MS HB1615

Appropriates $7,614,962.00 from the State General Fund and $65,688,184.00 from special funds for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013).

Allocates $5,750,000.00 from state excise taxes on gasoline, oil and petroleum products to the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund for wildlife and fisheries management.

Authorizes 659 permanent full-time positions, 93 permanent part-time positions, and 42 time-limited full-time positions for department operations.

Establishes performance targets for the agency including 500,000 hunting and fishing licenses sold, 1,700,000 fish stocked in public waters, and 2,500,000 day-use park visitors.

Provides $150,000.00 to support a biology specialist position through the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service and $200,000.00 for the Youth Participation Initiative focusing on hunting, fishing, conservation and safety education.