MS HB1021

Location data associated with artificial reefs constructed by corporations and private individuals is exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act (Section 25-61-1 et seq.).

The Marine Resources Commission may set permit fees and establish guidelines for artificial reef construction in federal waters by corporations and private individuals.

Section 49-15-17 is brought forward establishing the "Artificial Reef Program Account" within the Seafood Fund to receive and hold funds from public and private sources for reef promotion, construction, monitoring, and maintenance.

Funds in the Artificial Reef Program Account do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and remain available for department expenditure subject to legislative appropriation.

The act takes effect July 1, 2018.