MS SB2162

Authorizes the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality to establish and collect fees to cover reasonable direct and indirect costs of permitting and permitting-related programs, with fees set not to exceed actual state expenses (excluding federal funding).

Creates the "Department of Environmental Quality Program Fund" as a special trust fund to receive and retain all collected fees, grants, donations, and other revenues for use in supporting commission and department operations.

Requires the commission to review and revise fees at least annually and file a report by July 31 each year to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House detailing fee types, amounts collected, and the ratio of general fund appropriations to environmental fees.

Authorizes the commission to collect unpaid fees through administrative and legal action, impose late fees, issue cease-and-desist orders for unpaid fees after 90 days, and revoke permits for non-payment.

Amends multiple sections of Mississippi Code to redirect specific fees (water use permits, well contractor licenses, surface mining permits, hazardous waste generator fees) to the new Department of Environmental Quality Program Fund instead of other designated accounts or the general fund.