Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-4.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 27-4.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-4.1
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is authorized and directed to designate the “Big Island”, 57 acres located at the physical address of 0 Mouth of Back Bay of Biloxi in Harrison County, Mississippi, as “Gollott Island” in honor of the role of Senator Thomas A. Gollott in the development of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Big Island is more particularly described as Patent No. 1211672 Big Island Lot 2 of Section 22-7-9 A Swamp and Overflowed land located at the mouth of the Back Bay of Biloxi. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is further authorized and directed to designate the breakwater improvements on the south side of the island as “Godfather Point”.

(2) The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of State are further authorized to erect appropriate markers and signs indicating the location of “Gollott Island” and “Godfather Point” and other pertinent information on the mission, trail systems and visitor guidelines relating to the Mississippi Coastal Plain.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-119 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 19-119
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-119
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Conversion Revolving Fund. The revolving fund shall consist of monies received from charges for work and services performed for volunteer fire departments by the commission.

(2) Monies in the revolving fund shall be used by the State Forestry Commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist in the conversion of vehicles acquired by the commission through the Federal Excess Personal Property Program or by volunteer fire departments through other means to adapt them for use in the suppression of wildland fires. This assistance shall be in the form of fabrication of water tanks or other accessories necessary for the operation of fire suppression units, installation of piping and valves, painting or other similar or associated component work necessary to place fire suppression equipment into service; such assistance is not for general vehicle maintenance or repair.

(3) The State Treasurer shall make disbursements from the revolving fund for payment of materials, supplies and labor upon requisition of the commission and upon the issuance of warrants therefor by the Department of Finance and Administration.

(4) The amount of monies deposited into the revolving fund from such charges shall not exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). Funds in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) from such charges shall be deposited into the Forestry Commission's regular appropriated special funds.

(5) Monies remaining in the revolving fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on the revolving fund shall be deposited to the credit of the revolving fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-429 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-429
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-429
Status: in_force

No person may install, alter or remove an underground storage tank after July 1, 1990, without first having been certified by the Commission on Natural Resources. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations setting forth the requirements for such certification which shall include but not be limited to a certification examination.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-19 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 27-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-19
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who files a written objection pursuant to Section 49-27-15 may appear at the public hearing and be heard.

(b) The burden of proof shall be on the applicant, whether a hearing is held or not; provided, however, no application shall be denied without giving the applicant a right to a hearing according to the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-58.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 7-58.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-58.1
Status: in_force

(1) The owner of any enclosure containing white-tailed deer that prevents the free egress of white-tailed deer from the enclosed area shall notify and register with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The person shall give his name, the location of the enclosure, the acreage within the enclosure, and whether any deer have been imported into the state and placed in the enclosure, and any other information required by the Commissioner on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

(2) Persons who constructed an enclosure prior to July 1, 2003, shall have until January 1, 2004, to notify and provide the information required under this section. The person shall use acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices as may be determined by the department.

(3) The owner of such an enclosure shall comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the testing of white-tailed deer harvested within an enclosure, or whose death was due to causes other than hunting activity, as required by Section 49-7-58.6 . If chronic wasting disease is diagnosed within five (5) miles of the enclosure, the owner of such enclosure shall allow department personnel to enter the enclosure to utilize the best collection methods possible to obtain tissue samples for testing. If chronic wasting disease is diagnosed within the enclosure, the owner shall work with the commission to determine a solution for containing the disease within the enclosure; however, the commission shall not declare surrounding or adjoining properties within a five (5) mile radius of the enclosure a CWD Management Zone, until chronic wasting disease is positively detected within such radius on these surrounding or adjoining properties.

(4) Violations of this section shall be punishable as provided in Section 49-7-58.6 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-16 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-16
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-16
Status: in_force

(1)(a) An Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as “Advisory Council,” is created to conduct an independent study of the costs for the development and administration of the Title V program within the Department of Environmental Quality and to conduct an annual review of the costs of administering such programs.

(b) The costs to be included within the study for the Title V program shall be those costs set forth in Section 49-17-14 . After completing a study of the program needs and costs, the Advisory Council shall recommend an equitable fee system for the Title V program. The annual review of the Title V program shall determine if the fee system is collecting sufficient funds to meet the program needs. The Advisory Council shall recommend an appropriate fee schedule for the upcoming fee year and, if necessary, recommend changes to the existing fee system so that sufficient funds are collected through an equitable fee system. Each annual review report shall be due January 1 of each year to the commission and the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality.

(2) The Department of Environmental Quality shall assist the Advisory Council by providing any information the Advisory Council may require to perform its duties under Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-45 .

(3) The Advisory Council shall be composed of the following seven (7) persons appointed as follows: three (3) representatives of industries that qualify for inclusion under the Title V program, that are required to pay the program fee, with one (1) such representative to be appointed by the Governor, one (1) by the Lieutenant Governor and one (1) by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority; the President of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association; the President of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; and the Chairman of the Mississippi Small Business Compliance Advisory Panel. Nonappointed members of the Advisory Council may designate an alternate member to act in their stead in performing any function of the Advisory Council. The length of term for each member of the Advisory Council shall be four (4) years. Members of the Advisory Council may serve successive and multiple terms.

(4) Vacancies on the Advisory Council shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments.

(5) The Advisory Council shall select from their membership a chairperson to preside over meetings and a vice chairperson to preside in the absence of the chairperson or when the chairperson shall be excused. The Advisory Council shall adopt procedures governing the manner of conducting its business. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum to do business.

(6) Members of the Advisory Council shall serve without salary. The members of the Advisory Council shall be entitled to receive reimbursement of their actual travel and hotel expenses as provided in Section 25-3-41 , incurred while in the performance of their duties as members of the Advisory Council to be paid on an itemized statement approved by the State Fiscal Officer. Expenses shall be paid from fees collected in accordance with Section 49-17-30 .

(7) The Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality shall provide technical, clerical and other support services, including services by contract, as the Advisory Council determines that it requires in the performance of its functions.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-27 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 28-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-27
Status: in_force

(1) The board of supervisors of the county in which a district exists, may, according to the terms of the resolution and upon receipt of a resolution of the board of commissioners adopted by a three-fifths ( 3 / 5 ) majority of that board requesting the funds, levy a special tax, not to exceed four (4) mills annually, on all taxable real property in the district. The avails of the tax shall be paid over to the board of commissioners of the district to be used either for the support of the district, planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance or improvement of projects of the district or for the retirement of any bonds issued by the district, or for any combination of those uses.

(2) The proceeds derived from two (2) mills of the levy authorized in this section shall be included in the ten percent (10%) increase limitation under Section 27-39-321 , and the proceeds derived from any additional millage levied under this subsection in excess of two (2) mills shall be excluded from that limitation for the first year of such additional levy and shall be included within that limitation in any year thereafter.

(3) Following the initial tax levy, the special tax levy under this subsection may be increased only when the board of supervisors, after receipt of the resolution of the board of commissioners requesting an increase and stating the proposed amount of the increase and the purposes for which the additional revenues shall be used, has determined the need for additional revenues, adopts a resolution declaring its intention to increase the levy and has held an election on the question of increasing the tax levy prescribed in this section. The notice calling for an election shall state the purposes for which the additional revenues shall be used and the amount of the tax levy to be imposed for those purposes. The tax levy may be increased only if the proposed increase is approved by a three-fifths ( 3 / 5 ) majority of those voting within the district. Only those qualified electors of the county which reside in the district may vote in the election. Subject to specific provisions of this paragraph to the contrary, the publication of notice and manner of holding the election within the district shall be as prescribed by law for the holding of elections for the issuance of bonds by the board of supervisors. The election shall be held only within the district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-13-13 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-13-13
Status: in_force

When any package containing quail carcasses is to be shipped by rail, express or other carrier, public or private, the packages wherein the quail are contained must comply with the packaging or wrapping requirements set forth in Section 49-13-11 of the Mississippi Commercial Quail Law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-9 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 23-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-9
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to the authority set out in this chapter, the commission shall have authority to promulgate rules and regulations regarding the configuration and location of outdoor advertising signs provided for in Section 49-23-5 . At a minimum, the rules and regulations shall conform to the national standards promulgated pursuant to Title 23 of the United States Code and the standards set out in an agreement entered into under Section 49-23-27 .

(2)(a) For signs erected prior to July 1, 2003, the maximum size of any outdoor sign or other advertising device shall be one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet;

(b) For sign structures erected on or after July 1, 2003, the maximum area for any one (1) sign face shall be six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet, the maximum height shall be fourteen (14) feet and the maximum length shall be forty-eight (48) feet, inclusive of any border and trim on the sign face, but excluding any embellishment on, and cut-out extension of, the sign face, the base or apron, supports and other structural members. The height of sign structures erected on or after April 15, 2008, or any replacements thereof shall not exceed forty (40) feet above the level of the road grade unless the grade of the land adjacent to the road is higher than the level of the road grade, then the height of the sign structure may exceed forty (40) feet above the level of the road grade but shall not exceed forty (40) feet above the grade of the site where the sign is placed. Any embellishment on or cut-out extension of any sign face shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the square footage of such sign face.

(3) The area of any sign face shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle or circle or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign.

(4) Sign structures erected on or after July 1, 2003, may contain one (1) or two (2) signs per face and may use only a side-by-side, back-to-back or V-type configuration and no other; provided, however, that if two (2) signs are used facing the same direction, the aggregate total area shall not exceed six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet.

(5) All illuminated outdoor signs or other advertising devices shall be so illuminated as to adhere to the customary practices of the industry in Mississippi and in conformance with national standards. No lighting devices shall be used which in any way imitate any traffic control device, railroad sign or signal, or highway directional signs.

(6) All outdoor signs and other advertising devices located within one-half ( 1 / 2 ) mile of an intersection of two (2) or more primary highways, or a primary highway and the Great River Road, or an interchange on the interstate system shall be erected and/or maintained with a minimum spacing between structures of five hundred (500) feet, unless separated by another commercial building or structure, other than outdoor advertising, in which case outdoor advertising may be permitted on one or more sides of building or buildings. The minimum spacing requirement of five hundred (500) feet between structures shall not apply to signs in existence on April 15, 2008.

(7) No two (2) signs shall be spaced less than five hundred (500) feet apart, except as to signs in existence on April 15, 2008, which shall not be removed by Sections 49-23-1 through 49-23-29 . This spacing limitation shall apply to areas within incorporated cities, towns, villages and in zoned and unzoned industrial or commercial areas.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-35 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-35
Status: in_force

The department is authorized to cooperate with the United States Bureau of Biological Survey in the taking, killing and destruction of predatory animals within the state that are destructive to game birds, animals and livestock. The department may pay its proportionate share of the salary and expenses of the designated representative of the Bureau of Biological Survey out of any funds to the credit of the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund for the purpose of carrying out this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-19 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 11-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-19
Status: in_force

Operators may establish shooting limitations and restrictions on the age, sex and number of each species of released game that may be taken by each person.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 33-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-7
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

(a) “Act” shall mean the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Activity Act.

(b) “Forest or agricultural land” means any land in the state devoted to the growing of trees or the commercial production of agricultural products or timber, wood or forest products including nongame species where the land is classified by the county as forest, agricultural or open land and being used as forest or agricultural land in the performance of forestry or agricultural activities.

(c) “Forestry activities” means any activity on forest land associated with the reforesting, growing, managing, protecting and harvesting of timber, wood and forest products including nongame species.

(d) “Agricultural activities” means any activities included under Section 27-35-50(4) as agricultural purposes.

(e) “Inverse condemnation” means any action by the State of Mississippi that prohibits or severely limits the right of an owner to conduct forestry or agricultural activities on forest or agricultural land. Inverse condemnation shall not include an action by the state that is:

(i) A taking as defined in paragraph (l) of this section;

(ii) A result of police power to prohibit activities that are noxious in fact or are harmful to the public health and safety; or

(iii) An order issued as a result of a violation of state law; or

(iv) An action as prescribed by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as set forth in Sections 49-7-1 through 49-7-257 or concerning the closing or shortening of open seasons as set forth in Section 49-1-29(a) .

(f) “Noxious in fact” means an activity that constitutes a public nuisance under common law.

(g) “Owner” means the holder of legal or equitable title to:

(i) Forest or agricultural land or timber, wood or forest products, including the management of nongame species thereon; or

(ii) Personal property rights associated with conducting forestry or agricultural activities on forest or agricultural land.

(h) “Prohibits or severely limits” means to reduce the fair market value of forest or agricultural land (or any part or parcel thereof) or timber, wood or forest products including nongame species (or any part or parcel thereof) or personal property rights associated with conducting forestry or agricultural activities on the forest or agricultural land by more than forty percent (40%) of their value before the action.

(i) “Public health and safety” means actions by the State of Mississippi based upon its police powers. Public health and safety actions prohibiting or severely restricting forestry or agricultural activities shall be:

(i) Taken only in response to real and substantial threats to public health and safety;

(ii) Designated to significantly advance the health and safety purpose; and

(iii) No greater than necessary to achieve the health and safety purpose.

(j) “State of Mississippi” or “state” means the State of Mississippi, any county, municipality or any political subdivision thereof.

(k) “State law” means any statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, resolution or similar action by the State of Mississippi validly existing and as interpreted on October 1, 1994. State law shall not include:

(i) Any judicial or executive interpretation of a state law after October 1, 1994, that prohibits or severely limits the conducting of forestry or agricultural activities that were not prohibited or severely limited before October 1, 1994; or

(ii) Any legislative amendment, interpretation or enactment by the state after October 1, 1994, that prohibits or severely limits the conducting of forestry or agricultural activities (except such actions that are the result of police power to prohibit activities that are noxious in fact or are harmful to the public health and safety).

(l) “Taking” means any action by the State of Mississippi under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, or Article III, Section 17 of the Mississippi Constitution where the owner is entitled to compensation for the fair market value of the owner's property or some part thereof (or required to forfeit the property in accordance with state forfeiture laws). Taking shall include the formal exercise of the power of eminent domain, the seizure or forfeiture of property for violations of law or as evidence in criminal proceedings or the issuance of orders authorized by statute or issued by a state agency or court of law for violations of state law. Taking shall not include the repealing of any state action that lessens interference with the conduct of forestry or agricultural activities.

(m) “Personal property” means any interest acquired by deed, lease, contract or agreement in standing or severed timber, wood or forest products.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-401 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-401
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-401
Status: in_force

Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-433 shall be known as the Mississippi Underground Storage Tank Act of 1988.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-105 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-105
Status: in_force

The words and phrases when used in Sections 49-5-101 through 49-5-119 shall, for the purposes of such sections, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

(a) “ Commission ” means the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

(b) “ Director ” means the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

(c) “ Ecosystem ” means a system of living organisms and their environment, each influencing the existence of the other and both necessary for the maintenance of life.

