MS HB661

Designates an intake employee within the Department of Marine Resources to administer the administrative hearing procedure for marine resources violations, replacing the executive director's previous role in initial complaint review.

Clarifies that the intake employee makes recommendations on complaints, with final decisions made by the executive director after review of the intake employee's written recommendation.

Modifies the Coastal Wetlands Protection Act procedures to require the commission to issue written recommendations incorporating findings and reasons, with the executive director making final decisions on permit issuance, denial, revocation, or suspension rather than the commission.

Changes references throughout the code from "commission" to "department" in administrative appeal and enforcement procedures to reflect the department's decision-making authority.

Eliminates relief based on harmless procedural errors by the department, allowing remand only for prejudicial errors requiring rehearing.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.