MS HB8

Appropriates $3,731,912.00 from the State General Fund and $257,276,719.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026).

Authorizes $14,949,810.00 for personal services including employee salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for 108 permanent and 65 time-limited positions.

Allocates $6,390,440.00 from the Tidelands Fund for management projects ($3,842,769.00), bond repayment ($1,547,671.00), and prior year projects ($1,000,000.00).

Provides $114,833,582.00 for 74 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) projects including infrastructure improvements, oyster restoration, and coastal protection efforts across multiple coastal municipalities and institutions.

Permits the department to expend up to $10,000,000.00 in additional GOMESA funds that may become available during fiscal year 2026, and authorizes payment of prior fiscal year expenses not exceeding $408,657.40.