(d) “ Endangered species ” means any species or subspecies of wildlife whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the state are in jeopardy or are likely within the foreseeable future to become so, due to any of the following factors: (1) the destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat, or (2) its over-utilization for scientific, commercial or sporting purposes, or (3) the effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation, or (4) other natural or man-made factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the state, or (5) any combination of the foregoing factors. The term shall also be deemed to include any species or subspecies of fish and wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on July 1, 1974, ( Part 17 of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations , Appendix D) as well as any species or subspecies of fish and wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife ( Part 17 of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations , Appendix A), as such list may be modified hereafter.

(e) “ Management ” means the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing the number of individuals within species and populations of wildlife up to the optimum carrying capacity of their habitat and maintaining such levels. The term includes the entire range of activities that constitute a modern scientific resource program including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and improvement, and education. Also, included within the term, when and where appropriate, is the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking.

(f) “ Nongame species ” means any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean or other wild animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation of this state.

(g) “ Optimum carrying capacity ” means that point at which a given habitat can support healthy populations of wildlife species, having regard to the total ecosystem, without diminishing the ability of the habitat to continue that function.

(h) “ Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, association or partnership.

(i) “ Take ” means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill wildlife.

(j) “ Wildlife ” means any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean or other wild animal or any part, product, egg or offspring or the dead body or parts thereof.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 19 / Section 25-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-17
Status: in_force

Any person, partnership or corporation that seeks to establish, or establishes, a junkyard within one thousand (1,000) feet of the nearest right-of-way line of any interstate or primary highway that does not come within one or more of the exceptions contained in Section 49-25-7 , shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for any such offense. Each day's presence of the junkyard within the prohibited distance shall be a separate offense for the purpose of the penalty provision. In addition thereto, the State Highway Commission may seek injunctive relief in the courts of the county in which said junkyard may be located to abate the said nuisance and to require the removal of all junk from the prohibited area.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 37-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-7
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the Mississippi Statewide Scientific Information Management System Coordinating Council, hereinafter referred to as “coordinating council,” for the purpose of developing a strategic plan for a statewide scientific information management system and serving as a coordinating entity for all aspects of scientific information management.

(2)(a) The council shall consist of the following voting members: the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality; the Executive Director of the Department of Economic and Community Development; the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources; the State Health Officer; the State Forester; the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation; the Chairman of the Mississippi Water Resources Advisory Council; the Vice-President for Research and Sponsored Programs at each university on the Mississippi Research Consortium; the Vice-President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University; the State Director of Technology Transfer; the Center Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Stennis Space Center; the District Chief, Mississippi District, United States Geological Survey; the Executive Director of the Mississippi Automated Resource Information System; the Executive Director of the Department of Information Technology Services; the President of the Institute of Technology Development; and two (2) representatives of the private sector user community appointed by the Governor.

Members of the coordinating council not appointed by the Governor shall serve a term concurrent with their term of office in their respective position. Nonappointed members may designate an alternate to serve in their stead and the alternate shall have the authority to act for the designating member.

Members of the council appointed by the Governor shall serve four-year terms.

(b) In addition to the members of the coordinating council specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the coordinating council may invite, as participating members, representatives of any other state and federal organizations, or individuals possessing appropriate expertise or who have a viable interest in the development and implementation of the statewide scientific information management system.

(c) The Chairman of the Senate Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources Committee and one (1) member of that committee appointed by the chairman may attend meetings of the coordinating council. The Speaker of the House of Representatives may designate the Chairman of the House Conservation and Water Resources Committee and one (1) member of that committee to attend any meeting of the coordinating council. The appointing authorities may designate alternate members from their respective houses to serve when the regular designees are unable to attend such meetings of the coordinating council. The legislative designees shall have no jurisdiction or vote on any matter within the jurisdiction of the coordinating council. For attending meetings of the coordinating council, the legislators shall receive per diem and expenses which shall be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same amounts as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem and expenses for attending meetings of the coordinating council will be paid while the Legislature is in session. No per diem and expenses will be paid except for attending meetings of the coordinating council without prior approval of the proper committee in their respective houses.

(d) Original appointments to the coordinating council shall be made no later than October 1, 1999. The Governor shall require adequate disclosure of potential conflicts of interest by appointed members of the coordinating council. Vacancies on the coordinating council shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments.

(e) The coordinating council shall elect from its membership a chairperson to preside over meetings and vice-chairperson to preside in the absence of the chairperson or when the chairperson shall be excused. The coordinating council shall adopt procedures governing the manner of conducting its business. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum to do business.

(f) Members of the coordinating council shall serve without compensation, except as otherwise provided in paragraph c of this subsection. At the direction of the chairman of the coordinating council and contingent upon the availability of sufficient funds, each member may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses in accordance with rates established pursuant to Section 25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 , incurred in attending meetings of the coordinating council.

(3) The coordinating council shall convene before November 15, 1999.

(4) The coordinating council shall not employ any permanent staff, rent or occupy independent office space or otherwise establish a full-time office.

(5) In conducting its activities under this chapter, the coordinating council may elicit the support of and participation by any state or local governmental agency as may be necessary or appropriate. All state and local governmental agencies shall provide support or participation as requested.

(6) The coordinating council may exercise those duties and powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the following functions:

(a) Conduct, or cause to be conducted any studies, analyses or evaluations related to the development and implementation of a scientific information management system;

(b) Apply and contract for and accept any grants, public or private funds, gifts or proceeds in furtherance of the activities of the coordinating council;

(c) Authorize the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into all contracts or execute all instruments, on behalf of the coordinating council, and do all acts necessary, desirable or convenient to carry out any power expressly granted to the council in this chapter; and

(d) Expend or distribute any funds or assets in its custody or under its control appropriate in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-56 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-56
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-56
Status: in_force

It is lawful for any restaurant to possess, prepare and serve lawfully, recreationally caught marine finfish to the persons who caught the finfish.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 11-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-3
Status: in_force

(1) The department may issue operating licenses to any person, partnership, association or corporation for the operation of shooting preserves or commercial wildlife enclosures that meet the following requirements and any applicable regulations:

(a) Each shooting preserve shall contain a minimum of one hundred (100) acres in one (1) tract of leased or owned land (including water area, if any) and shall be restricted to not more than six hundred forty (640) contiguous acres (including water area, if any), except that preserves confined to the releasing of ducks only may be authorized to operate with a minimum of fifty (50) contiguous acres (including water area).

(b) The boundaries of each shooting preserve shall be clearly defined and posted with signs erected at intervals of three hundred (300) feet or less.

(c) Each commercial wildlife enclosure shall contain a minimum of three hundred (300) acres in one (1) tract of leased or owned land (including water area, if any). No commercial wildlife enclosure shall be constructed in such a manner as to allow ingress of native wild animals without providing means of egress.

(d) The preserve or enclosure must be privately owned and operated.

(2) The commission may issue any rules or regulations necessary to regulate shooting preserves and commercial wildlife enclosures and to enforce this chapter.

(3) The commission may regulate the hunting of nonnative cervids within a commercial wildlife enclosure, and the department may enter such enclosure as provided under Section 49-11-25 and enforce such regulations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 5-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-7
Status: in_force

(1) No wild bird other than a game bird or introduced pheasants which are hereby classified as domestic fowl shall be pursued, taken, wounded, killed, captured, possessed or exported at any time, dead or alive. No part of the plumage, skin or body of any bird protected by this section or of any birds coming from without the state, the importation of which is prohibited into the United States, shall be sold or had in possession for sale in this state.

No person shall molest, take or destroy or attempt to molest, take or destroy the nests or eggs of any wild bird, or have such nests or eggs in his possession, except under the authority of a permit duly issued for scientific purposes.

(2) This section shall not apply to game birds for which there is an open season under state law or introduced pheasants; birds, or parts thereof collected or possessed under the authority of a certificate duly issued for scientific purposes; or to the English sparrow (Passer domesticus), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), grackles (Quiscalus sp.), brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) or crows (Corvus sp.) or to the nests or eggs of such unprotected birds. Nor shall anything contained in this section prohibit any person on his own land or land under his control from killing or controlling any English sparrow (Passer domesticus), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), grackles (Quiscalus sp.), brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) or crows (Corvus sp.) or any bird by nature destructive of gardens, crops or property of any kind when such birds are committing or about to commit depredation upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. This section does not authorize and shall not be construed to authorize the killing of any migratory birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-13 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 25-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-13
Status: in_force

When the State Highway Commission determines that the topography of the land adjoining the highways will not permit adequate screening of junkyards, or the screening of such junkyards would not be economically feasible, the State Highway Commission shall have the authority to acquire by gift, purchase, exchange, or condemnation such interests in lands as may be necessary to secure the removal or disposal of the junkyards, and to pay just compensation for the costs of relocation, removal or disposal thereof. When the state highway commission determines that it is in the best interest of the state, it may acquire such lands, or interest in lands, outside highway rights-of-way as may be necessary to provide adequate screening of such junkyards.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-33 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 18 / Section 35-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-33
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds:

(a) There are properties in Mississippi, often referred to as “brownfields,” that were contaminated or were perceived to have been contaminated by past activities, but are attractive locations for redevelopment.

(b) The safe development or redevelopment of brownfields would benefit the citizens of Mississippi in many ways, including improving the tax base of local governments and creating job opportunities for citizens in the vicinity of brownfields.

(c) Owners and prospective developers and redevelopers of brownfields, local governments in which brownfields are located and federal and state government agencies should be encouraged to provide capital and labor to improve brownfields so that the property can be determined to be safe or made safe for appropriate future use.

(d) The reduction of public health and environmental hazards on existing brownfield sites is essential to creating a better quality of life for the citizens of this state.

(e) Section 49-35-27, Mississippi Code of 1972 , requires the Department of Environmental Quality to conduct a survey of incentive programs in other states for cleanup of contaminated sites by January 1, 1999. The department has conducted its survey and filed its report showing incentives provided in other states.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 15-64.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64.1
Status: in_force

(1) The shrimp season shall open on the first Wednesday of June. The shrimp season shall be closed from January 1 until it is opened the first Wednesday of June, except south of the Intracoastal Waterway. The shrimp season shall be closed south of the Intracoastal Waterway and west of the Gulfport Ship Channel from May 1 until it is opened the first Wednesday of June, except as may be provided in subsection (2) of this section. For the purposes of this section only, that portion of the Intracoastal Waterway that extends from a point south of Long Beach to a point south of Point Clear is described as follows:

Begin at green buoy or beacon number 1 which is located approximately three (3) miles north of West Point on Cat Island, thence extending southwesterly to buoy or beacon number 4P, thence southwesterly to Pass Marianne Light, thence southwesterly to buoy or beacon number 15P at the northernmost point of Merrill Coquille, thence southwesterly to buoy or beacon number 17P, thence southwesterly to buoy or beacon number 22, thence westerly to Lighthouse Point and continuing westward following the meandering of the shoreline to the boundary line of the state.

(2) The department may open the season at an earlier or later date in designated areas only after sampling areas within its jurisdiction where shrimp may be caught for the purpose of determining the count of shrimp per pound. The department may also close certain designated areas where the shrimp count is found, by sampling, to be in excess of sixty-eight (68) per pound. If a natural or man-made disaster has the potential of adversely affecting the shrimp fishery, the department may open legal shrimping areas.

(3) The following waters are protective and staging areas for young shrimp, and are permanently closed to commercial and recreational shrimp trawling activities:

All waters north of a line beginning at a point one-half mile due South of the shoreline at the Mississippi-Alabama state boundary; thence running westerly following the meanderings of the shoreline one-half mile therefrom to Light “5” in the Bayou Casotte Channel; thence running northerly to Light “7” in the Bayou Casotte Channel; thence running westerly following the meanderings of the shoreline one-half mile therefrom to the intersection with the Pascagoula Channel; thence running northwesterly to Beacon “50” in the Pascagoula Channel; thence running southwesterly to Beacon “49” in the Pascagoula Channel; thence running in the most direct line to the northeast point of Singing River Island; thence running westerly along the north shoreline to the northwest point of Singing River Island; thence running northwesterly to a point one-half mile due south of the mouth of Graveline Bayou; thence running westerly following the meanderings of the shoreline one-half mile therefrom to Beacon “18” in the Biloxi Bay Channel; thence running northwesterly to Beacon “22” in the Biloxi Bay Channel; thence running northwesterly to Beacon “26” in the Biloxi Bay Channel; thence running westerly to Beacon “34”, exclusive of the Biloxi Channel itself; thence running westerly to Beacon “30” in the Biloxi Channel, exclusive of the Biloxi Channel itself; and thence running due South to a point on the north shore of Deer Island; thence running westerly following the north shore of Deer Island to the westernmost tip; thence running westerly in the most direct line to Biloxi Beacon “8”; thence running westerly following the meanderings of the shoreline at a distance of one-half mile therefrom to a point on the centerline of the CSX Railroad Bridge over St. Louis Bay; thence running westerly along the centerline of said bridge to a point one-half mile south of the western abutment; thence running southwesterly following the meanderings of the shoreline, at a distance of one-half mile therefrom, to a point one-half mile due East of the mouth of Bayou Caddy; thence running due West to the mouth of Bayou Caddy; thence running southwesterly following the meanderings of the shoreline to the southernmost point of the Mississippi shoreline on the east bank of the mouth of the Pearl River thence following the meanderings of the east bank of the Pearl River to a point where the east bank of the Pearl River intersects the centerline of the Highway 90 bridge; thence westerly along the centerline of the Highway 90 bridge to a point that intersects the Mississippi-Louisiana state boundary.

(4) The redesignation of beacon numbers by the United States Coast Guard shall not alter the description of the boundary described in this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-425 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 17-425
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-425
Status: in_force

The disclosure of any records, reports or information obtained pursuant to Sections 49-17-401 et seq. shall be governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, Section 25-61-1 and Section 49-17-39, Mississippi Code of 1972 , and the regulations of the commission promulgated thereunder.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-33 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-33
Status: in_force

The hearings herein provided may be conducted by the commission itself at a regular or special meeting of the commission, or the commission may designate a hearing officer, who may be the executive director, who shall have the power and authority to conduct such hearings in the name of the commission at any time and place as conditions and circumstances may warrant. The hearing officer shall have the record prepared of any hearing which he has conducted for the commission. Such record shall be submitted to the commission along with that hearing officer's findings of fact and recommended decision. Upon receipt and review of the record of the hearing and the hearing officer's findings of fact and recommended decision, the commission shall thereupon render its final decision in the matter. Any person ordered to appear for an alleged violation shall have the right to request a hearing before a majority of the commission if he prefers and such a hearing may then be set for the next regular meeting of the full commission, or specially. A verbatim record of the proceedings of such hearings shall be taken and filed with the commission, together with findings of fact and conclusions of law made by the commission. Witnesses who are subpoenaed shall receive the same fees and mileage as in civil actions. In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a notice of hearing or subpoena issued under this section, the circuit court shall have jurisdiction, upon application of the commission or its representative, to issue an order requiring such person to appear and testify or produce evidence as the case may require and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as contempt thereof. Failure to appear at any such hearing, without prior authorization to do so from the commission or its designee, may result in the commission finding the alleged violator guilty of the charges complained of by default, and at such time an order may be entered, including the assessment of a penalty, which, in the opinion of the commission, will best further the purposes of Section 17-17-1 et seq. , and Section 49-17-1 et seq.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 28-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-17
Status: in_force

(1) The powers of a district shall be vested in and exercised by a board of commissioners consisting of five (5) members to be appointed by the board of supervisors from a list of at least fifteen (15) candidates submitted by the supervisor in whose district the shoreline and beach preservation district is located. If the shoreline and beach preservation district is located in more than one (1) supervisors district, the supervisors in whose districts the shoreline and beach preservation district is located shall submit a list of at least fifteen (15) candidates mutually agreed upon by such supervisors. The members of the board of commissioners shall be landowners or residents of the district and shall be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and of sound and disposing mind and judgment. Upon their initial appointment, one (1) of the commissioners shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year; one (1) for a term of two (2) years; one (1) for a term of three (3) years; one (1) for a term of four (4) years; and one (1) for a term of five (5) years. After expiration of the initial appointments, each commissioner shall be appointed and shall hold office for a term of five (5) years. Any vacancy occurring on the board of commissioners shall be filled by the board of supervisors at any regular meeting of the board of supervisors in the same manner as original appointments are made. The board of supervisors may fill all unexpired terms of any commissioner.

