MS HB1716

Renames the Harrison County Tourism Commission to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau effective July 1, 2013, with all prior members' terms terminated.

Expands bureau membership from 7 to 15 members: 9 appointed by Harrison County Board of Supervisors, 3 by Hancock County Board of Supervisors, and 3 by Jackson County Board of Supervisors.

Requires the bureau to enter into operating agreements with Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson Counties specifying duties, obligations, strategic objectives, performance reporting, and ethics standards.

Transfers all property, funds, accounts, records, and contracts held by the Harrison County Tourism Commission to the bureau, except contracts entered between March 1, 2013 and July 1, 2013 require affirmative bureau vote.

Creates a nonvoting advisory board to the bureau including representatives from tourism-related organizations such as hotel associations, casino operators, attractions associations, and the airport authority.