MS HB15

Secretary of State is designated as the Land Commissioner and Trustee of Public Trust Tidelands, with full management, administrative control, and leasing authority unless specifically divested by the Legislature

Gaming establishments applying for site approval after December 31, 2025, must meet minimum requirements including: 500-car parking facility, 300-room hotel, 40,000 sq. ft. casino floor, restaurants seating 200 and 75 people respectively, and a unique tourism-promoting amenity

New casino sites must have property under exclusive licensee control extending from the gaming floor to the mean high-water line, with written Secretary of State determination that the project serves a higher public purpose for Public Trust Tidelands

Municipalities and counties operating harbors within city limits as of July 1, 2026, may sublease Public Trust Tidelands consistent with a higher public purpose, with revenues used for harbor maintenance and operation

Public Trust Tidelands Fund revenues will first cover the Secretary of State's administrative and legal costs, then reimburse local taxing authorities for lost ad valorem taxes, with remainder going to the Department of Marine Resources for tidelands programs