MS HB1545

Appropriates $1,143,945.00 from the State General Fund and $19,607,921.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016), with $3,050,000.00 derived from state excise taxes on gasoline and petroleum products.

Authorizes 99 permanent full-time positions, 54 time-limited full-time positions, and 1 part-time position; provides Marine Conservation Officers and Supervisors with uniform allowances not to exceed $600 per year.

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

Allocates $9,000,000.00 from Section 2 funds for the BP Settlement and establishes requirements for accounting records, personnel management, and compliance with state fiscal regulations.

Directs political subdivisions receiving tidelands funds to comply with auditing requirements and submit detailed expenditure reports every six months; allows Department of Marine Resources to reallocate tidelands funds between approved projects with proper documentation.