MS HB1896

Appropriates $3,692,008 from the State General Fund and $257,168,829 from special funds for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)

Authorizes 108 permanent and 65 time-limited employee positions with $14,802,016 allocated for personal services including salaries, wages, and fringe benefits

Allocates $11,390,440 from the Tidelands Fund for coastal management projects, bond repayment, and prior year projects

Designates $93,388,264 for Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) projects including sewer improvements, oyster restoration, hurricane mitigation, marina expansions, and environmental research across coastal Mississippi communities

Provides $600 annual uniform allowance for Marine Conservation Officers and authorizes up to $10,000,000 in additional GOMESA funds that may become available during the fiscal year