HB 1726 Summary

• Appropriates $1,041,609.00 from the State General Fund and $49,288,787.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021).

• Authorizes 104 permanent full-time positions, 78 time-limited full-time positions, and 1 part-time position for the department; provides $600 annual uniform allowance for Marine Conservation Officers and Supervisors.

• Appropriates $7,349,277.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access projects, management projects, and bond repayment across Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock counties.

• Allocates $27,048,494.00 for Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) prior year projects including aquarium development, boardwalk improvements, water quality testing, and coastal restoration efforts.

• Authorizes department employees who were furloughed on or after July 1, 2020 to accrue all leave and statutory benefits as if not furloughed; establishes accounting and reporting requirements for fund expenditures.