Senate Bill 2659 Summary

• Creates the Mississippi Parks Corporation, a state corporation to operate Mississippi's state park system with a board of five members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, effective July 1, 2024.

• Establishes a President (chief executive officer) appointed by the board subject to Governor approval, who manages daily operations and employs necessary personnel independent of state personnel board rules.

• Transfers full jurisdiction and control of state parks from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to the corporation, with the department retaining authority only over wildlife and fisheries.

• Requires the corporation to submit quarterly and annual financial reports to state officials, conduct annual independent audits by certified public accountants, and submit annual operating budgets to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for informational purposes.

• Makes corporation records subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act, requires board meetings to comply with the Open Meetings Act, and makes division heads and officers subject to ethics commission Statement of Economic Interest requirements.