completed a Driver Education and Training Program certified by the State Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety; provided, however, a person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be able to receive a learner's permit as otherwise provided in this article.

(2) All permits and licenses issued to an individual under the age of eighteen (18) shall be issued as follows:

(a) A learner's permit may be issued to any person who is at least fifteen (15) years of age who otherwise meets the requirements of this article.

(b) A driver's license may be issued to any person who is at least sixteen (16) years of age who otherwise meets the requirements of this article and who has held a learner's permit for at least one (1) year without any conviction under Section 63-11-30 or of a moving violation. Any conviction under Section 63-11-30 or of a moving violation shall restart the one-year requirement for the holding of a learner's permit before an applicant can qualify for a driver's license.

(c) An applicant for a driver's license who was unable to make timely application for a learner's permit may have the period in which he or she was eligible but unable to apply due to a hardship credited toward the one-year requirement for the holding of a learner's permit. The Department of Public Safety shall set forth the criteria for which a hardship exception may be granted, at the discretion of the department, to any individual who has completed a Driver Education and Training Program certified by the Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety.

(d) An applicant for a Mississippi driver's license who, at the time of application, is at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has held a valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by another state for at least six (6) months shall not be required to hold a learner's permit before being issued a driver's license.

(e) In addition to the restrictions set forth in Section 63-1-21(3), the commissioner may establish rules, regulations and restrictions for the operation of a motor vehicle during the first twelve (12) months that an individual under the age of eighteen (18) possesses a license.

(f) Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Public Safety shall establish a Driver Education and Training Program to be taught throughout the state and made available for home school students and adults who have not otherwise taken a driver's education course. Upon completion of the course, each participant shall be issued a Certificate of Completion, and a record of the certificate shall be delivered to the Mississippi Driver Service Bureau.

(3) The commissioner shall ensure that the learner's permit and driver's license issued under this article are clear, distinct and easily distinguishable from one another.

SECTION 16. Section 63-1-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-10. (1) Upon the written request of a parent or guardian of any applicant for a license under eighteen (18) years of age, the school district in which the applicant is enrolled shall submit documentation to the Department of Public Safety verifying that the applicant is in compliance with Section 63-1-9(1)(g). The verification shall be signed by the school principal or his designee, or, in the case of a home study program, the parent, or the adult education supervisor of the General Educational Development Program or his designee. If the student is enrolled in a nonpublic school, the school principal or his designee is encouraged to submit the verification on behalf of the student. Documentation of the applicant's enrollment status shall be submitted on a form designed by the State Department of Education that includes the written signed and notarized parent or guardian's consent authorizing the release of the applicant's attendance records to the Department of Public Safety, as approved by the Department of Public Safety, in a manner that insures the authenticity of the form and the information or signature contained thereon, including via facsimile. The forms required under this section to provide documentation shall be made available to all public high schools, private schools accredited by the State Board of Education, adult education supervisors at school board offices and, upon request, to others through the Department of Public Safety.

(2) Whenever an applicant or licensee who is under eighteen (18) years of age is unable to attend any school program due to acceptable circumstances, the school where the student last attended shall transmit documentation to the department to excuse such student from the provisions of Section 63-1-9(1)(g). The school principal or his designee shall determine whether nonattendance or absences are excused pursuant to Section 37-13-91. For purposes of this section, suspension or expulsion from school or incarceration in a correctional institution is not an acceptable circumstance for a person being unable to attend school.

(3) Any person denied a license for failure to satisfy the education requirements of Section 63-1-9(1)(g) shall have the right to file a request within thirty (30) days thereafter for a hearing before the Department of Public Safety to determine whether the person is entitled to a license or is subject to the cancellation of his license under the provisions of this section. The hearing shall be held within ten (10) days of the receipt by the department of the request. Appeal from the decision of the department may be taken under Section 63-1-31.

SECTION 17. Section 63-1-10.1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-10.1. A school superintendent or designee shall report to the Department of Education on a schedule determined by the State Board of Education when a student under eighteen (18) years of age who has been issued a driver's license or temporary learning permit has been coded as a "dropout" as defined by the State Board of Education. The Department of Education will provide notification to the Department of Public Safety of those students under eighteen (18) years of age who have obtained a driver's license or temporary learning permit and have been coded by the local school district as a "dropout" upon verification that prior written parental consent for the release of educational records has been obtained in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 20 USCS Section 1232g.

SECTION 18. Section 63-1-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-13. The commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint a Director of the Driver Services Division who is a qualified elector of the State of Mississippi and who meets the qualifications set by the State Personnel Board for the position. Such director shall execute and furnish a bond in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) with a surety company authorized to do business in this state. The bond shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of his duties and be subject to the approval of the commissioner. The director shall have control and supervision of the Driver Services Division and shall be answerable to the commissioner in the performance of his duties.

The commissioner shall employ such other technical, professional and clerical assistants as may be needed to conduct the work of the division. The commissioner is also authorized to employ a Director of the Driver License Examining Bureau, who meets the qualifications set by the State Personnel Board for the position, and the necessary supervising examiners, who meet the qualifications set by the State Personnel Board for the position, to assist the Director of the Driver License Examining Bureau in the supervision of the license personnel. The commissioner is also authorized to employ the necessary additional personnel to serve and be designated as "license examiners." The commissioner shall employ such other technical, professional and clerical assistants as may be needed to conduct the work of the bureau. However, not later than July 1, 2021, the commissioner shall not employ an active-service Highway Patrol Officer in the bureau.

SECTION 19. Section 63-1-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-19. (1) (a) Every applicant for a license or permit issued pursuant to this article, or for renewal of such license or permit, shall file an application for such license, permit or renewal, on a form provided by the Department of Public Safety, with the commissioner or an official license examiner of the department. All persons not holding valid, unexpired licenses issued in this state shall be required to secure an original license, except those specifically exempted from licensing under Section 63-1-7. The application shall state the name, date of birth, the social security number of the applicant unless the applicant is not a United States citizen and does not possess a social security number issued by the United States government, sex, race, color of eyes, color of hair, weight, height and residence address, and whether or not the applicant's privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked at any time, and, if so, when, by whom, and for what cause, and whether any previous application by him has been denied, and whether he has any physical defects which would interfere with his operating a motor vehicle safely upon the highways.

