MS HB15

Appropriates $19,607,188.00 from the State General Fund and $75,741,500.00 from special funds to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026).

Authorizes 514 permanent and 51 time-limited positions with $42,861,155.00 allocated for employee salaries, wages, and fringe benefits, including five new sworn law enforcement positions.

Allocates specific funds for priority programs including $400,000 for Chronic Wasting Disease detection, $200,000 for Youth Participation Initiative, $1,941,952.00 for law enforcement career ladder, and $8,100,000.00 for Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund projects.

Reappropriates $3,800,000.00 in Capital Expense Funds for park improvements ($2,300,000.00) and museum renovations ($1,500,000.00).

Establishes performance targets for fiscal year 2026 including 480,000 hunting and fishing licenses sold, 1,500,000 fish stocked, 11,000 hunter education participants, and 90,000 museum visitors.