Theft of street, road or highway signs; provide penalties for.
To further strengthen its provisions, HB257 amends Section 97-17-71 of the Mississippi Code. This amendment includes street, road, and highway signs in the list of metals that cannot be purchased by scrap metal dealers. It aims to mitigate instances of sign theft, thereby maintaining public safety and order by ensuring proper signage on roads and highways. The law establishes a comprehensive framework that aligns with existing legal structures governing the prevention of metal theft.
House Bill 257 aims to enhance the protection of street, road, and highway signs in Mississippi by prohibiting the removal or assisted removal of these signs. The bill establishes specific penalties for individuals caught removing these signs, categorizing offenses based on the value of the signs removed. Lesser offenses can result in misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000, while more serious offenses, particularly those involving signs valued over $1,000, can lead to felony charges and imprisonment for up to five years.
Notably, the bill introduces concerns regarding enforcement and the potential for increased legal penalties, which may disproportionately affect individuals involved in non-malicious activities. Stakeholders, including local governments and law enforcement agencies, are likely to have differing views on the effectiveness of such measures. Some may argue that the focus should be on education and public awareness rather than punitive measures to address the issue of sign theft.