Notwithstanding the appointive authority granted in this section to the board of supervisors, its legal and actual responsibilities, authority and function, subsequent to the creation of a district, shall be specifically limited to the appointive function and responsibilities outlined in Sections 49-28-21 , 49-28-27 and 49-28-29 . The operation, management, abolition or dissolution of a district, and all other matters in connection therewith, shall be vested solely and only in the board of commissioners to the specific exclusion of the board of supervisors, and the abolition, dissolution or termination of a district shall be accomplished only by unanimous resolution of the board of commissioners.

(2) The board of commissioners shall organize by electing one of its members as chairman and another as vice-chairman. The chairman shall preside at all meetings of the board and act as the chief executive officer of the board and of the district. The vice-chairman shall act in the absence or disability of the chairman. The board also shall elect and fix the compensation of a secretary-treasurer who may or may not be a member of the board. The secretary-treasurer shall keep all minutes and records of the board and safely keep all funds of the district. The secretary-treasurer shall execute a bond, payable to the district, in a sum and with security as shall be fixed and approved by the board of commissioners.

(3) Each person appointed as a commissioner, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of the office, shall execute a bond payable to the State of Mississippi in the penal sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) conditioned that the person will faithfully discharge the duties of the office. Each bond shall be approved by and filed with the clerk of the board of supervisors.

(4) Each commissioner shall take and subscribe to an oath of office prescribed in Section 268, Mississippi Constitution of 1890 , before the Chancery Clerk of the county in which the district is located, that the person will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of commissioner. The oath shall be filed with the Chancery Clerk and preserved with the official bond.

(5) A majority of the membership of the board of commissioners shall constitute a quorum. Except as otherwise required under this chapter, all official acts of the board of commissioners shall require a majority vote of the quorum.

(6) The board of commissioners may receive per diem compensation, if approved by the board of supervisors, in the same manner provided to officers of state boards, commissions and agencies in Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972 . However, the per diem compensation shall not exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per month and shall not entitle any member of the board of commissioners to receive or be eligible for any state employee group insurance, retirement or other fringe benefits.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-51 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 35-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-51
Status: in_force

For purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ NPL property subject to restoration ” means any property on a site that is (i) proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the National Priorities List (NPL) but not listed on the NPL; or (ii) listed on the NPL, except those NPL sites for which the United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued certificates of completion of the remediation set forth in the records of decision for those sites.

(b) “ Bona fide prospective purchaser ” means a person who acquires ownership of a facility located on NPL property subject to restoration and who establishes the criteria set forth in 42 USCS Section 9601(40) .

(c) “ Owner of NPL property subject to restoration ” means a person who has purchased or otherwise is the owner of record, other than any person or entity who caused the contamination, of NPL property subject to restoration.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-27 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-27
Status: in_force

(1) The commission may revoke any hunting, trapping, or fishing privileges, license or deny any person the right to secure such license if the person has been convicted of the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any regulation thereunder. The revocation of the privilege, license or refusal to grant license shall be for a period of one (1) year. However, before the revocation of the privilege or license shall become effective, the executive director shall send by registered mail notice to the person or licensee, who shall have the right to a hearing or representation before the commission at the next regular meeting or a special meeting. The notice shall set out fully the ground or complaint upon which revocation of, or refusal to grant, the privilege or license is sought.

(2) Any person who is convicted for a second time during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months for violation of any of the laws with respect to game, fish or nongame fish or animals shall forfeit his privilege and any license or licenses issued to him by the commission and the commission shall not issue the person any license for a period of one (1) year from the date of forfeiture.

(3) Failure of any person to surrender his license or licenses upon demand made by the commission or by its representatives at the direction of the commission shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as such.

(4) Any violator whose privilege or license has been revoked, who shall, during the period of revocation, be apprehended for hunting or fishing, shall have imposed upon him a mandatory jail term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months.

(5) The commission is authorized to suspend any license issued to any person under this chapter for being out of compliance with an order for support, as defined in Section 93-11-153 . The procedure for suspension of a license for being out of compliance with an order for support, and the procedure for the reissuance or reinstatement of a license suspended for that purpose, and the payment of any fees for the reissuance or reinstatement of a license suspended for that purpose, shall be governed by Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 , as the case may be. If there is any conflict between any provision of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 and any provision of this chapter, the provisions of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 , as the case may be, shall control.

(6) If a person is found guilty or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of Section 49-7-95 , and then appeals, the commission shall suspend or revoke the hunting privileges of that person pending the determination of his appeal.

(7)(a) If a person does not comply with a summons or a citation or does not pay a fine, fee or assessment for violating a wildlife law or regulation, the commission shall revoke the fishing, hunting, or trapping privileges of that person. When a person does not comply or fails to pay, the clerk of the court shall notify the person in writing by first class mail that if the person does not comply or pay within ten (10) days from the date of mailing, the court will notify the commission and the commission will revoke the fishing, hunting or trapping privileges of that person. The cost of notice may be added to other court costs. If the person does not comply or pay as required, the court clerk shall immediately mail a copy of the court record and a copy of the notice to the commission. After receiving notice from the court, the commission shall revoke the fishing, hunting or trapping privileges of that person.

(b) A person whose fishing, hunting or trapping privileges have been revoked under this subsection shall remain revoked until the person can show proof that all obligations of the court have been met.

(c) A person shall pay a Twenty-five Dollar ($25.00) fee to have his privileges reinstated. The fee shall be paid to the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 23-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-25
Status: in_force

In order to provide information in the specific interest of the traveling public, the State Highway Commission is hereby authorized to maintain maps and to permit informational directories and advertising pamphlets to be made available at safety rest areas, and to establish information centers at safety rest areas for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the state and providing such other information as may be considered desirable.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 39-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-7
Status: in_force

(1)(a) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated the “Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund.” The special fund shall consist of monies appropriated by the Legislature. Monies shall be accounted for in such a manner to be termed unobligated funds or obligated funds. Unexpended amounts remaining in the special fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the special fund shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund; however, any unobligated monies in excess of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00), excluding federal funds, remaining in the special fund at the end of a fiscal year that have not been appropriated shall lapse into the State General Fund. Monies in the special fund may be used upon selection by the board. The board and the Department of Finance and Administration may use not more than two percent (2%) of monies in the special fund to defray the board's expenses in carrying out its duties under this chapter.

(b) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, monies in the special fund may be used and expended by the board to provide funds for grants to counties, municipalities, state agencies and nongovernmental entities for:

(i) Improvement of state park outdoor recreation features and trails;

(ii) Acquisition and improvement of parks and trails by counties and municipalities, if such parks and trails lie within the jurisdiction of such counties and municipalities;

(iii) Restoration or enhancement projects to create or improve access to public waters and lands for public outdoor recreation, conservation education, or the safe use and enjoyment of permanently protected conservation land;

(iv) Restoration or enhancement on privately owned working agricultural lands and forests that support conservation of soil, water, habitat of fish and wildlife resources;

(v) Restoration or enhancement of wetlands, native forests, native grasslands and other unique habitats important for Mississippi's fish and wildlife; and

(vi) Acquisition of critical areas for the provision or protection of clean water, wildlife, hunting, fishing, military installation buffering or natural resource-based outdoor recreation. Real property may only be acquired under this subparagraph (vi) when the property:

1. Is, at the time of acquisition, being leased by the state as a wildlife management area;

2. Adjoins or is in close proximity to state or federal wildlife management areas or state parks, or would provide better public access to such areas;

3. Is identified in a wildlife action plan developed by a state agency;

4. Constitutes riparian lands, and its acquisition is for the purpose of protecting any drinking water supply; or

5. Surrounds a military base or military installation.

Acquisition of land under this subparagraph (vi) may not be made through the exercise of any power of eminent domain or any condemnation proceeding.

(c) Unless otherwise authorized by the board, a county, municipality, state agency or nongovernmental entity receiving funds for a project under this section must expend the funds for the project within two (2) years after receipt of the funds in order to be eligible to apply for additional funds for the project under this section. If a county, municipality, state agency or nongovernmental entity receiving funds for a project does not expend the funds within two (2) years after receipt of the funds, then the county, municipality, state agency or nongovernmental entity must provide an accounting of such unused funds and the reason for failure to expend the funds. If the board determines that the project will not be completed in a timely manner, the county, municipality, state agency or nongovernmental entity must then return any unexpended funds.

(d) Monies in the special fund may not be used, expended or transferred for any other purpose other than authorized in this chapter.

(e) Any state agency receiving funds from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund under this section may escalate its budget and expend such funds in accordance with rules and regulations of the Department of Finance and Administration in a manner consistent with the escalation of federal funds.

(2)(a) The board shall accept applications from counties, municipalities, state agencies and nongovernmental entities for project proposals eligible for funding under this section. The board shall evaluate the proposals received in accordance with this chapter.

(b) A county, municipality, state agency or nongovernmental entity desiring assistance under this section must submit a complete application to the board. The application must include a description of the purpose for which assistance is requested, the type and amount of assistance requested and any other information required by the board.

(c) The board shall require annual independent audits of all expenditures from the special fund and present those findings to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, Chairs of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees and Chairs of the Senate and House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees.

(d) To be eligible for funding, any nongovernmental entity applicant must submit its most recent audit, disclose any audit deficiencies in the previous five (5) years, submit its certificate of good standing from the Mississippi Secretary of State, and submit a current list of its board members for purposes of conflicts of interest.

(e) For funds to be spent on private land, the applicant must show demonstrably that the project will benefit the public.

(f) Projects that acquire property shall not be considered for approval until after July 1, 2024.

(3) The board, at its first meeting of each calendar year, shall prepare a list of priorities and criteria to guide the selection of projects. The board shall give increased priority to projects:

(a) Supporting the public recreation and conservation efforts of state agencies, counties and municipalities;

(b) Leveraging or matching other nonfederal or federal funds available for similar purposes;

(c) Supporting and promoting recreation in the form of archery, boating, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, running, jogging, biking, walking, shooting or similar outdoor activities;

(d) Contributing to the improvement of the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater; or

(e) Contributing to the conservation of soil, water, and fish and wildlife resources on privately owned working agricultural lands or forests.

(4) Upon approval of the total list of projects by the board, the list of projects shall be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, Chairs of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees and Chairs of the Senate and House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees. If federal funds or guidelines become available and are certified by the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration or the Executive Director of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Fund, the board shall be authorized to expend funds from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund and shall notify the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, Chairs of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, Chairs of the Senate and House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees, and Legislative Budget Office of such expenditures prior to their distribution to certain projects approved by the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 31 / Section 39-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-207 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 15-207
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-207
Status: in_force

(1) When any property the value of which does not exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), is seized pursuant to Section 49-15-21 or 59-21-33, Mississippi Code of 1972 , the property may be forfeited by the administrative forfeiture procedures provided for in this section.

(2) The attorney for the seizing law enforcement agency shall provide notice of intention to forfeit the seized property administratively, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all persons who are required to be notified pursuant to Section 49-15-201(2) .

(3) If the notice of intention to forfeit the seized property administratively cannot be given as provided in subsection (2) of this section because of refusal, failure to claim, insufficient address or any other reason, the attorney for the seizing law enforcement agency shall provide notice by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the seizure occurred for once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

(4) Notice pursuant to subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall include the following information:

(a) A description of the property;

(b) The approximate value of the property;

(c) The date and place of the seizure;

(d) The connection between the property and the violation of the laws under the jurisdiction of the Department of Marine Resources;

(e) The instructions for filing a request for judicial review; and

(f) A statement that the property will be forfeited to the seizing law enforcement agency if a request for judicial review is not timely filed.

(5) Persons claiming an interest in the seized property may initiate judicial review of the seizure and proposed forfeiture by filing a request for judicial review with the attorney for the seizing law enforcement agency, within thirty (30) days after receipt of the certified letter or within thirty (30) days after the first publication of notice, whichever is applicable.

(6) If no request for judicial review is timely filed, the attorney for the seizing law enforcement agency shall prepare a written declaration of forfeiture of the subject property and the forfeited property shall be used, distributed or disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 49-15-205 .

(7) Upon receipt of a timely request for judicial review, the attorney for the seizing law enforcement agency shall promptly file a petition for forfeiture and proceed as provided in Section 49-15-201 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-1
Status: in_force

As a guide to the interpretation and application of this chapter, the public policy of this state shall be to recognize the need for a concerted effort to work toward the protection, propagation and conservation of its seafood and aquatic life in connection with the revitalization of the seafood industry of the State of Mississippi, which is one of the state's major economic resources and affords a livelihood to thousands of its citizens; and in this connection, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide a modern, sound, comprehensive and workable law to be administered by specialists, who are vested with full and ample authority to take such action as may be necessary in order to help protect, conserve and revitalize seafood life in the State of Mississippi; it being at all times remembered that all of the wild aquatic life found in the waters of the State of Mississippi and on the bottoms of such waters, until taken therefrom in the manner hereinafter prescribed, is recognized as the property of the State of Mississippi because of its very nature, as well as because of the great value of the state of the aquatic life for food and other necessary purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-517 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-517
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-517
Status: in_force

(1) After August 31, 1998, it is unlawful for an individual who does not possess a valid lead-based paint inspector certificate to work as an inspector on a lead-based paint activity.

(2) To qualify for a lead-based paint inspector certificate, an applicant shall:

(a) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(b) Satisfactorily complete an accredited training program for lead-based paint inspectors; and

(c) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that the applicant is familiar with and capable of complying fully with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-15 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 11-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-15
Status: in_force

(1) Artificially propagated pheasants, quail, chukar partridges, mallards and black ducks, and any game bird authorized by the commission are the only game which may be hunted on shooting preserves under this chapter.

