MS HB1497

Appropriates $6,818,268.00 from the State General Fund and $66,688,184.00 from special funds to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012).

Includes $5,750,000.00 from state excise taxes on gasoline and petroleum products directed to the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund, with the State Tax Commission directed to set aside this amount from tax collections.

Authorizes 708 permanent full-time positions, 103 permanent part-time positions, 45 time-limited full-time positions, and establishes performance targets for hunting and fishing licenses (505,000), fish stocking (2,000,000), and park visitation (2,500,000 day-use persons).

Provides $125,335.00 from the Education Enhancement Fund for Project WILD, $180,000.00 for the Youth Participation Initiative, and $150,000.00 for a biology specialist through Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service.

Establishes various operational policies including limits on motor vehicle purchases ($1,500,000.00), conservation officer uniform allowances ($550.00 annually), and requires legislative approval before closing any state park.