(b) Every applicant for an original license shall show proof of domicile in this state. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to enforce this requirement and shall prescribe the means by which an applicant for an original license may show domicile in this state. Proof of domicile shall not be required of applicants under eighteen (18) years of age.

(c) Unless the applicant is not a United States citizen and does not possess a social security number issued by the United States government, each application or filing made under this section shall include the social security number(s) of the applicant in accordance with Section 93-11-64, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(2) No person who is illegally in the United States or Mississippi shall be issued a license. The application of a person who is not a United States citizen and who does not possess a social security number issued by the United States government shall state the name, date of birth, sex, race, color of eyes, color of hair, weight, height and residence address, and whether or not the applicant's privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked at any time, and, if so, when, by whom, and for what cause, and whether any previous application by him has been denied, and whether he has any physical defects which would interfere with his operating a motor vehicle safely upon the highways. The commissioner shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as he deems appropriate requiring additional documents, materials, information or physical evidence to be provided by the applicant as may be necessary to establish the identity of the applicant and that the applicant is not present in the United States or the State of Mississippi illegally.

(3) Whenever a person who has applied for or who has been issued a license or permit under this article moves from the address listed in the application or on the permit or license, or whenever the name of a licensee changes by marriage or otherwise, such person, within thirty (30) days thereafter, shall notify, in writing, the Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Division, and inform the department of his or her previous address and new address and of his or her former name and new name. The department shall not change the name of a licensee or permittee on his or her license or permit unless the applicant appears in person at an office of the department and provides a certified copy of his or her marriage license, court order, birth certificate or divorce decree changing the licensee's or permittee's name.

(4) (a) Any male who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-six (26) years of age and who applies for a permit or license or a renewal of a permit or license under this chapter shall be registered in compliance with the requirements of Section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act, 50 USCS Section 3802, as amended.

(b) The department shall forward in an electronic format the necessary personal information of the applicant to the Selective Service System. The applicant's submission of the application shall serve as an indication that the applicant either has already registered with the Selective Service System or that he is authorizing the department to forward to the Selective Service System the necessary information for registration. The commissioner shall notify the applicant on, or as a part of, the application that his submission of the application will serve as his consent to registration with the Selective Service System, if so required. The commissioner also shall notify any male applicant under the age of eighteen (18) that he will be registered upon turning age eighteen (18) as required by federal law.

SECTION 20. Section 63-1-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-21. (1) To obtain a new or original Class R or Class D license, every applicant other than a person holding a valid out-of-state license shall first obtain a learner's permit, successfully complete the examination provided for in Section 63-1-33, and pay the learner's permit fee and examination fee prescribed in Section 63-1-43.

(2) A learner's permit entitles the holder, if the permit is in his immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle on the highways of the State of Mississippi only when accompanied by a licensed operator who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and who is actually occupying the seat beside the driver. A learner's permit may be issued to any applicant who is at least fifteen (15) years of age and shall be valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of issue.

(3) A regular license holder under the age of eighteen (18) shall be allowed unsupervised driving from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and shall be allowed unsupervised driving any time for a person traveling directly to or from work or other educational or extracurricular activity. At all other times for the first six (6) months as a regular license holder, the regular license holder under the age of eighteen (18) must be supervised by a parent, guardian or other person aged twenty-one (21) years or older who holds a valid driver's license under this article and who is actually occupying the seat beside the driver.

SECTION 21. Section 63-1-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-23. The application of any person under the age of seventeen (17) years for a temporary driving permit or license issued pursuant to this article shall be signed and verified before a person authorized to administer oaths by both the father and mother of the applicant, if both are living and have custody of him, or in the event neither parent is living then by the person or guardian having such custody or by an employer of him, or in the event there is no guardian or employer then by any other responsible person who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under Section 63-1-25 upon a person signing the application of a minor.

SECTION 22. Section 63-1-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-25. Except as otherwise provided in Section 63-1-27, any negligence or wilful misconduct of a minor under the age of seventeen years when driving a motor vehicle upon a highway shall be imputed to the person who has signed the application of such minor for a permit or license, which person shall be jointly or severally liable with such minor for any damages caused by such negligence or wilful misconduct.

SECTION 23. Section 63-1-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-27. Any person who has signed the application of a minor for a license may thereafter file with the commissioner a verified written request that the license of said minor so granted be canceled. Thereupon the commissioner shall cancel the license of said minor and the person who signed the application of such minor shall be relieved from the liability imposed under Section 63-1-25 by reason of having signed such application on account of any subsequent negligence or wilful misconduct of such minor in operating a motor vehicle.

SECTION 24. Section 63-1-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-31. When a person is denied a license or any temporary driving permit after filing the proper application, he shall have the right within sixty (60) days thereafter to file a petition, in the county or circuit court in the county wherein the application was filed, praying for a hearing in the matter before the judge of the court in which the application is presented. The judge is hereby vested with jurisdiction to hear such matters forthwith within termtime or during vacation, upon five (5) days' written notice to the officer who refused to issue the license or any temporary driving permit. The hearing shall be conducted at a place as may suit the convenience of the court. On the hearing of the petition, testimony may be taken, and the court shall render judgment in the matter as it deems right and proper under the law and evidence.

SECTION 25. Section 63-1-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-33. (1) Except as otherwise provided under subsections (6) and (7) of this section, it shall be the duty of the license examiner, when application is made for an operator's license or learner's permit, to test the applicant's ability to read and understand road signs and to give the required signals as adopted by the National Advisory Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

(2) Except as otherwise provided under subsections (6) and (7) of this section, the commissioner shall have prepared and administer a test composed of at least ten (10) questions relating to the safe operation of a motor vehicle and testing the applicant's knowledge of the proper operation of a motor vehicle. Every examination shall ensure adequate knowledge on the part of the applicant as to school bus safety requirements.

(3) Prior to the administration of the test, the license examiner shall inspect the horn, lights, brakes, vehicle registration and proof of liability coverage of the motor vehicle which the applicant expects to operate while being tested, and if he finds that any of the aforementioned items are deficient, no license or endorsement shall be issued to the applicant until same have been repaired.

(4) An applicant for a Mississippi driver's license who, at the time of application, holds a valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by another state shall not be required to take a written test.

