MS HB884

Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate and execute an in-kind exchange of lands on Cat Island (a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Harrison County) with the United States and the National Park Service to consolidate state and federal holdings into contiguous tracts.

Requires state lands to be valued within 90 days using one of three methods: mutual agreement on an appraiser, each party designating an appraiser who selects a third appraiser, or if no agreement is reached within 180 days, the Governor may petition the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for binding valuation.

Mandates that within 180 days after valuation, the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of State must exchange federal lands or other federal assets of equal value for the state lands.

Lands conveyed to Mississippi become state property managed under state law; lands conveyed to the United States become part of Gulf Islands National Seashore managed under the National Park Service Organic Act.

Transfers mineral rights in exchanged lands to the receiving party and authorizes correction of legal description discrepancies.