MS HB1043

Declares submerged logs on public trust tidelands (Mississippi Sound, bays, rivers, streams, bayous) as property of the State of Mississippi, requiring a lease from the Secretary of State to harvest them

Creates two lease types: residential use leases (limited to adjacent property owners for personal use only, within 750 yards of shore) and commercial use leases (available to any person or entity)

Requires commercial lessees to pay annual rent plus 15% of gross value received from harvested logs, along with a performance bond; residential lessees pay only annual rent

Prohibits harvesting that interferes with navigation, damages oyster reefs or beds, or violates the Coastal Wetlands Protection Act; leases are cancelled if harvesting doesn't begin within 6 months

Deposits all lease revenue into the Public Trust Tidelands Fund and subjects violators who harvest without a lease to civil penalties