(5) Except as otherwise provided by Section 63-1-6, when application is made for an original motorcycle endorsement, the applicant shall be required to pass a written test which consists of questions relating to the safe operation of a motorcycle and a skill test similar to the "Motorcycle Operator Skill Test," which is endorsed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. The commissioner may exempt any applicant from the skill test if the applicant presents a certificate showing successful completion of a course approved by the commissioner, which includes a similar examination of skills needed in the safe operation of a motorcycle.

(6) The Department of Public Safety shall accept the certification of successful completion of an individual's training in the knowledge and skills needed for the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle from a driver education and training program at a secondary school that meets the standards of the State Board of Education, in lieu of the department administering the examination of the individual for the purpose of obtaining a driver's license. The school may employ teachers duly certified by the Department of Education to teach in such a program. In addition, off-duty members of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol shall be authorized to teach in such a program without having to obtain a teaching certificate from the Department of Education. Instructors will be considered employees of the school, not of the Driver License Examining Bureau. The commissioner and the State Board of Education shall jointly promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this subsection.

(7) The commissioner shall develop an affidavit whereby a parent, teacher or guardian may certify that he or she has witnessed a student operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty (50) hours and attest to the student's proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle and the Department of Public Safety shall accept such in lieu of a skills test conducted by the department.

SECTION 26. Section 63-1-34.1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-34.1. (1) The Commissioner of Public Safety may issue a limited driver's license for persons using bioptic telescopic lenses. The license shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. The commissioner may require the reevaluation of a licensee before the reissuance of a limited driver's license.

(2) The commissioner shall prepare and administer a test for the central and peripheral vision of persons using bioptic telescopic lenses. If the person passes the test and is otherwise qualified, the person may receive a license under this section.

(3) The commissioner may issue a one-year driving rehabilitation permit subject to such restrictions as the commissioner may require.

(4) The fee for a license or permit issued under this section shall be the fee required for one-year licenses under Section 63-1-43, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(5) The commissioner may impose restrictions on any license or permit issued under this section and may issue rules and regulations governing such licenses and permits.

SECTION 27. Section 63-1-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-35. (1) The Commissioner of Public Safety shall prescribe the form of license issued pursuant to this article which shall, among other features, include a driver's license number assigned by the Department of Public Safety. A licensee shall list his social security number with the department which shall cross reference the social security number with the driver's license number for purposes of identification. Additionally, each license shall bear a full-face color photograph of the licensee in such form that the license and the photograph cannot be separated. The photograph shall be taken so that one (1) exposure will photograph the applicant and the application simultaneously on the same film. The department shall use a process in the issuance of a license with a color photograph that shall prevent as nearly as possible any alteration, counterfeiting, duplication, reproduction, forging or modification of the license or the superimposition of a photograph without ready detection. The photograph shall be replaced by the department at the time of renewal. Drivers' licenses, including photographs appearing thereon, may be renewed by electronic means according to rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner in conformity to Section 27-104-33.

(2) The commissioner shall prescribe the form of license issued pursuant to this article to licensees who are not United States citizens and who do not possess a social security number issued by the United States government. The license of such persons shall include a number and/or other identifying features.

(3) Any new, renewal or duplicate driver's license, temporary driving permit or commercial driver's license issued to a person required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 45-33-25 shall bear a designation identifying the licensee or permittee as a sex offender.

(4) The commissioner is authorized to provide the new, renewal or duplicate driver's license, temporary driving permit or commercial driver's license to any honorably discharged veteran as defined in Title 38 of the United States Code, and such license or permit shall exhibit the letters "Vet" or any other mark identifying the person as a veteran. The veteran requesting the "Vet" designation shall present his DD-214, Military Retiree Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Identification Card or National Guard Form NGB 22. The veteran requesting the "Vet" designation may present his DD-214, Military Retiree Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Identification Card or National Guard Form NGB 22 in person at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Station.

(5) Not later than July 1, 2021, the commissioner shall develop and implement a driver's license or driving permit in electronic format as an additional option for license or permit holders. Acceptable electronic formats include display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of electronic device.

(6) If false documents are provided by an individual for purposes of obtaining a veteran driver's license, such action shall be considered fraudulent use of identity under Section 97-19-85, Mississippi Code of 1972, and shall be punishable, upon conviction, as a felony pursuant to the provisions of that section.

SECTION 28. Section 63-1-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-37. If a license or learner's permit issued under the provisions of this article is lost or destroyed, the licensee may obtain a duplicate copy by paying the fee prescribed in Section 63-1-43. The license or permit shall be marked "Duplicate."

SECTION 29. Section 63-1-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-39. No license issued pursuant to this article shall be valid under the provisions of this article until it has been signed by the applicant.

SECTION 30. Section 63-1-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-41. Every licensee shall have the required license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same, upon demand of a justice court judge, a peace officer or license examiner or other authorized employee of the commissioner. However, no person charged with violating this section shall be convicted if he produces in court a license theretofore issued to him and valid at the time of his arrest.

SECTION 31. Section 63-1-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-43. (1) The commissioner shall charge and collect the following fees:

(a) Fees to which the card stock fee authorized in Section 45-1-21 shall be added:

Class R original or renewal four-year license

authorized in Section 63-1-5.............................. $18.00

Class R original or renewal eight-year license

authorized in Section 63-1-5.............................. $36.00

Class D original or renewal four-year license

authorized in Section 63-1-47............................. $23.00

Class D original or renewal eight-year license

authorized in Section 63-1-47............................. $46.00

Four-year Identification Card authorized in

Section 45-35-7.......................................... $11.00

Eight-year Identification Card authorized in

Section 45-35-7.......................................... $22.00

Eight-year Identification Card for the blind

authorized in Section 45-35-7............................. $11.00

Four-year Disability Identification Card authorized in

Section 45-35-53......................................... $11.00

Learner's Permit authorized in

Section 63-1-21.......................................... $ 1.00

Duplicate Identification Card or Disability

Identification Card....................................... $ 5.00

Duplicate Class R or Class D license

authorized in Section 63-1-37............................. $ 5.00

Class A, B or C Commercial driver's license

authorized in Section 63-1-208............................ $48.00

CDL Learner's Permit authorized in Section 63-1-208........ $10.00

Duplicate CDL or CDL learner's permit..................... $ 5.00

Ignition-Interlock-Restricted License

authorized in Section 63-11-31............................ $50.00

(b) Driver services fees to which the card stock fee authorized in Section 45-1-21 is not added:

