MS HB1656

Appropriates $1,101,802.00 from the State General Fund and $28,428,139.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020), 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; provides Marine Conservation Officers and Supervisors with up to $600.00 annually for uniform allowances.

Appropriates $11,000,000.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access projects, management projects, and bond repayment across Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock Counties, including boat launches, parks, boardwalks, and coastal restoration initiatives.

Provides all full-time employees with up to 3% pay increase to the Variable Compensation Plan's realignment component (excluding agency heads, board members, and commissioners) and restricts use of general funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds for salaries.

Authorizes the Department of Marine Resources to expend up to $30,000,000.00 from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds that become available in fiscal year 2020, subject to Department of Finance and Administration rules.