MS HB1485

Appropriates $1,126,856.00 from the State General Fund and $9,607,921.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015).

Authorizes 100 permanent full-time positions, 46 time-limited full-time positions, and 1 time-limited part-time position; provides Marine Conservation Officers and Supervisors with up to $600 annually for uniforms.

Appropriates $9,787,443.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access projects and management improvements across Harrison, Jackson, Hancock counties, including boat launches, park improvements, and harbor enhancements.

Provides $1,000 salary increases for full-time employees (or pro-rated for part-time) earning less than $30,000 annually who have not received a raise since July 1, 2010; caps future salary increases at 5% for employees meeting these criteria.

Restricts use of appropriated funds for utilities on state-furnished employee housing and requires compliance with spending limitations; allows department to receive and expend up to $1,000,000 in additional funds from other sources with proper authorization.