Temporary Motorcycle Permit............................... $ 1.00

Four-year or eight-year Motorcycle Endorsement............. $ 5.00

Late Renewal Fee......................................... $ 1.00

Four-year Identification Card upon medical reason for

surrender of a driver's license as authorized in

Section 45-35-7 (one (1) time only)....................... No fee

Hazardous Materials Background Check (federal)............. $63.00

Hazardous Materials Background Check (state)............... $37.00

CDL Application Fee....................................... $25.00

CDL Endorsements:

Tanker Endorsement....................................... $ 5.00

Doubles/Triples Endorsement............................... $ 5.00

Passenger Endorsement..................................... $ 5.00

Hazardous Materials Endorsement........................... $ 5.00

School Bus Endorsement.................................... $ 5.00

(c) In addition to the fees required in this section, an applicant may contribute an additional One Dollar ($1.00) which shall be deposited into the Statewide Litter Prevention Fund. The applicant shall be informed that he may contribute an additional One Dollar ($1.00) which shall be deposited into the Statewide Litter Prevention Fund and shall be expended solely for the purpose of funding litter prevention projects or litter education programs, as recommended by the Statewide Litter Prevention Program of Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Inc.

(d) Starting January 1, 2021, for any original or renewal license for which the fee is greater than Ten Dollars ($10.00), if the applicant brings all required documentation but does not receive his or her license within two and one-half (2-1/2) hours of entering and remaining at the license station, Ten Dollars ($10.00) shall be deducted from the total amount owed for the license.

(2) All originals and renewals of operators' licenses shall be in compliance with Section 63-1-47.

(3) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary in this section, the commissioner shall waive the driver's license or learner's permit fee for any applicant in the custody of the Department of Child Protection Services.

SECTION 32. Section 63-1-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-47. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each applicant for an original or renewal Class R or Class D license issued pursuant to this article, who is entitled to issuance of same, shall be issued a four-year license or an eight-year license, at the option of the applicant, which will expire at midnight on the licensee's birthday and may be renewed any time within six (6) months before the expiration of the license upon application and payment of the required fee, unless required to be reexamined.

(b) The term of an ignition-interlock-restricted license issued under this article shall be four (4) years.

(2) Any commercial driver's license issued under Article 5 of this chapter shall be issued for a five-year term to expire at midnight on the licensee's birthday.

(3) (a) All applications by an operator under eighteen (18) years of age must be accompanied by documentation that the applicant is in compliance with the education requirements of Section 63-1-9(1)(g), and the documentation used in establishing compliance must be dated no more than thirty (30) days before the date of application.

(b) All applications by an operator under eighteen (18) years of age, if applicable, must be accompanied by documentation signed and notarized by the parent or guardian of the applicant and the appropriate school official, authorizing the release of the applicant's attendance records to the Department of Public Safety as required under Section 63-1-10.

(c) The commissioner shall suspend the driver's license or learner's permit of a student under eighteen (18) years of age who has been reported by the Department of Education as required by Section 63-1-10.1, and shall give notice of the suspension to the licensee as provided in Section 63-1-52(4). A school superintendent or designee may request that the driver's license or learner's permit that has been suspended under the provisions of this subsection be reinstated after the student has successfully completed nine (9) weeks of school attendance without an unlawful absence.

(4) (a) Any original or renewal license issued under this chapter to a person who is not a United States citizen shall expire four (4) years from the date of issuance or on the expiration date of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States, whichever is the lesser period of time, and may be renewed, if the person is otherwise qualified to renew the license, within thirty (30) days of expiration. The fee for any such license and for renewal shall be as prescribed in Section 63-1-43.

(b) Any applicant for an original or renewal license under this subsection (4) must present valid documentary evidence documenting that the applicant:

(i) Is a citizen or national of the United States;

(ii) Is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence in the United States;

(iii) Has conditional permanent residence status in the United States;

(iv) Has an approved application for asylum in the United States or has entered into the United States in refugee status;

(v) Has a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status for entry into or lawful presence in the United States;

(vi) Has a pending application for asylum in the United States;

(vii) Has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;

(viii) Has approved deferred-action status;

(ix) Has a pending application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States; or

(x) Has a valid employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

(5) For any driver's license issued under this chapter, the Department of Public Safety shall send an email and text message notification of an upcoming driver's license expiration date to the known emails and phone numbers authorized by license holders for such notices not less than thirty (30) days before the expiration date of that license.

SECTION 33. Section 63-1-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-49. (1) An expired license issued pursuant to this article may be renewed at any time within sixty (60) months after the expiration date of the license upon application and payment of the required fee, and the payment of a delinquent fee prescribed in Section 63-1-43, in lieu of a driver examination, unless the holder of the expired license is required to be examined, or unless the department has reason to believe the licensee is no longer qualified to receive a license.

(2) (a) Any person in the Armed Services of the United States, who holds a valid license issued pursuant to this chapter and is out of state due to military service at the time the license expires, may renew the license by mail or by online renewal services while out of state due to military service or at any time within ninety (90) days after being discharged from military service or upon returning to the state without payment of any delinquent fee or examination, unless the department has reason to believe that the licensee is no longer qualified to receive a license. The person shall make proof by affidavit of the fact of the person's current military service or of the time of discharge or return. The expiration of the license of a military person under the provisions of this paragraph (a) shall not affect the validity of the license, but the license shall continue to be valid and permit the person to operate a motor vehicle in this state for a period of ninety (90) days after discharge from military service or return to the state or until renewal of the license, whichever occurs first.

(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) also apply to a dependent of a person in the Armed Services of the United States who is out of state due to military service if the dependent resides out of state with the Armed Services member and the license of the dependent expires during the family member's absence from the state. The Commissioner of Public Safety may adopt such rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedures Act as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this paragraph.

(3) Any person holding a valid license issued pursuant to this article who is going overseas for two (2) to four (4) years and whose license will expire during the stay overseas may renew the license for four (4) years or eight (8) years before leaving. The person shall make proof by affidavit of the fact of the overseas travel.

