MS HB958

Amends Section 29-7-3 of Mississippi Code to modify which offshore mineral lease blocks may be drilled, allowing drilling in Blocks 40, 41, 42, 43, 63, 64, and 66 through 98 north of coastal barrier islands, with surface drilling prohibited within one mile of Cat Island.

Prohibits leasing of lands or submerged lands within one mile of oyster reef leases made by the Department of Marine Resources before January 1, 2004, for offshore oil, gas, or mineral drilling.

Maintains existing royalty requirements of at least three-sixteenths (3/16) of oil, gas, or other minerals produced, with revenue allocations to the Education Trust Fund, Gulf and Wildlife Protection Fund, and administration costs.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.