HB 1659 Summary

• Requires gaming operations to obtain leases for public trust tidelands from the Secretary of State, establishing state control over gaming use of tidelands separate from other commercial uses.

• Designates the Secretary of State as sole trustee and manager of Mississippi's public trust tidelands, requiring all existing and proposed uses (commercial, public, or gaming) to obtain tidelands leases from the state.

• Clarifies that public trust tidelands leases are required for gaming establishments to qualify for the in-lieu tidelands assessment, and gaming licensees must demonstrate ability to obtain such leases to operate onshore.

• Allows administrative costs, legal fees, and lost ad valorem taxes to be paid from the Public Trust Tidelands Fund with legislative approval, and renames the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources to the Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources.

• Brings forward numerous existing statutes related to tidelands management, sea walls, county and municipal harbors, and coastal resource management for possible future amendment.