MS HB52

Transfers authority to manage agricultural leases of prison lands from the Department of Finance and Administration to the Secretary of State, who will assist the Mississippi Department of Corrections in establishing and maintaining these leases

Establishes competitive bidding procedures for prison land agricultural leases with terms not exceeding 5 years, requiring newspaper advertisement for at least 10 days before public contract, with all leases expiring on December 31

Allows existing leaseholders to re-lease land on one occasion for up to 5 years at no less than 120% of the existing lease value, or submit a second bid at 105% of the highest acceptable bid if they made approved improvements

Reserves title to all timber, minerals, oil, and gas on leased prison lands to the state, and establishes procedures for leaseholders to confirm or quiet leases in chancery court

Requires the Department of Corrections to submit annual reports to the Legislature on prison lands leased for agricultural purposes, with copies filed with the Secretary of State, effective July 1, 2014