SECTION 34. Section 63-1-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-53. (1) Upon failure of any person to pay timely any fine, fee or assessment levied as a result of any violation of this title, the clerk of the court shall give written notice to such person by United States first-class mail at his last known address advising such person that, if within ninety (90) days after such notice is deposited in the mail, the person has not paid the entire amount of all fines, fees and assessments levied, then the court will pursue collection as for any other delinquent payment, and shall be entitled to collection of all additional fees in accordance with subsection (4) of this section.

(2) The commissioner is hereby authorized to suspend the license of an operator without preliminary hearing upon a showing by his records or other sufficient evidence that the licensee:

(a) Has committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required upon conviction except under the provisions of the Mississippi Implied Consent Law;

(b) Has been involved as a driver in any accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another or serious property damage;

(d) Has been convicted with such frequency of serious offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and a disregard for the safety of other persons on the highways;

(e) Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle;

(f) Has permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of such license;

(g) Has committed an offense in another state which if committed in this state would be grounds for suspension or revocation; or

(h) Has committed a violation for which mandatory revocation of license is required upon conviction, entering a plea of nolo contendere to, or adjudication of delinquency, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of Section 63-1-71.

(3) Notice that a person's license is suspended or will be suspended under subsection (2) of this section shall be given by the commissioner in the manner and at the time provided for under Section 63-1-52, and upon such person's request, he shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing as early as practicable, but not to exceed twenty (20) days after receipt of such request in the county wherein the licensee resides unless the department and the licensee agree that such hearing may be held in some other county. Upon such hearing the commissioner, or his duly authorized agent, may administer oaths and may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books and papers and may require a reexamination of the licensee. Upon such hearing the commissioner shall either rescind any order of suspension or, good cause appearing therefor, may extend any suspension of such license or revoke such license.

(4) If a licensee has not paid all cash appearance bonds authorized under Section 99-19-3 or all fines, fees or other assessments levied as a result of a violation of this title within ninety (90) days after receiving notice of the licensee's failure to pay all fines, fees or other assessments as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the court is authorized to pursue collection under Section 21-17-1(6) or 19-3-41(2) as for any other delinquent payment, and shall be entitled to collection of all additional fees authorized under those sections.

SECTION 35. Section 63-1-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-55. A trial judge, in his discretion, if the person so convicted or who has entered a plea of guilty for any traffic violation, except the offenses enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (e) of subsection (1) of Section 63-1-51 and violations of the Implied Consent Law and the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, is a minor and dependent upon and subject to the care, custody and control of his parents or guardian, may, in lieu of the penalties otherwise provided by law and the provision of said section, suspend such minor's driver's license by taking and keeping same in custody of the court for a period of time not to exceed ninety (90) days. The judge so ordering such suspension shall enter upon his docket "DEFENDANT'S DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENDED FOR ______ DAYS IN LIEU OF CONVICTION" and such action by the trial judge shall not constitute a conviction. The trial judge also may require the minor to successfully complete a defensive driving course approved by the judge as a condition of the suspension. Costs of court and penalty assessment for driver education and training program may be imposed in such actions within the discretion of the court. Should a minor appeal, in the time and manner as by law provided, the decision whereby his license is suspended, the trial judge shall then return said license to the minor and impose the fines and/or penalties that he would have otherwise imposed and same shall constitute a conviction.

SECTION 36. Section 63-1-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-57. Any person whose license issued pursuant to this article or driving privilege as a nonresident has been canceled, suspended or revoked as provided in this title or in Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be, and who drives any motor vehicle upon the highways of this state while such license or privilege is canceled, suspended or revoked, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two (2) days or more than six (6) months. There may be imposed in addition thereto a fine of not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each offense.

SECTION 37. Section 63-1-58, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-58. Suspension or restriction of driving privileges for any person convicted of or nonadjudicated for violations of the Implied Consent Law or any administrative suspension imposed under this chapter shall run consecutively and not concurrently.

SECTION 38. Section 63-1-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-59. Any person who makes any false affidavit, or knowingly swears or affirms falsely to any matter or thing required by the terms of this article to be sworn to or affirmed, is guilty of perjury and upon conviction shall be punishable by fine or imprisonment as other persons committing perjury are punishable.

SECTION 39. Section 63-1-60, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-60. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person:

(a) To display, cause or permit to be displayed, or have in his possession, any fictitious, fraudulently altered or fraudulently obtained driver's license;

(b) To display or represent any driver's license not issued to him as being his own driver's license;

(c) To photograph, photostat, duplicate or in any way reproduce, manufacture, sell or distribute or alter any driver's license, or facsimile thereof, in such a manner that it could be mistaken for a valid driver's license;

(d) To display or have in his possession any photograph, photostat, duplicate, reproduction or facsimile of a driver's license unless authorized by law; or

(e) To take a driver's license examination for another or to use any other name, other than his own, on the driver's license application in an attempt to take the driver's license examination for another.

(2) Any person convicted of a violation of paragraph (a), (b), (d) or (e) of subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(3) Any person under twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of the offense who is convicted of a violation of paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of this section shall be punished as follows:

(a) A first offense shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(b) A second or subsequent offense, the offenses being committed within a period of five (5) years, shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(4) Any person twenty-one (21) years of age or older at the time of the offense who is convicted of a violation of paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

SECTION 40. Section 63-1-61, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-61. No person shall cause or knowingly permit his child or ward under the age of sixteen (16) years to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway if such minor is not authorized under the provisions of this article or is in violation of any of the provisions of this article. Any penalty imposed under the provisions of this section shall be in addition to any penalty imposed against the minor for a violation of this article.

SECTION 41. Section 63-1-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-63. No person shall authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle owned by him or under his control to be driven upon any highway by any person who is not authorized under the provisions of this article or in violation of any of the provisions of this article.

SECTION 42. Section 63-1-65, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-65. It shall be unlawful for any person to lend or borrow any temporary driving permit or license issued pursuant to this article, or to display or represent a license or temporary permit not issued to himself. Any person violating this section shall be fined not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) and costs and not more than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) and costs.

SECTION 43. Section 63-1-67, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-67. (1) No person shall rent a motor vehicle to any other person unless the latter person is then duly licensed under the provisions of this article, or, in the case of a nonresident, then duly licensed under the laws of the state or country of his residence except a nonresident whose home state or country does not require that an operator be licensed.

