MS SB2295

Authorizes the Commission on Marine Resources to open legal shrimping areas by majority vote if a natural or man-made disaster has the potential to adversely affect the shrimp fishery.

Amends Section 49-15-64.1 to add this disaster exception to existing shrimp season opening procedures, which normally begin the first Wednesday of June.

Conforms the Commission's procedure for adopting live bait shrimp regulations to the Administrative Procedures Act by replacing language allowing changes by two-thirds commission vote with standard rulemaking authority.

Maintains existing shrimp size requirements (one pound per 68 shrimp for commercial catch; one pound per 100 shrimp for live bait) and permanent protective staging areas for young shrimp.

Takes effect upon passage.