(2) Mallards and black ducks released on a shooting preserve must have a one-fourth ( 1 / 4 ) inch hole punched in the outer web of the right foot before the birds attain the age of six (6) weeks.

(3) The commission is authorized to specify the species of non-native wild game that may be released or hunted in commercial wildlife enclosures.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-2-2 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-2-2
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed herein, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Department” means the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

(b) “Commission” means the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality.

(c) “Office” means an administrative subdivision of the department.

(d) “Executive director” means the chief officer of the department.

(e) “Environmental self-evaluation report” means any document, including any audit, report, finding, communication, or opinion or any draft of an audit, report, finding, communication or opinion, prepared solely as a part of or in connection with a voluntary self-assessment that is done in good faith, which report is kept and maintained solely within the confines of the evaluated party.

(f) “Voluntary self-evaluation” means a self-initiated internal assessment, audit, or review, not otherwise expressly required by environmental law, of a facility or an activity at a facility, or management systems related to a facility or an activity. A voluntary self-evaluation shall be designed to identify and prevent noncompliance with environmental laws, and improve compliance with environmental laws. In addition, a voluntary self-evaluation must be conducted by an owner or operator of a facility or an employee of the owner or operator or by a private contractor engaged by the owner or operator.

(g) “Environmental law” means any federal, state or local statute, rule or regulation, or any order, award, agreement, release, permit, license, standard or notice from or issued by a federal, state or local court, agency or governmental authority in pursuance thereof.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-37 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-37
Status: in_force

(1) Bioenergy produced from biomass is considered renewable and carbon neutral. When the bioenergy produced from biomass is paired with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, the bioenergy is carbon negative.

(2) Bioenergy produced from agricultural harvesting is considered renewable and carbon neutral. When the bioenergy produced from agricultural harvesting is paired with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, the bioenergy is carbon negative.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-527 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 17-527
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-527
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to:

(a) Fail or refuse to comply with any rule, regulation or order of the commission issued under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 ;

(b) Fail or refuse to establish, maintain, provide, copy, or permit access to records or reports as required by Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 regulations adopted under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 ;

(c) Fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection as required by Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 or regulations adopted under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 ;

(d) Obtain certification through fraudulent representation;

(e) Fail to obtain certification from the commission or the United States Environmental Protection Agency and perform work requiring certification at a job site; or

(f) Fraudulently obtain certification and engage in any lead-based paint activities requiring certification.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-69 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 21 / Section 27-69
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-69
Status: in_force

All fees and other sums received by the commission pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited to the credit of the “Seafood Fund”.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-71 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 15-71
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-71
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful for any boat or vessel carrying or using a purse seine to have on board such boat or vessel any quantity of redfish within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Mississippi.

(2) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to catch, take or land redfish below minimum legal size as established by regulations promulgated by the commission and in accordance with the Red Drum Fishery Management Plan. The department shall develop a redfish management plan and the commission shall promulgate regulations to implement the plan after conducting a public hearing relating to the plan and regulations. Beginning on July 1, 1998, and every four (4) years thereafter, the commission shall review the plan and regulations promulgated under the plan, and upon a determination that revisions are appropriate, the commission shall amend the plan or regulations, or both, in a manner to effectuate the desired changes.

(3) Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined in the amount of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each redfish possessed in violation of this section. All nets used in violating this section are hereby declared contraband and shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture. If the person in possession of or using the nets in the violation is not the owner or licensee of the nets, the department shall notify the owner or licensee of the nets. The nets shall be subject to forfeiture unless the nets were stolen and prosecution for the theft is initiated. It shall be the duty of the court to order the forfeiture of any nets used in violating the provisions of this section. The fine imposed upon a person convicted under this section shall not be suspended or reduced. The master and owner of any vessel upon which redfish is possessed in violation of this section shall be jointly and severally liable for the penalty imposed herein.

(4) For the purposes of this section, the term “redfish” means red drum or sciaenops ocellatus.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-119 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 17-119
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-119
Status: in_force

The bonds authorized by Sections 49-17-101 through 49-17-123 and the income therefrom, all trust indentures and mortgages executed as security therefor, all lease agreements made pursuant to the provisions hereof, and all pollution control facilities (when owned by the municipality) and the revenues derived from any agreement with respect thereto shall be exempt from all taxation by the State of Mississippi, and by any political subdivision thereof, except for inheritance, estate or transfer taxes and except further the contractors tax levied by Section 27-65-21, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-413 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-413
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-413
Status: in_force

Each violation of the rules and regulations set forth in Title 22 of the Administrative Code or violations of the statutes set forth in Chapters 15 and 27 of Title 49, and Chapter 21 of Title 59, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall be subject to the imposition of a civil penalty up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-107 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-107
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-107
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall conduct investigations on nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the commission shall issue proposed regulations and develop management programs, designed to insure the continued ability of nongame wildlife to perpetuate themselves successfully. Such proposed regulations shall set forth species or subspecies of nongame wildlife which the commission deems in need of management pursuant to this section, giving their common and scientific names by species and subspecies. The commission shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife and may from time to time amend such regulations by adding or deleting species or subspecies of nongame wildlife.

(b) The commission shall by such regulations establish proposed limitations relating to taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, purchasing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment as may be deemed necessary to manage such nongame wildlife. Such regulation shall become effective sixty (60) days after being proposed during which period public comment shall be solicited and received. The commission may hold a public hearing if deemed appropriate. On the basis of public comments received or the testimony at any such hearing the commission may make such changes in the proposed regulation as are consistent with effective management of nongame wildlife.

(c) Except as provided in regulations issued by the commission, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, purchase, sell or offer for sale or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the commission to be in need of management pursuant to this section. Subject to the same exception, it shall further be unlawful for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the commission to be in need of management pursuant to this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 26 / Section 37-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-7
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the Mississippi Statewide Scientific Information Management System Coordinating Council, hereinafter referred to as “coordinating council,” for the purpose of developing a strategic plan for a statewide scientific information management system and serving as a coordinating entity for all aspects of scientific information management.

(2)(a) The council shall consist of the following voting members: the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality; the Executive Director of the Department of Economic and Community Development; the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources; the State Health Officer; the State Forester; the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation; the Chairman of the Mississippi Water Resources Advisory Council; the Vice-President for Research and Sponsored Programs at each university on the Mississippi Research Consortium; the Vice-President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University; the State Director of Technology Transfer; the Center Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Stennis Space Center; the District Chief, Mississippi District, United States Geological Survey; the Executive Director of the Mississippi Automated Resource Information System; the Executive Director of the Department of Information Technology Services; the President of the Institute of Technology Development; and two (2) representatives of the private sector user community appointed by the Governor.

Members of the coordinating council not appointed by the Governor shall serve a term concurrent with their term of office in their respective position. Nonappointed members may designate an alternate to serve in their stead and the alternate shall have the authority to act for the designating member.

Members of the council appointed by the Governor shall serve four-year terms.

(b) In addition to the members of the coordinating council specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the coordinating council may invite, as participating members, representatives of any other state and federal organizations, or individuals possessing appropriate expertise or who have a viable interest in the development and implementation of the statewide scientific information management system.

(c) The Chairman of the Senate Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources Committee and one (1) member of that committee appointed by the chairman may attend meetings of the coordinating council. The Speaker of the House of Representatives may designate the Chairman of the House Conservation and Water Resources Committee and one (1) member of that committee to attend any meeting of the coordinating council. The appointing authorities may designate alternate members from their respective houses to serve when the regular designees are unable to attend such meetings of the coordinating council. The legislative designees shall have no jurisdiction or vote on any matter within the jurisdiction of the coordinating council. For attending meetings of the coordinating council, the legislators shall receive per diem and expenses which shall be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same amounts as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem and expenses for attending meetings of the coordinating council will be paid while the Legislature is in session. No per diem and expenses will be paid except for attending meetings of the coordinating council without prior approval of the proper committee in their respective houses.

(d) Original appointments to the coordinating council shall be made no later than October 1, 1999. The Governor shall require adequate disclosure of potential conflicts of interest by appointed members of the coordinating council. Vacancies on the coordinating council shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments.

(e) The coordinating council shall elect from its membership a chairperson to preside over meetings and vice-chairperson to preside in the absence of the chairperson or when the chairperson shall be excused. The coordinating council shall adopt procedures governing the manner of conducting its business. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum to do business.

(f) Members of the coordinating council shall serve without compensation, except as otherwise provided in paragraph c of this subsection. At the direction of the chairman of the coordinating council and contingent upon the availability of sufficient funds, each member may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses in accordance with rates established pursuant to Section 25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 , incurred in attending meetings of the coordinating council.

(3) The coordinating council shall convene before November 15, 1999.

(4) The coordinating council shall not employ any permanent staff, rent or occupy independent office space or otherwise establish a full-time office.

(5) In conducting its activities under this chapter, the coordinating council may elicit the support of and participation by any state or local governmental agency as may be necessary or appropriate. All state and local governmental agencies shall provide support or participation as requested.

(6) The coordinating council may exercise those duties and powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the following functions:

(a) Conduct, or cause to be conducted any studies, analyses or evaluations related to the development and implementation of a scientific information management system;

(b) Apply and contract for and accept any grants, public or private funds, gifts or proceeds in furtherance of the activities of the coordinating council;

(c) Authorize the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into all contracts or execute all instruments, on behalf of the coordinating council, and do all acts necessary, desirable or convenient to carry out any power expressly granted to the council in this chapter; and

(d) Expend or distribute any funds or assets in its custody or under its control appropriate in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 35-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-5
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Brownfield agreement ” means an agreement between the commission and a brownfield party for the remediation of a brownfield agreement site.

(b) “ Brownfield agreement site ” means brownfield property that is remediated under a brownfield agreement. The site shall consist of the brownfield property that is the subject of the application and any other brownfield property (i) for which the source of contamination is environmental contamination or activities on or under the brownfield property that is the subject of the application, and (ii) concerning which the commission determines that remediation is necessary.

(c) “ Brownfield party ” means any person who desires to execute and implement a brownfield agreement, including but not limited to, the record owner of the brownfield agreement site, a person who desires to either buy or sell the brownfield agreement site for the purpose of developing or redeveloping that site and the successors and assigns of these owners and persons, and local governments and other political subdivisions that desire to promote the development or redevelopment of the brownfield agreement site.

(d) “ Brownfield property ” means any property where use is limited by actual or potential environmental contamination, or the perception of environmental contamination, and that is or may be subject to remediation under any state environmental program or under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 USCS 9601 et seq. (1997) (CERCLA), but does not include any of the following:

(i) Those sites proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the National Priorities List (NPL) but not listed on the NPL or those sites listed on the NPL, except those NPL sites for which the United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued certificates of completion of the remediation set forth in the records of decision for those sites;

(ii) Those sites for which an order or enforcement action is issued or entered under CERCLA or Sections 3008(h), 3013(a) or 7003(c) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, 42 USCS 6901 et seq. (1994 and Supp. 1997) (RCRA) and which is still in effect; and

(iii) Those sites undergoing corrective action under RCRA Section 3004(u), 3004(v) or 3008(h), except those sites that the United States Environmental Protection Agency determines have completed corrective action.

(e) “ Commission ” means the Commission on Environmental Quality.

(f) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

(g) “ Engineering control ” means a modification to a brownfield agreement site to reduce or eliminate the potential for exposure to contaminants. These modifications may include, but are not limited to, physical or hydraulic control measures, capping, point of use treatment, or slurry walls, but shall not include the exclusive use of security fencing.

(h) “ Executive director ” means the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

(i) “ Land-use restriction ” means the limitation on use of or access to a brownfield agreement site to reduce or eliminate the potential for exposure to contaminants. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to, deed restrictions, use restrictions, or restrictive zoning.

(j) “ Local government ” means a county or municipality within the State of Mississippi.

(k) “ Person ” means person as defined in Section 17-17-3 .

(l) “ Potentially responsible party ” means a person who is or may be liable for remediation under a remedial program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 15-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-1
Status: in_force

As a guide to the interpretation and application of this chapter, the public policy of this state shall be to recognize the need for a concerted effort to work toward the protection, propagation and conservation of its seafood and aquatic life in connection with the revitalization of the seafood industry of the State of Mississippi, which is one of the state's major economic resources and affords a livelihood to thousands of its citizens; and in this connection, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide a modern, sound, comprehensive and workable law to be administered by specialists, who are vested with full and ample authority to take such action as may be necessary in order to help protect, conserve and revitalize seafood life in the State of Mississippi; it being at all times remembered that all of the wild aquatic life found in the waters of the State of Mississippi and on the bottoms of such waters, until taken therefrom in the manner hereinafter prescribed, is recognized as the property of the State of Mississippi because of its very nature, as well as because of the great value of the state of the aquatic life for food and other necessary purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-21 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 27-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-21
Status: in_force

Documentary evidence offered at hearings and all applications and related documents shall be open for public inspection at the office of the commission at reasonable times. Oral testimony shall be recorded and shall not be required to be transcribed except in the event of appeal.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-3
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the public policy of this state to favor the preservation of the natural state of the coastal wetlands and their ecosystems and to prevent the despoliation and destruction of them, except where a specific alteration of specific coastal wetlands would serve a higher public interest in compliance with the public purposes of the public trust in which coastal wetlands are held.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-9.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 7-9.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-9.1
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Any resident engaged in fishing for commercial purposes and selling or peddling nongame gross fish at retail or selling or shipping same at wholesale, as to markets, dealers or canning plants, shall purchase a commercial fishing license.

(b) A licensee must label each piece of commercial fishing equipment with a waterproof or metal tag containing any information required by the department. A piece of commercial fishing equipment is defined as: One (1) each hoop or barrel net; one thousand (1,000) feet or less of trotline; one thousand (1,000) feet or less of snagline; three thousand (3,000) feet or less of gill netting; or three thousand (3,000) feet or less of trammel netting. Netting of over three thousand (3,000) feet is prohibited.

(c) Upon the purchase of a commercial license for use of hoop or barrel nets, the licensee is permitted to use lead nets thirty-five (35) yards in length for each two (2) barrel nets used, but not to exceed seven (7) lead nets.

(2) Each person taking nongame gross fish as defined in Section 49-7-1 , of any kind from the fresh waters of the state shall be considered a producer and shall be entitled to sell his own catch of nongame gross fish to anyone except as otherwise provided by law or applicable regulations.

(3) Each resident buying or handling nongame gross fish secured from commercial fishermen or others for the purpose of resale, whether handled on a commission basis or otherwise, and each resident shipping nongame gross fish not his own catch out of the State of Mississippi shall be considered a wholesale dealer and shall purchase a commercial fishing license. Resident wholesale dealers' licenses shall be issued only to persons who have been bona fide residents of the State of Mississippi for at least six (6) months.

(4) Each resident buying nongame gross fish from a licensed wholesale dealer or licensed commercial fisherman for retail sale to the consumer only on rural or urban routes shall purchase a commercial fishing license to do so.

