MS HB823

Amends Section 49-27-5 of the Mississippi Code to define "ordinary high water mark" as determined by Department of Marine Resources staff based on physical and biological characteristics including water stains, soil changes, scour lines, debris, and plant community changes.

Specifies that ordinary high water mark determination shall not be made during high tide when characteristics are not observable and is distinct from mean high water.

Clarifies that ordinary high water mark should not be used to determine boundaries between private property and public trust tidelands.

Revises "coastal wetlands" definition to include all publicly-owned lands subject to tidal ebb and flow below the ordinary high water mark, publicly-owned accretions above it, publicly-owned submerged water bottoms below it, and associated flora and fauna.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.