MS HB157

Authorizes sheriffs and police chiefs to compel individuals to leave mandatory evacuation areas and use reasonable force for removal when a disaster evacuation order is issued.

Makes individuals civilly liable to governmental entities or nonprofit agencies for rescue costs if they knowingly ignore a mandatory evacuation order and engage in unreasonable conduct that places themselves or others in danger.

Prohibits tampering with, damaging, or removing barricades and warning signs for flooded roads, with penalties of $25–$1,000 fine or up to one year imprisonment; violators are civilly liable for rescue costs if tampering causes another person to enter a danger area.

Makes it a misdemeanor offense (fine of $1–$200) to disobey warning signs or drive around barricades at flooded roads; violators are civilly liable for rescue costs incurred by governmental entities or nonprofit agencies.

Amends Mississippi Code Section 33-15-17 to explicitly authorize county and municipal chief executives and the Governor to compel civilian populations in evacuated disaster areas to leave when an evacuation order is issued; effective July 1, 2012.