(5) Each resident engaged in the buying and selling of nongame gross fish as a wholesale dealer's agent, whether on a commission or salary basis, or otherwise, and not selling in the open market, shall purchase a commercial fishing license and shall be responsible for any illegal transaction ensuing between the time he purchases the fish from the fisherman and the time the fish are accepted by the wholesaler by whom he is employed.

(6)(a) Any resident using a wooden or plastic slat basket shall purchase a slat basket license for each basket each year in addition to a commercial fishing license. Slat baskets are defined as commercial fishing devices used solely for the capture of catfish and made entirely of wood and/or plastic slats in a box-like or cylindrical shape. Slat baskets shall not exceed six (6) feet in length nor exceed fifteen (15) inches in width and height or diameter, may have no more than two (2) throats, and must have at least four (4) slot openings at least one and one-fourth (1- 1 / 4 ) by twenty-four (24) inches evenly spaced around the sides of the catch area. The one and one-fourth (1- 1 / 4 ) inch wide slots or greater must begin at the rear of the basket and run twenty-four (24) inches toward the throat end of the basket. Slat baskets shall be placed at least one hundred (100) yards apart and may not be used with any form of leads, netting or guiding devices.

(b) Each slat basket shall have a waterproof or metal tag attached to it containing any information required by the department. Any other identification of the owner of the slat basket shall meet any specifications required by the department. Slat baskets may be fished statewide except where specifically prohibited.

(c) Any violation of this subsection shall be a Class I violation as prescribed in Section 49-7-141 .

(7) It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale undersized nongame gross fish.

(8)(a) The fee for a resident commercial fishing license shall be Thirty Dollars ($30.00).

(b) The fee for a slat basket license shall be Thirty Dollars ($30.00).

(9) Any person authorized to issue any license under this section may collect and retain for issuing each license the additional fee authorized under Section 49-7-17 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-64
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64
Status: in_force

Any operator, firm or corporation engaged in commercial shrimping during the closed season shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

Upon an arrest for a violation of this section, catch and nets may be confiscated. Any catch may be sold by the law enforcement agency making the arrest at the average wholesale price being paid for shrimp. The monies derived from the sale shall be held in escrow pending disposition of the charge. If a conviction is obtained, the monies held in escrow shall be forfeited. The monies so forfeited shall be paid to the department, to be paid into the seafood fund. If the operator, firm or corporation is acquitted of the charge or if the charge is dismissed, then the monies obtained from the sale shall be paid to the proper operator, firm or corporation. Forfeiture of confiscated nets and paraphernalia shall be instituted under Sections 49-7-251 through 49-7-257 . If the person in possession of or using the nets in the violation is not the owner or licensee of the nets, the department shall notify the owner or licensee of the nets. The nets shall be subject to forfeiture unless the nets were stolen and prosecution for the theft is initiated.

The commission may issue special permits for the purpose of catching shrimp prior to the official opening of shrimp season, to those nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt under Section 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code and which have on file with the State Tax Commission a tax exemption letter issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service. However, until January 1, 1992, the requirement that a nonprofit organization have on file with the State Tax Commission a tax exemption letter issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service shall be considered as having been met if the organization has actually made application for such exemption and has on file with the State Tax Commission a copy of its application.

The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the taking of shrimp by the nonprofit organization and shall issue such regulations to all organizations upon request and at the issuance of the special permit.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-737 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 17-737
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-737
Status: in_force

(1) After consolidation, all powers of the Hancock County Utility Authority shall be exercised by a board consisting of the following:

(a) One (1) director who is the Mayor of Bay St. Louis, or his or her designee, for an initial term of two (2) years;

(b) One (1) director who is the Mayor of Waveland, or his or her designee, for an initial term of three (3) years;

(c) One (1) director who is the President of the Board of Supervisors of Hancock County, or his or her designee, for an initial term of four (4) years;

(d) One (1) director who is the Chairman of the Kiln Utility and Fire District;

(e) One (1) director who is the Chairman of the Hancock County Water and Sewer District; and

(f) One (1) director who is the Chairman of the Pearlington Water and Sewer District.

After expiration of the initial terms, the directors in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) shall serve a term of four (4) years.

(2) In addition to any other powers and rights conferred upon such board of directors, the board is granted and may exercise all powers and rights granted pursuant to Sections 49-17-739 through 49-17-773 to promote the health, welfare and prosperity of the general public.

(3) Any designee serving as a director shall serve at the will and pleasure of the governing authority that designated the director.

(4) Any person who is designated by a mayor to be a director on the board of the Hancock County Utility Authority shall have the same voting powers on the board as the mayor who designated such person.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-73 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 15-73
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-73
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to use or employ any aircraft in the airspace of this state to assist in the harvesting of redfish as defined in Section 49-15-71 . Aircraft employed in any manner contrary to the provisions of this section shall not be registered, hangered, maintained, provisioned or serviced within this state, excepting in an emergency in which the lives of the pilot or crew of such aircraft are at risk. A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished as provided in Section 49-15-63, Mississippi Code of 1972 . In addition to the penalty prescribed by such section, any aircraft and any equipment utilized in the taking of redfish contrary to the provisions of this section shall be subject to confiscation under this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-211 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 19-211
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-211
Status: in_force

The commission shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary for the implementation of Sections 49-19-201 through 49-19-227 . The commission is authorized to conduct public hearings or otherwise seek the advice, counsel and recommendations of interested owners, associations, industrialists or other persons or groups. Adequate notice of any public hearing must be provided within the general area of the site of the hearing.

The commission shall publish such rules and regulations and shall make the same available upon request.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-9 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 28-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-9
Status: in_force

If no petition requiring an election is filed or if three-fifths ( 3 / 5 ) of those voting in the election provided in Section 49-28-7 vote in favor of the creation of the district, the board of supervisors shall adopt a resolution creating the district as described in the resolution of intent.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-21 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 35-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-21
Status: in_force

In accordance with Section 49-2-9 , the commission shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement this article by January 1, 1999. Those regulations may include provisions for determining the eligibility of any person to enter into a brownfield agreement; criteria for inclusion of brownfield property in a brownfield agreement site, including brownfield property under an existing commission agreement or order; requirements for submission of additional information as part of the application or processing of the application and additional requirements for public notice.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-743 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 17-743
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-743
Status: in_force

From and after April 18, 2006, each and every county authority shall have, in addition to any other powers granted under any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) To acquire, construct, improve, enlarge, extend, repair, operate and maintain one or more of its systems used for the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of water, wastewater and storm water;

(b) To make contracts with any person in furtherance thereof; and to make contracts with any person, under the terms of which the county authority will collect, transport, treat or dispose of water, wastewater and storm water for such person;

(c) To make contracts with any person to design and construct any water, wastewater and storm water systems or facilities, and thereafter to purchase, lease or sell, by installments over such terms as may be deemed desirable, reasonable and necessary, or otherwise, any such system or systems;

(d) To enter into operating agreements with any person, for such terms and upon such conditions as may be deemed desirable, for the operation of any water, wastewater and storm water systems; and the county authority may lease to or from any person, for such term and upon such conditions as may be deemed desirable, any water, wastewater and storm water collection, transportation, treatment or its other facilities or systems. Any such contract may contain provisions requiring any public agency or other person to regulate the quality and strength of materials to be handled by the respective system or systems and also may provide that the county authority shall have the right to use any streets, alleys and public ways and places within the jurisdiction of a public agency or other person during the term of the contract;

(e) To enter into contracts with any person or any public agency, including, but not limited to, contracts authorized by this act, in furtherance of any of the purposes authorized under this act upon such consideration as the board of directors and such person may agree. Any such contract may extend over any period of time, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary; may be upon such terms and for such consideration, nominal or otherwise, as the parties thereto shall agree; and may provide that it shall continue in effect until bonds specified therein, refunding bonds issued in lieu of such bonds, and all other obligations specified therein are paid or terminated. Any such contract shall be binding upon the parties thereto according to its terms;

(f) To adopt an official seal and alter the same at pleasure;

(g) To sue and be sued, in its own name, and to enjoy all of the protections, immunities and benefits provided by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time;

(h) To maintain office space at such place or places within the county authority boundaries as it may determine;

(i) To invest money of the county authority, including proceeds from the sale of any bonds subject to any agreements with bondholders, on such terms and in such manner as the county authority deems proper;

(j) To require the necessary relocation or rerouting of roads and highways, railroad, telephone and telegraph lines, and properties, electric power lines, gas pipelines and related facilities, or to require the anchoring or other protection of any of these, provided fair compensation is first paid to the owners or an agreement with such owners regarding the payment of the cost of such relocation, and to acquire easements or rights-of-way for such relocation or rerouting and to convey the same to the owners of the property being relocated or rerouted in connection with the purposes of this act;

(k) To acquire, construct, improve or modify, to operate or cause to be operated and maintained, either as owner of all or of any part in common with others, any water, wastewater or storm water system within the county authority's service area. The county authority may pay all or part of the cost of any system from any contribution by persons, firms, public agencies or corporations. The county authority may receive, accept and use all funds, public or private, and pay all costs of the development, implementation and maintenance as may be determined as necessary for any project;

(l) To acquire, in its own name, by purchase on any terms and conditions and in any manner as it may deem proper, including by eminent domain, property for public use, or by gift, grant, lease, or otherwise, real property or easements therein, franchises and personal property necessary or convenient for its corporate purposes;

(m) To acquire insurance for the county authority's systems, facilities, buildings, treatment plants and all property, real or personal, to insure against all risks as any insurance may, from time to time, be available;

(n) To use any property and rent or lease any property to or from others, including public agencies, or make contracts for the use of the property. The county authority may sell, lease, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, mortgage or grant a security interest for any property. The powers to acquire, use and dispose of property as set forth in this paragraph shall include the power to acquire, use and dispose of any interest in that property, whether divided or undivided. Title to any property of the county authority shall be held by the county authority exclusively for the benefit of the public;

(o) To apply, contract for, accept, receive and administer gifts, grants, appropriations and donations of money, materials and property of any kind, including loans and grants from the United States, the state, a unit of local government, or any agency, department, district or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, upon any terms and conditions as the United States, the state, a unit of local government, or any agency, department, district or instrumentality shall impose. The county authority may administer trusts. The county authority may sell, lease, transfer, convey, appropriate and pledge any and all of its property and assets;

(p) To make and enforce, and from time to time amend and repeal, bylaws, rules, ordinances and regulations for the management of its business and affairs and for the construction, use, maintenance and operation of any of the systems under its management and control;

(q) To employ and terminate staff and other personnel, including attorneys, engineers and consultants as may be necessary to the functioning of the county authority. The board of directors, in its discretion, may employ an executive director having the authority to employ and fire employees and other duties as determined by the board;

(r) To establish and maintain rates, fees and any other charges for services and the use of systems and facilities within the control of the county authority, and from time to time, to adjust such rates, fees and any other charges to the end that the revenues therefrom will be sufficient at all times to pay the expenses of operating and maintaining of the facilities and treatment systems and all of the persons' obligations under any contract or bonds resolution with respect thereto or any obligation of any person under any agreement, contract, indenture or bonds resolution with respect thereto. Such rates, fees, assessments and any other charges shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Public Service Commission;

(s) To adopt rules and regulations necessary to accomplish the purposes of the county authority and to assure the payment of each participating person or public agency of its proportionate share of the costs for use of any of the systems and facilities of the county authority and for the county authority's proportionate share of the costs of the utility board;

(t) To enter on public or private lands, waters or premises for the purpose of making surveys, borings or soundings, or conducting tests, examinations or inspections for the purposes of the authority, subject to responsibility for any damage done to property entered;

(u) To accept industrial wastewater from within the boundaries of the county authority for treatment and to require the pretreatment of same when, in the opinion of the county authority, such pretreatment is necessary;

(v) To control and operate local retail water, wastewater and storm water services, and may provide or be responsible for direct servicing of those services to residences, businesses and individuals; however, the county authority shall not provide the same services in an area provided by a public utility or person holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Mississippi Public Service Commission for the provision of such services in the certificated area. Any rates, fees, assessments or other charges shall not be under the control or regulation of the Mississippi Public Service Commission;

(w) To assume control and administer, within the county authority's jurisdiction, any water, wastewater or storm water system or systems by agreement or contract with any person if the person providing such services requests to be relieved of that responsibility. However, the person may maintain control over connections in their service areas and may charge rates, fees and any other charges in addition to the rates, fees and any charges of the county authority;

(x) The county authority shall have the power of eminent domain for the particular purpose of the acquisition of property designated by plan to sufficiently accommodate the location of water, wastewater or storm water systems and such requirements related directly thereto pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 27, Title 11, Mississippi Code of 1972 . The county authority may acquire by eminent domain property necessary for any system and the exercise of the powers, rights and duties conferred upon the county authority by this act. No person owning the drilling rights or the right to share in production shall be prevented from exploring, developing or producing oil or gas with necessary rights-of-way for ingress and egress, pipelines and other means of transporting such interests on any lands or interest of the county authority held or used for the purposes of this act, but any such activities shall be subject to reasonable regulations by the board of directors that will adequately protect the systems or projects of the county authority;

(y) To use any legally available funds to acquire, rebuild, operate and maintain any existing water, wastewater or storm water systems owned or operated by any person;

(z) To refuse to receive water, wastewater or storm water from any public agency or person; and

(aa) So long as any indebtedness on the systems of the county authority remains outstanding, to require by contract with a member public agency, or other person, that all water, wastewater and storm water within the boundaries of the respective county authority be disposed of through the appropriate treatment system to the extent that the same may be available, but no public agency shall be precluded from constructing, operating and maintaining its own such system after the current indebtedness owing on the system as of April 18, 2006, is paid in full.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-23 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 19 / Section 35-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-23
Status: in_force

This article shall not:

(a) Affect the authority of local governments to regulate land use under applicable statutes. The use or uses of the brownfield agreement site and any land-use restrictions or engineering controls in the brownfield agreement shall be consistent with local land-use regulations adopted under applicable statutes;

(b) Amend, modify, repeal, or otherwise alter any provision of law available to the commission relating to enforcement of violations of federal or state law within its jurisdiction, including civil and criminal penalties;

(c) Prevent or impede the immediate response of the department or responsible party to an emergency that involves an imminent or actual release of a contaminant that threatens public health or the environment;

(d) Relieve a person receiving liability protection under this section from any liability for environmental contamination later caused or made worse by that person on or under a brownfield agreement site;

(e) Affect the right of any person who may have liability with respect to the brownfield agreement site to seek contribution from any other person who may have liability with respect to the brownfield agreement site and who does not have liability protection under this article;

(f) Prevent the commission from enforcing specific numerical remediation standards, monitoring, or compliance requirements specifically required by the federal government to be enforced as a condition for the department to receive or maintain program authorization, delegation, primacy, or federal funds;

(g) Create a defense against the imposition of criminal and civil penalties or other administrative enforcement remedies authorized by law and imposed as the result of the illegal disposal of solid waste or a regulated substance or for the pollution of the land, air, or waters of this state on or under a brownfield agreement site;

(h) Relieve a person of any liability for failure to exercise due diligence and reasonable care in performing an environmental assessment; or

(i) Create or convey any real or personal property rights, tangible or intangible, to any person.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-21 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 27-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-21
Status: in_force

Documentary evidence offered at hearings and all applications and related documents shall be open for public inspection at the office of the commission at reasonable times. Oral testimony shall be recorded and shall not be required to be transcribed except in the event of appeal.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-63 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 21 / Section 27-63
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-63
Status: in_force

The commission shall, from time to time, inspect the coastal wetlands to determine whether violations have been or are being committed. The commission or any authorized employee of the Department of Marine Resources may enter at reasonable times upon any private or public property in the performance of duty to enforce the Coastal Wetlands Protection Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-35 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-35
Status: in_force

Whenever the time fixed by statute for the beginning of a game season shall fall on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-37 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 15-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-37
Status: in_force

The department may employ boats, crews and laborers to cultivate the state-owned reefs of the state, and dredge the oysters in the Mississippi Sound from places where they are too thick, and spread them on reefs where they are too thin, and carry shells from the factories and spread them in places where the oyster beds can be improved and enlarged. The department may open state-owned reefs to the public for harvest. The department may purchase other materials as may be equally suitable for the propagation of oysters. The department in cultivating the reefs, transplanting and spreading oysters and shells and other suitable materials, may expend any funds available for that purpose, as provided by Section 49-15-17(1)(e) . In taking seed oysters, care shall be used to not injure or destroy the merchantable oysters on the reefs from which they are taken. The seed oysters shall be tonged from the “conner” or seed reefs, unless it is practicable and safe to dredge those oysters. The department may establish new bedding grounds at those places within the boundaries of the state as it may determine, on advice of the director, or on advice of technical governmental experts, or competent aquatic biologists. On existing state-owned reefs in which oysters exist and in waters not of a safe sanitary quality as determined by the department, the department shall prohibit any person, firm or corporation from taking oysters from those areas. The department shall from time to time remove the oysters from the areas and relay or replant them in an approved area for a period of time under Section 49-15-36 before they may be harvested. Any funds received from the sale of the oysters shall be used in a like manner as those funds received under Section 49-15-17(1)(e) .

