HB 246 Summary

• Amends Section 29-3-29 to add an exception allowing sale of all minerals (except oil, gas, sulfur, and casinghead gas) on sixteenth section lands conveyed for industrial development in specific Alabama-bordering counties.

• Modifies Section 57-75-37 to authorize boards of education and the Mississippi Development Authority to sell all minerals on sixteenth section lands for industrial projects, or perpetually waive rights to use the surface to access retained mineral interests.

• Allows public agencies to enter into written agreements with industrial enterprises to perpetually refrain from using land surfaces to access minerals in which the state or public agency retains ownership interest.

• Expands economic development assistance authorities for counties locating major industrial projects, including contributions, loans, infrastructure development, and agreements lasting up to 30 years.

• Takes effect July 1, 2025.