MS HB827

Allows a Certified Public Accountant to qualify for the Chief Financial Officer position of the Department of Marine Resources, in addition to the existing requirement of a master's degree in business administration or accounting with five years of experience.

Reconstitutes the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources as the Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources with purely advisory powers only.

Removes the advisory commission's independent regulatory authority and transfers rulemaking and enforcement powers to the Department of Marine Resources, with the commission serving only to advise the Executive Director.

Changes the Executive Director appointment process so the Governor appoints the director with Senate consent, serving at the will and pleasure of the Governor, rather than requiring the commission to nominate candidates.

Modifies references throughout the Mississippi Code to replace "commission" with "department" for rulemaking, regulation enforcement, and marine resource management duties effective July 1, 2020.