The department may issue permits to persons to remove oysters by dredging or otherwise from water bottoms which are not of a safe sanitary quality for oysters for human consumption. These areas may be designated as seed grounds, and permits to persons shall be issued only for the purpose of transplanting oysters to privately leased Mississippi territorial waters. The department may permit the transplanting of these seed oysters by a duly authorized public agency.

The department may, upon determining the water bottom from which oysters are to be removed is not of a safe, sanitary quality for oyster production for human consumption and has been unsafe for a period of at least one (1) year immediately preceding certification, and upon complying with the following requirements, permit the dredging of oysters from restricted public areas and relaying the oysters to private leased grounds in the State of Mississippi:

(a) Permittee must hold valid lease of oyster bedding grounds in the State of Mississippi;

(b) Permittee must be bonded in compliance with the permit system established by the department;

(c) Permittee must fulfill all permit requirements as established by the department;

(d) Permittee shall not move oysters from one restricted area to another restricted area;

(e) Permittee shall move oysters only to an area leased by the department; and

(f) Permittee shall not move oysters from the restricted area without the presence of an employee of the department at all times, from the dredging of the oysters from the restricted areas to their deposit on private leased grounds or to an onshore, molluscan depuration facility.

Harvesting of oysters shall be permitted only during daylight hours and with the most efficient gear possible consistent with conservation requirements of not damaging the reefs. This shall include permission to use two (2) dredges per boat on restricted areas and on private leased grounds.

Any person obtaining a permit to remove oysters from seed grounds shall post a penal bond of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per leased acre with the department to be forfeited upon any violation of this section. The bond may be approved by the director of the department if the director finds the bond to be secured by sufficient property or sureties.

The department shall regulate the amount and time of taking of oysters from seed areas and shall supervise the removal, planting and harvesting of oysters from the areas. The time set for the taking of oysters from restricted seed areas for relaying or replanting and the time set for the taking of oysters from private leased grounds shall be separated by not less than a period of time determined under Section 49-15-36 during which neither activity may be allowed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-33 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 31 / Section 35-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-33
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds:

(a) There are properties in Mississippi, often referred to as “brownfields,” that were contaminated or were perceived to have been contaminated by past activities, but are attractive locations for redevelopment.

(b) The safe development or redevelopment of brownfields would benefit the citizens of Mississippi in many ways, including improving the tax base of local governments and creating job opportunities for citizens in the vicinity of brownfields.

(c) Owners and prospective developers and redevelopers of brownfields, local governments in which brownfields are located and federal and state government agencies should be encouraged to provide capital and labor to improve brownfields so that the property can be determined to be safe or made safe for appropriate future use.

(d) The reduction of public health and environmental hazards on existing brownfield sites is essential to creating a better quality of life for the citizens of this state.

(e) Section 49-35-27, Mississippi Code of 1972 , requires the Department of Environmental Quality to conduct a survey of incentive programs in other states for cleanup of contaminated sites by January 1, 1999. The department has conducted its survey and filed its report showing incentives provided in other states.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-25
Status: repealed

(1) Prior to the adoption, amendment or repeal of rules and regulations necessary to implement this chapter, Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-47 , Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 , Sections 37-138-1 through 37-138-31 , and all other laws administered by the department, the commission shall conduct a public hearing or hearings thereon after public notice. Such notice shall be given by publication once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation throughout the state. The notice shall contain a description of the proposed regulation and the time, date and place of the hearing.

(2) Additionally, the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule or regulation under this chapter, Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-47 , Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 , Sections 37-138-1 through 37-138-31 and all other laws administered by the department shall be governed by the “Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law.” Any rule or regulation heretofore or hereafter adopted, amended or repealed in substantial compliance with the procedural requirements under Section 25-43-7 shall be valid. A proceeding to contest any rule or regulation on the ground of noncompliance with the procedural requirements of this section must be commenced within one (1) year from the effective date of the rule or regulation.

(3) Notice of rules and regulations adopted by the commission shall be published once in a newspaper having general circulation throughout the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-109 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-109
Status: in_force

(a) On the basis of investigations on nongame wildlife provided for in Section 49-5-107 and other available scientific and commercial data, and after consultation with other state wildlife agencies, appropriate federal agencies, and other interested persons and organizations, but not later than one (1) year after July 1, 1974 the commission shall by regulation propose a list of those species and subspecies of wildlife indigenous to the state which are determined to be endangered within this state, giving their common and scientific names by species and subspecies. Such regulation shall become effective sixty (60) days after being proposed during which period public comment shall be solicited and received. The Commission may hold a public hearing if deemed appropriate. On the basis of public comments received or the testimony at any such hearing, the commission may add to such proposed list additional species or subspecies which are determined to be endangered within the state or delete therefrom such species or subspecies which are determined not to be endangered within the state.

(b) The commission shall conduct a review of the state list of endangered species within not more than two (2) years from its effective date and every two (2) years thereafter and may amend the list by such additions or deletions as are deemed appropriate. The commission shall submit to the Governor a summary report of the data used in support of all amendments to the state list during the preceding biennium.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in Sections 49-5-101 through 49-5-119 , it shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or ship, and for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on any of the following lists: (1) the list of wildlife indigenous to the state determined to be endangered within the state pursuant to subsection (a); (2) the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on July 1, 1974 ( Part 17 of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations , Appendix D); and (3) the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife ( Part 17 of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations , Appendix A), as such list may be modified hereafter; provided, that any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on any of the foregoing lists which enters the state from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States and which is transported across the state destined for a point beyond the state may be so entered and transported without restriction in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state.

(d) In the event the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife is modified subsequent to July 1, 1974, by additions or deletions, such modifications whether or not involving species or subspecies indigenous to the state may be accepted as binding under subsection (c) if, after the type of scientific determination described in subsection (a), the commission by regulation accepts such modification for the state. Any such regulation shall be effective upon promulgation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 25-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-5
Status: in_force

(a) The term “junk” shall mean old or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, rubber debris, waste, or junked, dismantled or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel, and other old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material.

(b) The term “automobile graveyard” shall mean any establishment or place of business which is maintained, used, or operated for storing, keeping, buying or selling wrecked, scrapped, ruined or dismantled motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts.

(c) The term “junkyard” shall mean an establishment or place of business which is maintained, operated, or used for storing, keeping, buying or selling junk, or for the maintenance or operation of an automobile graveyard, and the term shall include garbage dumps and sanitary fills.

(d) “Interstate system” means that portion of the national system of interstate and defense highways located within this state, as officially designated, or as may hereafter be so designated, by the state highway commission, and approved by the secretary of commerce, pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, United States Code, “Highway.”

(e) “Primary system” means that portion of connected main highways, as officially designated, or as may hereafter be so designated, by the state highway commission, and approved by the secretary of commerce, pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, United States Code, “Highways.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-715 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 17-715
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-715
Status: repealed

(1) There is hereby created and established a public body corporate and politic constituting a political subdivision of the State of Mississippi to be known as the “ George County Utility Authority ,” unless the George County Board of Supervisors dissolves the authority by January 1, 2007, as provided in subsection (2). The authority will be composed of the geographic area of George County as defined in Section 19-1-39, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for the planning, acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation and coordination of water, wastewater and storm water systems in order to ensure the delivery of water, wastewater and storm water services to citizens residing within the boundaries of George County. The George County Utility Authority shall be deemed to be acting in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state in the performance of essential public functions, and the George County Utility Authority shall be empowered in accordance with the provisions of this act to promote the health, welfare and prosperity of the general public.

(2) [Repealed]

(3) If the county authority is dissolved, the board of supervisors may reestablish the county authority by a resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes stating the necessity for the county authority. The board shall file a certified copy of the resolution with the Secretary of State, the Public Service Commission and the utility board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-85 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 17-85
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-85
Status: in_force

(1) There is established in the State Treasury a fund to be known as the “Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund,” which shall be administered by the commission acting through the department. The revolving fund may receive bond proceeds and funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source, public or private. The revolving fund shall be maintained in perpetuity for the purposes established in this section.

(2) There is established in the State Treasury a fund to be known as the “Water Pollution Control Hardship Grants Fund,” which shall be administered by the commission acting through the department. The grants fund shall be maintained in perpetuity for the purposes established in this section. Any interest earned on monies in the grants fund shall be credited to that fund.

(3) The commission shall promulgate regulations for the administration of the revolving fund program, the hardship grants program and for related programs authorized under this section. The regulations shall be in accordance with the federal Water Quality Act of 1987, as amended, and regulations and guidance issued under that act. The commission may enter into capitalization grant agreements with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and may accept capitalization grant awards made under Title VI of the Water Quality Act of 1987, as amended.

(4) The commission shall establish a loan program which shall commence after October 1, 1988, to assist political subdivisions in the construction of water pollution control projects. Loans from the revolving fund may be made to political subdivisions as set forth in a loan agreement in amounts not exceeding one hundred percent (100%) of eligible project costs as established by the commission. Notwithstanding loan amount limitations set forth in Section 49-17-61 , the commission may require local participation or funding from other sources, or otherwise limit the percentage of costs covered by loans from the revolving fund. The commission may establish a maximum amount for any loan in order to provide for broad and equitable participation in the program.

(5) The commission shall establish a hardship grants program for rural communities, which shall commence after July 1, 1997, to assist severely economically disadvantaged small rural political subdivisions in the construction of water pollution control projects. The commission may receive and administer state or federal funds, or both, appropriated for the operation of this grants program and may take all actions necessary to implement the program in accordance with the federal hardship grants program. The hardship grants program shall operate in conjunction with the revolving loan program administered under this section.

(6) The commission shall act for the state in all matters and with respect to all determinations under Title VI of the federal Water Quality Act of 1987, as amended, and the federal Omnibus Appropriations and Recision Act of 1996.

(7) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the revolving fund may be used only:

(a) To make loans on the condition that:

(i) The loans are made at or below market interest rates, at terms not to exceed the maximum time allowed by federal law after project completion; the interest rate and term may vary from time to time and from loan to loan at the discretion of the commission;

(ii) Periodic principal and interest payments will commence when required by the commission but not later than one (1) year after project completion and all loans will be fully amortized when required by the commission but not later than the maximum time allowed by federal law after project completion;

(iii) The recipient of a loan will establish a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of loans;

(b) To buy or refinance the debt obligation of political subdivisions at or below market rates, where the debt obligations were incurred after March 7, 1985, and where the projects were constructed in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations;

(c) To guarantee, or purchase insurance for, obligations of political subdivisions where the action would improve credit market access or reduce interest rates;

(d) To provide loan guarantees for similar revolving funds established by municipalities or intermunicipal agencies;

(e) To earn interest on fund accounts;

(f) To establish nonpoint source pollution control management programs;

(g) To establish estuary conservation and management programs;

(h) For the reasonable costs of administering the revolving fund and conducting activities under this act, subject to the limitations established in Section 603(d)(7) of Title VI of the federal Clean Water Act, as amended, and subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature;

(i) In connection with the issuance, sale and purchase of bonds under Section 31-25-1 et seq. , related to the funding of projects, to provide security or a pledge of revenues for the repayment of the bonds; and

(j) To pay the principal and interest on bonds issued pursuant to Section 11 of Chapter 580, Laws of 2007, Section 1 of Chapter 492, Laws of 2008, Section 47 of Chapter 557, Laws of 2009, Section 45 of Chapter 533, Laws of 2010, Section 3 of Chapter 480, Laws of 2011, Section 36 of Chapter 569, Laws of 2013, Section 9 of Chapter 452, Laws of 2018, Section 1 of Chapter 415, Laws of 2019, Section 16 of Chapter 492, Laws of 2020, and Section 137 of Chapter 480, Laws of 2021, as they become due; however, only interest and investment earnings on money in the fund may be utilized for this purpose.

(8) The hardship grants program shall be used only to provide hardship grants consistent with the federal hardship grants program for rural communities, regulations and guidance issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, subsections (3) and (5) of this section and regulations promulgated and guidance issued by the commission under this section.

(9) The commission shall establish by regulation a system of priorities and a priority list of projects eligible for funding with loans from the revolving fund.

(10) The commission may provide a loan from the revolving fund only with respect to a project if that project is on the priority list established by the commission.

(11) The revolving fund shall be credited with all payments of principal and interest derived from the fund uses described in subsection (7) of this section. However, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, all or any portion of payments of principal and interest derived from the fund uses described in subsection (7) of this section may be designated or pledged for repayment of a loan as provided in Section 31-25-28 in connection with a loan from the Mississippi Development Bank.

(12) The commission may establish and collect fees to defray the reasonable costs of administering the revolving fund if it determines that the administrative costs will exceed the limitations established in Section 603(d)(7) of Title VI of the federal Clean Water Act, as amended. The administration fees may be included in loan amounts to political subdivisions for the purpose of facilitating payment to the commission. The fees may not exceed five percent (5%) of the loan amount.

