HB 1636 Summary

• Appropriates $3,376,978.00 from the State General Fund and $170,812,390.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).

• Authorizes 108 permanent positions and 65 time-limited positions for the department; restricts salary increases and requires compliance with State Personnel Board guidelines.

• Allocates $12,455,247.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access and management projects across coastal counties, including pier improvements, boat launches, and harbor upgrades.

• Dedicates $100,192,527.00 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds for 46 projects including wastewater treatment, coastal restoration, oyster cultivation, and environmental monitoring throughout coastal Mississippi.

• Authorizes payment of prior-year invoices from fiscal years 2020 and 2021 totaling $7,992.50 and requires compliance with appropriations laws and reporting standards.