MS HB977

Reduces the criminal penalty for hunting or trapping alligators out of season without a required permit from a Class I offense to a Class II offense.

Changes the applicable penalty statute from Section 49-7-141 to Section 49-7-143.

Maintains existing requirements that residents and nonresidents must purchase a combination hunting and fishing license to hunt alligators for sporting purposes.

Maintains existing requirements that residents and nonresidents must obtain a special permit to hunt or possess alligators for commercial purposes, with fees not exceeding $200 for sporting permits and $500 for commercial permits.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.