Senate Bill 2778 Summary

• Creates the "ATV Alcohol Safety Act" establishing penalties for operating all-terrain vehicles while intoxicated on public lands, streets, or highways in Mississippi.

• Establishes implied consent to chemical or breath testing for ATV operators and requires law enforcement to inform violators of refusal penalties, including mandatory arrest and at least one year prohibition from operating an ATV.

• Imposes fines of $200-$1,000 or one week community service for first violations, with mandatory attendance at an alcohol safety education course; operating an ATV while intoxicated that negligently causes death is a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

• Requires uniform citation forms statewide and mandates the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks provide all law enforcement with forms by October 1, 2010.

• Imposes a $50 statewide monetary assessment on ATV operating violations to fund the Hunter Education and Training Program Fund, which also supports boating and alcohol safety education courses.