MS HB1606

Appropriates $1,065,130.00 from the State General Fund and $28,103,092.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019), with $3,050,000.00 derived from state excise taxes on gasoline and petroleum products.

Authorizes 104 permanent full-time positions, 78 time-limited full-time positions, and 1 time-limited part-time position, with Marine Conservation Officers and Supervisors receiving up to $600.00 annually for uniforms.

Appropriates $10,000,000.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access projects and management projects across Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock counties, including harbor improvements, pier redecking, boat launches, and park upgrades.

Reappropriates $300,000.00 and $4,200,000.00 from the Tidelands Fund to continue previously authorized projects and reauthorizes the Department to move tidelands funds between approved projects with proper documentation.

Restricts use of appropriated funds for employee housing utilities, requires compliance with procurement preferences for Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and establishes that funds cannot exceed appropriated amounts or replace withdrawn federal funds.