MS HB164

Transfer duty to assist Mississippi Department of Corrections in managing prison land agricultural leases from Department of Finance and Administration to Secretary of State, effective July 1, 2012.

Require Department of Corrections to submit annual reports to Legislature and Secretary of State detailing all prison lands leased for agricultural purposes.

Establish competitive bid process for leasing prison lands with terms not exceeding 5 years expiring on December 31, allowing existing lessees to renew at 120% of prior rental value or submit a second bid at 105% of highest acceptable bid if they made improvements.

Reserve state title to all timber, minerals, oil and gas on leased prison lands, allowing Department of Corrections to sell merchantable timber.

Authorize lessees to file bills in chancery court to confirm, quiet, or challenge validity of agricultural leases, with courts empowered to decree confirmation, award damages, or determine legal status of leases.