(2) No person shall rent a motor vehicle to another until he has inspected the license of the person to whom the vehicle is to be rented and compared and verified the signature thereon with the signature of such person written in his presence.

(3) Every person renting a motor vehicle to another shall keep a record of the registration number of the motor vehicle so rented, the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle is rented, the number of the license of said latter person and the date and place when and where said license was issued. Such record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or officers or employee of the commissioner.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person or business entity lawfully engaging in a peer-to-peer car sharing program or acting as a shared vehicle owner under the Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Program Act.

SECTION 44. Section 63-1-69, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-69. Any person convicted of a violation of this article or any provisions of said article for which no other penalty is provided shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) and costs and not more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) and costs, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of from one to six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

SECTION 45. Section 63-1-71, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

63-1-71. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 63-11-30(3) and in addition to any penalty authorized by the Uniform Controlled Substances Law or any other statute indicating the dispositions that can be ordered for an adjudication of delinquency, every person convicted of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, or entering a plea of nolo contendere thereto, or adjudicated delinquent therefor, in a court of this state, the United States, another state, a territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, shall forthwith forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this state for a period of not less than six (6) months. In the case of any person who at the time of the imposition of sentence does not have a driver's license or is less than sixteen (16) years of age, the period of the suspension of driving privileges authorized herein shall commence on the day the sentence is imposed and shall run for a period of not less than six (6) months after the day the person obtains a driver's license or reaches the age of sixteen (16). If the driving privilege of any person is under revocation or suspension at the time of any conviction or adjudication of delinquency for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, the revocation or suspension period imposed herein shall commence as of the date of termination of the existing revocation or suspension.

(2) The court in this state before whom any person is convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for driving under the influence of a controlled substance shall collect forthwith the Mississippi driver's license of the person and forward such license to the Department of Public Safety along with a report indicating the first and last day of the suspension or revocation period imposed pursuant to this section. If the court is for any reason unable to collect the license of the person, the court shall cause a report of the conviction or adjudication of delinquency to be filed with the Commissioner of Public Safety. That report shall include the complete name, address, date of birth, eye color and sex of the person and shall indicate the first and last day of the suspension or revocation period imposed by the court pursuant to this section. The court shall inform the person orally and in writing that if the person is convicted of personally operating a motor vehicle during the period of license suspension or revocation imposed pursuant to this section, the person shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 63-11-40. A person shall be required to acknowledge receipt of the written notice in writing. Failure to receive a written notice or failure to acknowledge in writing the receipt of a written notice shall not be a defense to a subsequent charge of a violation of Section 63-11-40. If the person is the holder of a driver's license from another jurisdiction, the court shall not collect the license but shall notify forthwith the Commissioner of Public Safety who shall notify the appropriate officials in the licensing jurisdiction. The court shall, however, in accordance with the provisions of this section, revoke the person's nonresident driving privilege in this state.

(3) The county court or circuit court having jurisdiction, on petition, may reduce the suspension of driving privileges under this section if the suspension would constitute a hardship on the offender. When the petition is filed, such person shall pay to the circuit clerk of the court where the petition is filed a fee of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for each year, or portion thereof, of license revocation or suspension remaining under the original sentence, which shall be deposited into the State General Fund to the credit of a special fund hereby created in the State Treasury to be used for alcohol or drug abuse treatment and education, upon appropriation by the Legislature. This fee shall be in addition to any other court costs or fees required for the filing of petitions.

SECTION 46. Section 45-9-101, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

45-9-101. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to issue licenses to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers to persons qualified as provided in this section. Such licenses shall be valid throughout the state for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance, except as provided in subsection (25) of this section. Any person possessing a valid license issued pursuant to this section may carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or concealed revolver.

(b) The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times in which the licensee is carrying a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver and must display both the license and proper identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer. A violation of the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall constitute a noncriminal violation with a penalty of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) and shall be enforceable by summons.

(2) The Department of Public Safety shall issue a license if the applicant:

(a) Is a resident of the state. However, this residency requirement may be waived if the applicant possesses a valid permit from another state, is a member of any active or reserve component branch of the United States of America Armed Forces stationed in Mississippi, is the spouse of a member of any active or reserve component branch of the United States of America Armed Forces stationed in Mississippi, or is a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state;

(b) (i) Is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; or

(ii) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age but not yet twenty-one (21) years of age and the applicant:

1. Is a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve; and

2. Holds a valid Mississippi driver's license or identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety or a valid and current tribal identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe containing a photograph of the holder;

(d) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm by virtue of having been convicted of a felony in a court of this state, of any other state, or of the United States without having been pardoned or without having been expunged for same;

(e) Does not chronically or habitually abuse controlled substances to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses controlled substances to the extent that his faculties are impaired if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for the abuse of a controlled substance or been found guilty of a crime under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law or similar laws of any other state or the United States relating to controlled substances within a three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(f) Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed as an alcoholic to a treatment facility or has been convicted of two (2) or more offenses related to the use of alcohol under the laws of this state or similar laws of any other state or the United States within the three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(g) Desires a legal means to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver to defend himself;

(h) Has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent, or has waited five (5) years from the date of his restoration to capacity by court order;

(i) Has not been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a mental institution or mental health treatment facility unless he possesses a certificate from a psychiatrist licensed in this state that he has not suffered from disability for a period of five (5) years;

(j) Has not had adjudication of guilt withheld or imposition of sentence suspended on any felony unless three (3) years have elapsed since probation or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled;

(k) Is not a fugitive from justice; and

(l) Is not disqualified to possess a weapon based on federal law.

(3) The Department of Public Safety may deny a license if the applicant has been found guilty of one or more crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor unless three (3) years have elapsed since probation or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled or expunction has occurred prior to the date on which the application is submitted, or may revoke a license if the licensee has been found guilty of one or more crimes of violence within the preceding three (3) years. The department shall, upon notification by a law enforcement agency or a court and subsequent written verification, suspend a license or the processing of an application for a license if the licensee or applicant is arrested or formally charged with a crime which would disqualify such person from having a license under this section, until final disposition of the case. The provisions of subsection (7) of this section shall apply to any suspension or revocation of a license pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(4) The application shall be completed, under oath, on a form promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and shall include only:

(a) The name, address, place and date of birth, race, sex and occupation of the applicant;

(b) The driver's license number or social security number of applicant;

(d) A statement that the applicant is in compliance with criteria contained within subsections (2) and (3) of this section;

(e) A statement that the applicant has been furnished a copy of this section and is knowledgeable of its provisions;

(f) A conspicuous warning that the application is executed under oath and that a knowingly false answer to any question, or the knowing submission of any false document by the applicant, subjects the applicant to criminal prosecution; and

(g) A statement that the applicant desires a legal means to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver to defend himself.