(13) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commission may, on a case-by-case basis and to the extent allowed by federal law, renegotiate the payment of principal and interest on loans made under this section to the six (6) most southern counties of the state covered by the Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for the State of Mississippi (FEMA-1604-DR) dated August 29, 2005, and to political subdivisions located in such counties; however, the interest on the loans shall not be forgiven for a period of more than twenty-four (24) months and the maturity of the loans shall not be extended for a period of more than forty-eight (48) months.

(14) The commission may, on a case-by-case basis and to the extent allowed by federal law, renegotiate the payment of principal and interest on loans made under this section to Hancock County as a result of coverage under the Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for the State of Mississippi (FEMA-1604-DR) dated August 29, 2005, and to political subdivisions located in Hancock County.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-9 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 27-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-9
Status: in_force

(1) No regulated activity shall affect any coastal wetlands without a permit unless excluded in Section 49-27-7 . Any person proposing to conduct or cause to be conducted a regulated activity shall file an application for a permit with the commission in such form and with such information as the commission may prescribe. An application fee in an amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for residential type regulated activity and Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for commercial and industrial type related activity shall accompany each application and shall be payable to the commission. No permit shall be required for a regulated activity as defined in Section 49-27-5(c)(v) if such activity is an activity by a water dependent industry, nor shall a permit be required pursuant to Section 49-27-5(c)(v) of any individual who seeks to construct a home, fishing camp or similar structure on his own property.

(2) If the commission determines that the activity, area or entity is exempt or requires no permit, and that the activity, area or entity complies with the notification requirement and the coastal wetland policy as required under Section 49-27-7 , the commission may reduce the application fee by fifty percent (50%).
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-17
Status: in_force

The commission shall have and may exercise the following powers and duties:

(a) General supervision of the administration and enforcement of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 and Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-47 , and all rules and regulations and orders promulgated thereunder;

(b) To develop comprehensive programs for the prevention, control and abatement of new or existing pollution of the air and waters of the state;

(c) To advise, consult, cooperate, or enter into contracts, grants and cooperative agreements with any federal or state agency or subdivision thereof, other states and interstate agencies, or any public or private institution located inside or outside the State of Mississippi, and with affected groups, political subdivisions, and industries in furtherance of carrying out the provisions of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 and shall have the authority to enter into compacts with any other state or states for the purpose of achieving the objectives of such sections with respect to air and waters, or to authorize the executive director with the approval of the commission to exercise any of the aforementioned powers;

(d) To administer funds allocated to the state's water and air pollution abatement grant program, to accept and administer loans and grants from the federal government and from other sources, public or private, for carrying out any of its functions, which loans and grants shall not be expended for other than the purposes for which provided;

(e) To encourage, participate in, or conduct studies, investigations, research and demonstrations relating to air and water quality and pollution and causes, prevention, control and abatement as it may deem advisable and necessary for the discharge of its duties under Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 ; to make funds available from the water pollution abatement grant fund by means of advances to political subdivisions in this state in an amount not to exceed one percent (1%) of the estimated project cost as approved by and under such rules and regulations as adopted by the commission for the preparation of project planning reports and feasibility analyses; and to exercise such supervision as it may deem advisable and necessary for the discharge of its duties under Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 ;

(f) To require the repayment of funds made available to a political subdivision under subsection (e) above to the water pollution abatement grant fund prior to the receipt of any other funds by any political subdivision providing services to the area and receiving funds provided under Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 ; any funds made available to any political subdivisions providing services to the area and receiving funds under the provisions of said sections shall be repaid in the same manner as are other funds made available to the political subdivisions under the provisions of said sections;

(g) To collect and disseminate information relating to air and water quality and pollution and the prevention, control, supervision and abatement thereof;

(h) To adopt, modify or repeal and promulgate ambient air and water quality standards and emissions standards for the state under such conditions as the commission may prescribe for the prevention, control and abatement of pollution;

(i) To adopt, modify, repeal, and promulgate, after due notice and hearing, and, where not otherwise prohibited by federal or state law, to make exceptions to and grant exemptions and variances from, and to enforce rules and regulations implementing or effectuating the powers and duties of the commission under Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 and Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-47 , and as the commission may deem necessary to prevent, control and abate existing or potential pollution;

(j) To issue, modify, or revoke orders (1) prohibiting, controlling or abating discharges of contaminants and wastes into the air and waters of the state; (2) requiring the construction of new disposal systems, or air-cleaning devices, or any parts thereof or the modification, extension or alteration of existing disposal systems, or air-cleaning devices, or any parts thereof, or the adoption of other remedial measures to prevent, control or abate air and water pollution; and (3) setting standards of air or water quality or evidencing any other determination by the commission under Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 ;

(k) To hold such hearings, to issue notices of hearing and subpoenas requiring the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such evidence, to administer oaths, and to take such testimony as the commission deems necessary;

(l) To require the prior submission of plans, specifications and other data relative to, and to inspect the construction of, disposal systems, or air-cleaning devices, or any part thereof, in connection with the issuance of such permits or approval as are required by Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 ;

(m) To require proper maintenance and operation of disposal systems, or air-cleaning devices; and to require the installation and operation of monitoring devices or methods as may be deemed necessary and the maintenance and submission of monitoring and operating records as may be prescribed;

(n) To exercise all incidental powers necessary to carry out the purposes of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 and Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-47 ; and

(o) To delegate in such manner as it sees fit the duties and powers relating to air and water quality and pollution control to the agency members presently engaged in the several fields of water or air control or pollution. In cases of difference of opinion between such agencies as to their respective field of operation, the commission shall delegate said responsibility to the proper agency, and the commission's action therein shall be final.

Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to grant to the commission any jurisdiction or authority to make any rule or regulation, recommendation or determination or to enter any order with respect to air conditions existing solely within the property boundaries of commercial and industrial plants, works, or shops or to affect the relations between employers and employees with respect to or arising out of any air condition.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-61 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-61
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall be the Wildlife Heritage Committee and shall exercise the duties and authority granted to such committee pursuant to Sections 49-5-69 through 49-5-98 , and pursuant to any other laws of the State of Mississippi.

(2) Wherever the term “ Wildlife Heritage Committee ” appears in the laws of the State of Mississippi, it shall be construed to mean the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, unless the context clearly means to refer to the former Wildlife Heritage Committee.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-17
Status: in_force

(1) The department may provide for the appointment of persons as license agents to sell license certificates for hunting, trapping or fishing as authorized under Section 49-7-21 .

The department may, by administrative rule, establish qualifications, standards and regulations for such license agents.

(2) Each license agent shall be required to be covered under a surety bond. The department may establish, by administrative rule, the procedures for the bonding of its license agents, which procedures may include the implementation of a blanket bonding system. All premiums for surety bonds required under this section shall be at the expense of the license agents.

(3) Any officer or person authorized to issue any hunting or fishing license or permit or any combination game and fish license under the laws of this state shall have the power and authority to collect and retain for the issuance of such license the sum of One Dollar ($1.00), in addition to the license fee provided by law, when such license or permit is sold to a resident of this state. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized, in its discretion, to contract with license agents for services rendered for an additional amount, not to exceed One Dollar ($1.00), in addition to the license fee provided by law.

(4) The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to establish, set and collect an additional fee for any license sold that will recoup the department's cost of issuing the license, conducting any electronic transaction therefor, and generally recovering the department's administrative costs of selling licenses and maintaining the electronic databases of those sales.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 31 / Section 31-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Multimedia Pollution Prevention Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-763 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 17-763
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-763
Status: in_force

The county authority shall have power in connection with the issuance of its bonds pursuant to this act to:

(a) Covenant as to the use of any or all of its property, real or personal;

(b) Redeem the bonds, to covenant for their redemption and to provide the terms and conditions thereof;

(c) Covenant to charge rates, fees and charges sufficient to meet operating and maintenance expenses, renewals and replacements, principal and debt service on bonds, creation and maintenance of any reserves required by a bonds resolution, trust indenture or other security instrument and to provide for any margins or coverages over and above debt service on the bonds deemed desirable for the marketability of the bonds;

(d) Covenant and prescribe as to events of default and terms and conditions upon which any or all of its bonds shall become or may be declared due before maturity, as to the terms and conditions upon which such declaration and its consequences may be waived and as to the consequences of default and the remedies of the registered owners of the bonds;

(e) Covenant as to the mortgage or pledge of or the grant of a security interest in any real or personal property and all or any part of the revenues from any designated system or any part thereof or any revenue-producing contract or contracts made by a county authority with any person to secure the payment of bonds, subject to such agreements with the registered owners of bonds as may then exist;

(f) Covenant as to the custody, collection, securing, investment and payment of any revenues, assets, monies, funds or property with respect to which a county authority may have any rights or interest;

(g) Covenant as to the purposes to which the proceeds from the sale of any bonds then or thereafter to be issued may be applied, and the pledge of such proceeds to secure the payment of the bonds;

(h) Covenant as to the limitations on the issuance of any additional bonds, the terms upon which additional bonds may be issued and secured, and the refunding of outstanding bonds;

(i) Covenant as to the rank or priority of any bonds with respect to any lien or security;

(j) Covenant as to the procedure by which the terms of any contract with or for the benefit of the registered owners of bonds may be amended or abrogated, the amount of bonds the registered owners of which must consent thereto, and the manner in which such consent may be given;

(k) Covenant as to the custody of any of its properties or investments, the safekeeping thereof, the insurance to be carried thereon, and the use and disposition of insurance proceeds;

(l) Covenant as to the vesting in a trustee or trustees, within or outside the state, of such properties, rights, powers and duties in trust as such county authority may determine;

(m) Covenant as to the appointing and providing for the duties and obligations of a paying agent or paying agents or other fiduciaries within or outside the state;

(n) Make all other covenants and to do any and all such acts and things as may be necessary or convenient or desirable in order to secure its bonds, or in the absolute discretion of the county authority tend to make the bonds more marketable, notwithstanding that such covenants, acts or things may not be enumerated herein; it being the intention hereof to give any county authority power to do all things in the issuance of bonds and in the provisions for security thereof which are not inconsistent with the Constitution of the state; and

(o) Execute all instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers herein granted or in the performance of covenants or duties, which may contain such covenants and provisions, as any purchaser of the bonds of the county authority may reasonably require.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-725 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 17-725
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-725
Status: in_force

(1) All powers of the Stone County Utility Authority shall be exercised by a board of directors comprised of five (5) directors appointed as follows: Within thirty (30) days of passage of this act, the Board of Supervisors of Stone County shall appoint three (3) residents from the county, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Wiggins shall appoint two (2) residents from the city. The directors shall serve at the will and pleasure of the governing body making the appointments.

(2) In addition to any other powers and rights conferred upon such board of directors, the board is granted and may exercise all powers and rights granted pursuant to Sections 49-17-739 through 49-17-773 to promote the health, welfare and prosperity of the general public.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-119 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-119
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-119
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Conversion Revolving Fund. The revolving fund shall consist of monies received from charges for work and services performed for volunteer fire departments by the commission.

(2) Monies in the revolving fund shall be used by the State Forestry Commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist in the conversion of vehicles acquired by the commission through the Federal Excess Personal Property Program or by volunteer fire departments through other means to adapt them for use in the suppression of wildland fires. This assistance shall be in the form of fabrication of water tanks or other accessories necessary for the operation of fire suppression units, installation of piping and valves, painting or other similar or associated component work necessary to place fire suppression equipment into service; such assistance is not for general vehicle maintenance or repair.

(3) The State Treasurer shall make disbursements from the revolving fund for payment of materials, supplies and labor upon requisition of the commission and upon the issuance of warrants therefor by the Department of Finance and Administration.

(4) The amount of monies deposited into the revolving fund from such charges shall not exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). Funds in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) from such charges shall be deposited into the Forestry Commission's regular appropriated special funds.

(5) Monies remaining in the revolving fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on the revolving fund shall be deposited to the credit of the revolving fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 19 / Section 27-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-7
Status: in_force

This chapter shall not apply to the following activities, areas and entities:

(a) The accomplishment of emergency decrees of any duly appointed health officer of a county or municipality or of the state, acting to protect the public health;

(b) The conservation, repletion and research activities of the Commission on Marine Resources, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium when acting through the Mississippi Universities Marine Center;

(c) Hunting, erecting duck blinds, fishing, shellfishing and trapping when and where otherwise permitted by law;

(d) Swimming, hiking, boating or other recreation that causes no material harm to the flora and fauna of the wetlands;

(e) The exercise of riparian rights by the owner of the riparian rights, if the construction and maintenance of piers, boathouses and similar structures are constructed on pilings that permit a reasonably unobstructed ebb and flow of the tide. The riparian owner may reasonably alter the wetland at the end of his pier in order to allow docking of his vessels;

(f) The normal maintenance and repair of bulkheads, piers, roads and highways existing on the date of enactment of this chapter, and all interstate highways planned but not yet under construction; and financed in part by Federal Interstate Highway Trust Funds;

(g) Wetlands developed in the future by federal, state or county governments for the establishment of a superport or a pipeline buoy terminal for deep-draft, ocean-going vessels, including but not limited to, wetlands adjacent to Petit Bois Island and the Bayou Casotte Channel in Jackson County, Mississippi;

(h) The Biloxi Bridge and Park Commission, Biloxi Port Commission, Long Beach Port Commission, Pass Christian Port Commission, Pascagoula Port Commission, and any municipal or local port authorities;

(i) Wetlands used under the terms of the use permit granted by Chapter 395, Laws of 1954;

(j) Any activity affecting wetlands that is associated with or is necessary for the exploration, production or transportation of oil or gas when such activity is conducted under a current and valid permit granted by a duly constituted agency of the State of Mississippi;

(k) Activities of any mosquito control commission which is a political subdivision or agency of the State of Mississippi;

( l ) The Fisherman's Wharf in Biloxi and the Buccaneer State Park in Hancock County;

(m) Wetlands conveyed by the state for industrial development thereon pursuant to Section 211, Mississippi Constitution of 1890 , and pursuant to Section 29-3-61, Mississippi Code of 1972;

(n) The activities of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission affecting wetlands within its jurisdiction;

( o ) The activities of the Harrison County Development Commission affecting wetlands within its jurisdiction;

(p) The activities of the Jackson County Port Authority affecting wetlands within its jurisdiction;

(q) The activities of the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport affecting wetlands within its jurisdiction; and

(r) In the case of regulated activities which, in the judgment of the director or his delegate, after an on-site inspection, have no harmful impact on the environment and which make no substantial change in the wetlands, the director may issue a certificate of waiver, and no permit shall be required.

All activities, areas and entities exempt from the regulatory provisions, whether by name or reference, when carrying out what would otherwise be regulated activities in coastal wetlands shall at all times adhere to the policy as set forth in Section 49-27-3 . Each entity shall notify the commission of all such activities so that the commission may be fully advised of all activities in the coastal wetlands.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 19 / Section 37-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-5
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Scientific information ” means information associated with the monitoring and management of the environment and natural resources of a specifically targeted geographic area that is collected, analyzed, managed, updated by and used among agencies, departments, associations and other organizations concerned with or responsible for the geographic area.

