MS HB722

Amends Section 97-17-42 to create the crime of cargo theft, which includes unlawfully taking or appropriating vehicles engaged in commercial transportation, trailers, semitrailers, containers, or their cargo, with penalties based on the value of property stolen.

Establishes tiered penalties for cargo theft: misdemeanor if property value is $1,000 or less; 1-10 years imprisonment and $10,000-$100,000 fine if value exceeds $1,000 but less than $10,000; 5-20 years imprisonment and $50,000-$1,000,000 fine if value is $10,000-$999,999; and 10-20 years imprisonment and $100,000-$1,000,000 fine if value is $1,000,000 or more.

Imposes enhanced penalties for cargo theft involving controlled substances: 1-10 years for less than $10,000 value; 5-25 years for $10,000-$999,999 value; and 10-30 years for $1,000,000 or more value.

Creates offense of unlawful modification or possession of a fifth wheel (coupling device) with intent to commit cargo theft, punishable by 1-10 years imprisonment and $10,000-$100,000 fine.

Authorizes suspension of commercial driver's license for cargo theft convictions and requires restitution for vehicle damage; effective July 1, 2017.