(5) The applicant shall submit only the following to the Department of Public Safety:

(a) A completed application as described in subsection (4) of this section;

(b) A full-face photograph of the applicant taken within the preceding thirty (30) days in which the head, including hair, in a size as determined by the Department of Public Safety, except that an applicant who is younger than twenty-one (21) years of age must submit a photograph in profile of the applicant;

(c) A nonrefundable license fee of Eighty Dollars ($80.00). Costs for processing the set of fingerprints as required in paragraph (d) of this subsection shall be borne by the applicant. Honorably retired law enforcement officers, disabled veterans and active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States, and law enforcement officers employed with a law enforcement agency of a municipality, county or state at the time of application for the license, shall be exempt from the payment of the license fee;

(d) A full set of fingerprints of the applicant administered by the Department of Public Safety; and

(e) A waiver authorizing the Department of Public Safety access to any records concerning commitments of the applicant to any of the treatment facilities or institutions referred to in subsection (2) of this section and permitting access to all the applicant's criminal records.

(6) (a) The Department of Public Safety, upon receipt of the items listed in subsection (5) of this section, shall forward the full set of fingerprints of the applicant to the appropriate agencies for state and federal processing.

(b) The Department of Public Safety shall forward a copy of the applicant's application to the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence and, if applicable, the police chief of the applicant's municipality of residence. The sheriff of the applicant's county of residence, and, if applicable, the police chief of the applicant's municipality of residence may, at his discretion, participate in the process by submitting a voluntary report to the Department of Public Safety containing any readily discoverable prior information that he feels may be pertinent to the licensing of any applicant. The reporting shall be made within thirty (30) days after the date he receives the copy of the application. Upon receipt of a response from a sheriff or police chief, such sheriff or police chief shall be reimbursed at a rate set by the department.

(c) The Department of Public Safety shall, within forty-five (45) days after the date of receipt of the items listed in subsection (5) of this section:

(i) Issue the license;

(ii) Deny the application based solely on the ground that the applicant fails to qualify under the criteria listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section. If the Department of Public Safety denies the application, it shall notify the applicant in writing, stating the ground for denial, and the denial shall be subject to the appeal process set forth in subsection (7); or

(iii) Notify the applicant that the department is unable to make a determination regarding the issuance or denial of a license within the forty-five-day period prescribed by this subsection, and provide an estimate of the amount of time the department will need to make the determination.

(d) In the event a legible set of fingerprints, as determined by the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, cannot be obtained after a minimum of two (2) attempts, the Department of Public Safety shall determine eligibility based upon a name check by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol and a Federal Bureau of Investigation name check conducted by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol at the request of the Department of Public Safety.

(7) (a) If the Department of Public Safety denies the issuance of a license, or suspends or revokes a license, the party aggrieved may appeal such denial, suspension or revocation to the Commissioner of Public Safety, or his authorized agent, within thirty (30) days after the aggrieved party receives written notice of such denial, suspension or revocation. The Commissioner of Public Safety, or his duly authorized agent, shall rule upon such appeal within thirty (30) days after the appeal is filed and failure to rule within this thirty-day period shall constitute sustaining such denial, suspension or revocation. Such review shall be conducted pursuant to such reasonable rules and regulations as the Commissioner of Public Safety may adopt.

(b) If the revocation, suspension or denial of issuance is sustained by the Commissioner of Public Safety, or his duly authorized agent pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, the aggrieved party may file within ten (10) days after the rendition of such decision a petition in the circuit or county court of his residence for review of such decision. A hearing for review shall be held and shall proceed before the court without a jury upon the record made at the hearing before the Commissioner of Public Safety or his duly authorized agent. No such party shall be allowed to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver pursuant to the provisions of this section while any such appeal is pending.

(8) The Department of Public Safety shall maintain an automated listing of license holders and such information shall be available online, upon request, at all times, to all law enforcement agencies through the Mississippi Crime Information Center. However, the records of the department relating to applications for licenses to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers and records relating to license holders shall be exempt from the provisions of the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, and shall be released only upon order of a court having proper jurisdiction over a petition for release of the record or records.

(9) Within thirty (30) days after the changing of a permanent address, or within thirty (30) days after having a license lost or destroyed, the licensee shall notify the Department of Public Safety in writing of such change or loss. Failure to notify the Department of Public Safety pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall constitute a noncriminal violation with a penalty of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) and shall be enforceable by a summons.

(10) In the event that a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver license is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the license was issued shall comply with the provisions of subsection (9) of this section and may obtain a duplicate, or substitute thereof, upon payment of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) to the Department of Public Safety, and furnishing a notarized statement to the department that such license has been lost or destroyed.

(11) A license issued under this section shall be revoked if the licensee becomes ineligible under the criteria set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(12) (a) Except as provided in subsection (25) of this section, no less than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the license, the Department of Public Safety shall send to each licensee a written notice of the expiration and a renewal form prescribed by the department. The licensee must renew his license on or before the expiration date by filing with the department the renewal form, a notarized affidavit stating that the licensee remains qualified pursuant to the criteria specified in subsections (2) and (3) of this section if necessary, and a full set of fingerprints administered by the Department of Public Safety or the sheriff of the county of residence of the licensee. The first renewal may be processed by mail "or other means as determined by the Department" and the subsequent renewal must be made in person. Thereafter every other renewal may be processed by mail to assure that the applicant must appear in person every ten (10) years for the purpose of obtaining a new photograph.