(b) “ Scientific information management system ” means a management system which would allow scientific information to be collected, processed, analyzed, managed, updated and subsequently accessed by users of that information.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64.5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 15-64.5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64.5
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Each freight boat, ice boat and catching boat used in catching or transporting saltwater shrimp taken from the waters of the State of Mississippi for sale in their fresh state, or for canning, packing, freezing or drying, shall first obtain from the commission an annual privilege license and pay a license fee at the following rates:

(i) Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for resident boats or vessels under thirty (30) feet in length in overall measurements and One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for nonresident boats or vessels under thirty (30) feet in length in overall measurements;

(ii) Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) for resident boats or vessels between thirty (30) and forty-five (45) feet in length in overall measurements and One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for nonresident boats or vessels between thirty (30) and forty-five (45) feet in length in overall measurements;

(iii) One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for resident boats or vessels greater than forty-five (45) feet in length in overall measurements and Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for nonresident boats or vessels greater than forty-five (45) feet in length in overall measurements.

(b) Beginning September 15, 1994, no nonresident shall be issued a commercial fishing license under this chapter for the taking of saltwater shrimp using any type of net if that nonresident's state of domicile prohibits the issuing of commercial fishing licenses to residents of this state to engage in like activity.

(2) Each recreational vessel engaging in shrimping with a net having a corkline length of sixteen (16) feet or less shall pay an annual resident license fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) or an annual nonresident license fee of Thirty Dollars ($30.00).

(3) During open seasons and in open areas, saltwater shrimp may be taken only with shrimp trawls, trawls, butterfly nets, skimmer nets, push trawls, beach seines and cast nets.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-407 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 15-407
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-407
Status: in_force

Failure of the alleged violator to request an informal settlement conference, a hearing, or to respond to the complaint within thirty (30) days shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing, and any penalties assessed by the executive director shall be due and payable as provided in Section 49-15-415 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-21-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-21-1
Status: reserved

The Interstate Environmental Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining herein in the form substantially as follows:

ARTICLE 1. Findings, Purposes and Reservations of Power.

(1) Findings.

Signatory states hereby find and declare:

(a) The environment of every state is affected with local, state, regional and national interests and its protection, under appropriate arrangements for intergovernmental cooperation, are public purposes of the respective signatories.

(b) Certain environmental pollution problems transcend state boundaries and thereby become common to adjacent states requiring cooperative efforts.

(c) The environment of each state is subject to the effective control of the signatories, and coordinated, cooperative or joint exercise of control measures is in their common interests.

(2) Purposes.

The purposes of the signatories in enacting this compact are:

(a) To assist and participate in the national environment protection programs as set forth in federal legislation; to promote intergovernmental cooperation for multistate action relating to environmental protection through interstate agreements; and to encourage cooperative and coordinated environmental protection by the signatories and the federal government;

(b) To preserve and utilize the functions, powers and duties of existing state agencies of government to the maximum extent possible consistent with the purposes of the compact.

(3) Powers of the United States.

(a) Nothing contained in this compact shall impair, affect or extend the constitutional authority of the United States.

(b) The signatories hereby recognize the power and right of the Congress of the United States at any time by any statute expressly enacted for that purpose to revise the terms and conditions of its consent.

(4) Powers of the States.

Nothing contained in this compact shall impair or extend the constitutional authority of any signatory state, nor shall the police powers of any signatory state be affected except as expressly provided in a supplementary agreement under Article 4.

ARTICLE 2. Short Title, Definitions, Purposes and Limitations.

(1) Short Title. This compact shall be known and may be cited as the Interstate Environmental Compact.

(2) Definitions. -For the purpose of this compact and of any supplemental or concurring legislation enacted pursuant or in relation hereto, except as may be otherwise required by the context:

(a) “State” shall mean any one of the fifty states of the United States of America and its territories and possessions.

(b) “Interstate environment pollution” shall mean any pollution of a stream or body of water crossing or marking a state boundary, interstate air quality control region designated by an appropriate federal agency or solid waste collection and disposal district or program involving the jurisdiction or territories of more than one state.

(c) “Government” shall mean the governments of the United States and the signatory states.

(d) “Federal government” shall mean the government of the United States of America and any appropriate department, instrumentality, agency, commission, bureau, division, branch or other unit thereof, as the case may be, but shall not include the District of Columbia.

(e) “Signator” shall mean any state which enters into this compact and is a party thereto.

ARTICLE 3. Intergovernmental Cooperation.

(1) Agreements with the Federal Government and other Agencies.

Signatory states are hereby authorized jointly to participate in cooperative or joint undertakings for the protection of the interstate environment with the federal government or with any intergovernmental or interstate agencies.

ARTICLE 4. Supplementary Agreements, Jurisdiction and Enforcement.

(1) Signatories may enter into agreements for the purpose of controlling interstate environmental problems in accordance with applicable federal legislation and under terms and conditions as deemed appropriate by the agreeing states under paragraph (6) and paragraph (8) of this article.

(2) Recognition of Existing Non-Environmental Intergovernmental Arrangements. The signatories agree that existing federal-state, interstate or intergovernmental arrangements which are not primarily directed to environmental protection purposes as defined herein are not affected by this compact.

(3) Recognition of Existing Intergovernmental Agreements Directed to Environmental Objectives. All existing interstate compacts directly relating to environmental protection are hereby expressly recognized and nothing in this compact shall be construed to diminish or supersede the powers and functions of such existing intergovernmental agreements and the organizations created by them.

(4) Modification of Existing Commissions and Compacts. Recognition herein of multistate commissions and compacts shall not be construed to limit directly or indirectly the creation of additional multistate organizations or interstate compacts, nor to prevent termination, modification, extension, or supplementation of such multistate organizations and interstate compacts recognized herein by the federal government or states party thereto.

(5) Recognition of Future Multistate Commissions and Interstate Compacts. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent signatories from entering into multistate organizations or other interstate compacts which do not conflict with their obligations under this compact.

(6) Supplementary Agreements. Any two or more signatories may enter into supplementary agreements for joint, coordinated or mutual environmental management activities relating to interstate pollution problems common to the territories of such states and for the establishment of common or joint regulation, management, services, agencies or facilities for such purposes or may designate an appropriate agency to act as their joint agency in regard thereto. No supplementary agreement shall be valid to the extent that it conflicts with the purposes of this compact and the creation of a joint agency by supplementary agreement shall not affect the privileges, powers, responsibilities or duties under this compact of signatories participating therein as embodied in this compact.

(7) Execution of Supplementary Agreements and Effective Date. The governor is authorized to enter into supplementary agreements for the state and his official signature shall render the agreement immediately binding upon the state:

Provided that:

(a) The legislature of any signatory entering into such a supplementary agreement shall at its next legislative session by concurrent resolution bring the supplementary agreement before it and by appropriate legislative action approve, reverse, modify or condition the agreement of that state.

(b) Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to limit the right of congress by act of law expressly enacted for that purpose to disapprove or condition such a supplementary agreement.

(8) Special Supplementary Agreements. Signatories may enter into special supplementary agreement with foreign nations for the same purposes and with the same powers as under paragraph (6), article 4, upon the conditions that such non-signatory party accept the general obligations of signatories under this compact. Provided, that such special supplementary agreements shall become effective only after being consented to by the congress.

(9) Jurisdiction of Signatories Reserved. Nothing in this compact or in any supplementary agreement thereunder shall be construed to restrict, relinquish or be in derogation of, any power or authority constitutionally possessed by any signatory within its jurisdiction, except as specifically limited by this compact or a supplementary agreement.

(10) Complementary Legislation by Signatories. Signatories may enact such additional legislation as may be deemed appropriate to enable its officers and governmental agencies to accomplish effectively the purposes of this compact and supplementary agreements recognized or entered into under the terms of this article.

(11) Legal Rights of Signatories. Nothing in this compact shall impair the exercise by any signatory of its legal rights or remedies established by the United States Constitution or any other laws of this nation.

ARTICLE 5. Construction, Amendment and Effective Date.

(1) Construction. It is the intent of the signatories that no provision of this compact or supplementary agreement entered into hereunder shall be construed as invalidating any provision of law of any signatory and that nothing in this compact shall be construed to modify or qualify the authority of any signatory to enact or enforce environmental protection legislation within its jurisdiction and not inconsistent with any provision of this compact or a supplementary agreement entered into pursuant hereto.

(2) Severability. The provisions of this compact or of agreements hereunder shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provisions of this compact, or such an agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any signatory or of the United States or is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this compact or of any agreement and the applicability thereof to any participating jurisdiction, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining participating jurisdictions and in full force and effect as to the signatory affected as to all severable matters. It is the intent of the signatories that the provisions of this compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed in the context of its purposes.

(3) Amendments. Amendments to this compact may be initiated by legislative action of any signatory and become effective when concurred in by all signatories and approved by congress.

(4) Effective Date. This compact shall become binding on a state when enacted by it into law and such state shall thereafter become a signatory and party hereto with any and all states legally joining herein.

(5) Withdrawal from the Compact. A state may withdraw from this compact by authority of an act of its legislature one (1) year after it notifies all signatories in writing of an intention to withdraw from the compact. Provided, withdrawal from the compact affects obligations of a signatory imposed on it by supplementary agreements to which it may be a party only to the extent and in accordance with the terms of such supplementary agreements.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-39 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-39
Status: in_force

Information obtained by the commission concerning environmental protection including but not limited to information contained in applications for air emission equipment construction permits and water discharge permits shall be public information and shall be made available upon proper request. Other information obtained by the commission, department or permit board in the administration of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 concerning trade secrets, including, but not limited to, marketing or financial information, processes, devices, methods of manufacture, or production capabilities or amounts shall be kept confidential, if and only if: (a) a written confidentiality claim is made when the information is supplied; (b) such confidentiality claim allows disclosure of the confidential information to authorized department employees and/or the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and (c) such confidentiality claim is determined by the commission to be valid. If the confidentiality claim is denied, the information sought to be covered thereby shall not be released or disclosed, except to the Environmental Protection Agency, until the claimant has been notified in writing and afforded an opportunity for a hearing and appeal therefrom, as with other orders of the commission. Disclosure of confidential information by the EPA should be governed by federal law and EPA regulations. Anyone making unauthorized disclosure of information determined to be confidential as herein provided shall be liable in a civil action for damages arising therefrom and shall also be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-121 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 17-121
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-121
Status: in_force

No bonds shall be issued pursuant to the provisions of Sections 49-17-101 through 49-17-123 until the proposal of the governing board to issue the bonds shall receive the approval of the board. Whenever the governing board shall propose to issue bonds pursuant to the provisions of said sections, it shall file its petition to the board setting forth: (a) a brief description of the pollution control facilities proposed to be undertaken; (b) a statement setting forth the action taken by the pollution control authority in connection with the pollution control facilities; (c) a reasonable estimate of the cost of the pollution control facilities; (d) a general summary of the terms and conditions of the lease/sale; and (e) financial statements on lessee company. Upon the filing of the petition the board shall, as soon as practicable, make such investigation as it deems advisable, and if it finds that the proposed pollution control facilities are intended to promote the purposes of Sections 49-17-101 through 49-17-123 and may be reasonably anticipated to effect such result, it shall be authorized to approve the pollution control facilities, and at any time not exceeding six (6) years following such approval, the governing board may proceed with the issuance of bonds for the pollution control facilities. Notice of the approval by the board shall be published at least once by the governing board in a newspaper having general circulation in the county where the pollution control facilities are to be located. The governing board shall thereupon adopt and publish as required by law a resolution declaring its intention to issue said bonds.

Any qualified elector may challenge the validity of such approval by intervention in the bond validation proceedings.

Authority hereby vested in any governing board to issue, and the board to approve, revenue bonds pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 49-17-101 to 49-17-123 is supplemental to, and may be exercised irrespective of Sections 27-39-15 , 57-1-1 through 57-1-51 , 57-1-71 to 57-1-83 , 57-1-101 to 57-1-107 , and 57-3-1 to 57-3-33, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-603 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-603
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-603
Status: in_force

(1) The definitions used in this section are expressly limited to this section only, and the inclusion of indoor air in the definition of “ waste ” does not expand the jurisdiction of the Commission on Environmental Quality or the Department of Environmental Quality to include the regulation of indoor air:

(a) “ By-product ” means a substance produced without a separate intent during the manufacture, processing, use or disposal of another substance or mixture; and

(b) “ Waste ” means all liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive or other substances that may pollute or tend to pollute any waters of the state or soil within the state, and any particulate matter, dust, fumes, gas, mist, smoke or vapor, or any combination thereof, that may pollute or tend to pollute air in the state, including indoor air.

(2) The generation of waste in any quantity by any person caused by the mixing, combining, processing or cooking together of two (2) or more precursor drugs or chemicals listed in Section 41-29-313 is unlawful unless:

(a) The person has first obtained a generator identification number pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 USCS Section 6901 et seq., and the regulations promulgated thereunder; or

(b) The person has first obtained a treatment, storage or disposal permit pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 USCS Section 6901 et seq., and the regulations promulgated thereunder; or

(c) The process that generated the waste also, as part of the same process:

(i) Created a product that is not illegal to possess pursuant to Section 41-29-139(c) ;

(ii) Created a by-product that is not illegal to possess pursuant to Section 41-29-139(c) , while not at the same time producing a controlled substance; or

(iii) Was a process of servicing, maintaining or cleaning an item or product that is not illegal to possess pursuant to Section 41-29-139(c) .

(3) Any person who violates this section, upon conviction, is guilty of a felony and may be imprisoned for a period not to exceed thirty (30) years and shall be fined not less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) nor more than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), or may be both fined and imprisoned.

(4) Nothing in this section shall preclude any farmer or manufacturer from storing or using any of the listed precursor drugs or chemicals listed in Section 41-29-313 in the normal pursuit of farming or manufacturing operations.

(5) Nothing in this section shall preclude any wholesaler, retailer or pharmacist from possessing or selling precursor drugs or chemicals listed in Section 41-29-313 in the normal pursuit of business.

(6) Except as may be otherwise provided, a property owner or occupant of land shall not be criminally or civilly liable for the generation of waste caused by the criminal acts of persons other than the property owner or occupant of such land if the property owner or occupant did not have prior knowledge of the criminal activity.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-109 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 17-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-109
Status: in_force

Contracts for acquisition, purchase, construction and/or installation of facilities contemplated by Sections 49-17-101 through 49-17-123 shall be effected in the manner prescribed by law for public contracts; provided, however, where (a) the municipality finds and records such finding on its minutes, that because of availability or particular nature of such facilities, it would not be in the public interest or would less effectively achieve the purposes of Sections 49-17-101 through 49-17-123 to enter into such contracts upon the basis of public bidding pursuant to advertisement, (b) the industry concurs in such finding, and (c) such finding is approved by the board, public bidding pursuant to advertisement may be dispensed with and such contracts may be entered into based upon negotiation; and provided further, the industry at its option, may negotiate such contracts in the name of the municipality.