MS SB2783

Grants the Commission on Marine Resources authority to re-designate natural/public reefs and establish a regulatory program for private leases of oyster bottoms.

Limits private leases to no more than 30% of any reef classified as a producing reef as of July 1, 2018.

Maintains existing requirements that individual lessees must be Mississippi residents or corporations organized under Mississippi law, with lease sizes between 5 and 500 acres.

Preserves state and political subdivisions' right to terminate leases for public purposes including ports, harbors, channels, and industrial or recreational projects.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.