MS HB1563

Amends the definition of "submerged lands" and "tidelands" under Mississippi's Public Trust Tidelands Law to exclude lands acquired by municipalities through purchase, deed, donation, gift, grant, reclamation, lease, dedication, or other permitted means under Section 59-15-1, provided no gaming establishment requiring a gaming license is located on the lands and the lands are maintained or being restored and not abandoned.

Brings forward Section 29-1-107, Mississippi Code of 1972, relating to gaming establishments and public trust tidelands, which governs leasing of state tidelands and submerged lands and establishes in-lieu tidelands assessments for gaming licensees in the three southernmost counties.

Applies the brought-forward section to gaming licensees operating in the three most southern counties of Mississippi, establishing 30-year lease terms for those executing leases after August 29, 2005, with annual rent adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Establishes annual in-lieu tidelands assessments ranging from $400,000 to $750,000 for gaming licensees not leasing state tidelands, based on capital investment levels in gaming structures, with assessments adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.