(i) Except as provided in this subsection, a renewal fee of Forty Dollars ($40.00) shall also be submitted along with costs for processing the fingerprints;

(ii) Honorably retired law enforcement officers, disabled veterans, active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States and law enforcement officers employed with a law enforcement agency of a municipality, county or state at the time of renewal, shall be exempt from the renewal fee; and

(iii) The renewal fee for a Mississippi resident aged sixty-five (65) years of age or older shall be Twenty Dollars ($20.00).

(b) The Department of Public Safety shall forward the full set of fingerprints of the applicant to the appropriate agencies for state and federal processing. The license shall be renewed upon receipt of the completed renewal application and appropriate payment of fees.

(c) A licensee who fails to file a renewal application on or before its expiration date must renew his license by paying a late fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00). No license shall be renewed six (6) months or more after its expiration date, and such license shall be deemed to be permanently expired. A person whose license has been permanently expired may reapply for licensure; however, an application for licensure and fees pursuant to subsection (5) of this section must be submitted, and a background investigation shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(13) No license issued pursuant to this section shall authorize any person, except a law enforcement officer as defined in Section 45-6-3 with a distinct license authorized by the Department of Public Safety, to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver into any place of nuisance as defined in Section 95-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972; any police, sheriff or highway patrol station; any detention facility, prison or jail; any courthouse; any courtroom, except that nothing in this section shall preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in his courtroom; any polling place; any meeting place of the governing body of any governmental entity; any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof; any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms; any portion of an establishment, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, that is primarily devoted to dispensing alcoholic beverages; any portion of an establishment in which beer, light spirit product or light wine is consumed on the premises, that is primarily devoted to such purpose; any elementary or secondary school facility; any junior college, community college, college or university facility unless for the purpose of participating in any authorized firearms-related activity; inside the passenger terminal of any airport, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal if the firearm is encased for shipment, for purposes of checking such firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft; any church or other place of worship, except as provided in Section 45-9-171; or any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law. In addition to the places enumerated in this subsection, the carrying of a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver may be disallowed in any place in the discretion of the person or entity exercising control over the physical location of such place by the placing of a written notice clearly readable at a distance of not less than ten (10) feet that the "carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited." No license issued pursuant to this section shall authorize the participants in a parade or demonstration for which a permit is required to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver.

(14) A law enforcement officer as defined in Section 45-6-3, chiefs of police, sheriffs and persons licensed as professional bondsmen pursuant to Chapter 39, Title 83, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of this section.

(a) The Commissioner of Public Safety shall promulgate rules and regulations to provide licenses to law enforcement officers as defined in Section 45-6-3 who choose to obtain a license under the provisions of this section, which shall include a distinction that the officer is an "active duty" law enforcement officer and an endorsement that such officer is authorized to carry in the locations listed in subsection (13). A law enforcement officer shall provide the following information to receive the license described in this subsection: (i) a letter, with the official letterhead of the agency or department for which the officer is employed at the time of application and (ii) a letter with the official letterhead of the agency or department, which explains that such officer has completed a certified law enforcement training academy.

(b) The licensing requirements of this section do not apply to the carrying by any person of a stun gun, pistol or revolver, knife, or other deadly weapon that is not concealed as defined in Section 97-37-1.

(15) Any person who knowingly submits a false answer to any question on an application for a license issued pursuant to this section, or who knowingly submits a false document when applying for a license issued pursuant to this section, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Section 99-19-31, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(16) All fees collected by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to this section shall be deposited into a special fund hereby created in the State Treasury and shall be used for implementation and administration of this section. After the close of each fiscal year, the balance in this fund shall be certified to the Legislature and then may be used by the Department of Public Safety as directed by the Legislature.

(17) All funds received by a sheriff or police chief pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be deposited into the general fund of the county or municipality, as appropriate, and shall be budgeted to the sheriff's office or police department as appropriate.

(18) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or allow the registration, documentation or providing of serial numbers with regard to any stun gun or firearm.

(19) Any person holding a valid unrevoked and unexpired license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers issued in another state shall have such license recognized by this state to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to enter into a reciprocal agreement with another state if that state requires a written agreement in order to recognize licenses to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers issued by this state.

(20) The provisions of this section shall be under the supervision of the Commissioner of Public Safety. The commissioner is authorized to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

(21) For the purposes of this section, the term "stun gun" means a portable device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure, momentarily stun, knock out, cause mental disorientation or paralyze.

(22) (a) From and after January 1, 2016, the Commissioner of Public Safety shall promulgate rules and regulations which provide that licenses authorized by this section for honorably retired law enforcement officers and honorably retired correctional officers from the Mississippi Department of Corrections shall (i) include the words "retired law enforcement officer" on the front of the license, and (ii) unless the licensee chooses to have this license combined with a driver's license or identification card under subsection (25) of this section, that the license itself have a red background to distinguish it from other licenses issued under this section.

(b) An honorably retired law enforcement officer and honorably retired correctional officer shall provide the following information to receive the license described in this section: (i) a letter, with the official letterhead of the agency or department from which such officer is retiring, which explains that such officer is honorably retired, and (ii) a letter with the official letterhead of the agency or department, which explains that such officer has completed a certified law enforcement training academy.

(23) A disabled veteran who seeks to qualify for an exemption under this section shall be required to provide a veterans health services identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs indicating a service-connected disability, which shall be sufficient proof of such service-connected disability.

(24) A license under this section is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver to be carried upon the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case if the person is not engaged in criminal activity other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a pistol or revolver under state or federal law, and is not in a location prohibited under subsection (13) of this section. However, the medical use of medical cannabis by a cardholder who is a registered qualifying patient which is lawful under the provisions of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act and in compliance with rules and regulations adopted thereunder shall not disqualify a person under this subsection (24) solely because the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 USCS Section 922(g)(3) due to such medical use of medical cannabis.

(25) An applicant for a license under this section shall have the option of, instead of being issued a separate card for the license, having the license appear as a notation on the individual's driver's license or identification card. If the applicant chooses this option, the license issued under this section shall have the same expiration date as the driver's license or identification card, and renewal shall take place at the same time and place as renewal of the driver's license or identification card. The Commissioner of Public Safety shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations which may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the concurrent application and renewal processes.

SECTION 47. Section 63-1-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, which requires the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television to prepare video tapes of instructional materials to be loaned by the Commissioner of Public Safety to assist visually impaired applicants in preparing for the driver's license examination, is repealed.

SECTION 48. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.