MS HB389

Amends Section 59-15-1 to clarify that municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more, or those bordering the Mississippi Sound or Gulf of Mexico, are authorized to create, establish, develop, promote, maintain, and operate harbors and recreational parks for small water crafts within their territorial limits.

Grants municipalities the power to acquire, purchase, construct, own, lease, and operate harbors and recreational parks, with municipalities owning all associated docks, piers, slips, wharves, and other structures and receiving all revenues derived from their operation.

Establishes that harbors and recreational parks located on Public Trust Tidelands shall be held in trust by the municipality in which they are located.

Amends Section 59-15-3 to establish that all harbors, recreational parks, and facilities constructed within a city shall be maintained and operated under the exclusive control of city authorities, and prohibits the Secretary of State from requiring cities to enter into leases with state agencies to exercise these authorities.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.