MS HB1189

Expands the Secretary of State's authority to grant easements over state lands for pipelines, electrical lines, fiber optic cables, water lines, and sewage systems to companies, persons, associations, corporations, governmental entities, and utility districts.

Allows easements for transporting oil, gas, hydrocarbons (including carbon dioxide), electricity, communications/data, water, and sewage/waste disposal across state lands including submerged lands where tides ebb and flow.

Excludes state highway rights-of-way, sixteenth section school lands, and lieu lands from easement authority.

Requires the Secretary of State to consult with the relevant state agency's governing board or executive director before granting an easement to ensure construction and operation will not substantially interfere with the agency's use of the land.

Requires easement holders to operate pipelines and transmission apparatus safely without endangering persons or property and to remain liable for damages caused by construction, operation, or maintenance.

Effective July 1, 2013.