MS HB344

Amends Section 49-7-251 to grant justice courts jurisdiction over forfeiture proceedings for property seized due to violations of game and fish laws, provided the seized property value falls within justice court jurisdictional limits as set forth in Section 9-11-9.

Forfeiture petitions may now be filed in circuit court, county court (if applicable), or justice court, expanding the previous venues available for such proceedings.

Requires the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks or local law enforcement to make good faith efforts to identify and serve notice on property owners, lienholders, and secured creditors before forfeiture proceedings commence.

Mandates that if a property owner cannot be located, notice shall be published addressed to "the Unknown Owner" with a detailed description of the seized property.

Effective date: July 1, 2010.