MS HB229

Clarifies authority of municipalities with population of 10,000 or more, or those bordering the Mississippi Sound or Gulf of Mexico, to create, establish, and operate harbors and recreational parks for small water crafts within their territorial limits.

Grants municipalities exclusive control and ownership of all docks, piers, slips, wharves, breakwaters, bulkheads, jetties, buildings, structures, and facilities associated with harbors and recreational parks, and entitles them to all revenues derived from operation of these structures.

Requires municipalities to hold harbors or recreational parks located on tidelands or submerged lands in trust pursuant to the Public Trust Tidelands map.

Exempts tidelands and submerged lands connected to harbors or recreational parks created under this authority from state trust requirements.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.