Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-71 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 18 / Section 27-71
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-71
Status: in_force

(1) Definitions. As used in the section, the following words and phrases have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Abandoned vessel ” means a vessel left unattended for four (4) or more weeks after a hurricane, tropical storm or other natural event resulting in a declaration of emergency by the Governor, or, in the absence of a hurricane, tropical storm or other natural event resulting in a declaration of emergency by the Governor, any of the following:

(i) A vessel left unattended that is moored, anchored, or otherwise in the waters of the state or on public property for a period of more than ten (10) days.

(ii) A vessel that is moored, anchored, or otherwise on or attached to private property for a period of more than ten (10) days without the consent of the owner or lessee of the property or of the public trust tidelands.

Upon notification from the owner of the vessel outlining the circumstances following a hurricane, tropical storm or other natural event, the department may grant an exception to the time frames indicated above.

(b) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

(c) “ Derelict vessel ” means a vessel in the waters of the State of Mississippi that satisfies any of the following:

(i) Is aground without the ability to extricate itself absent mechanical assistance;

(ii) Is sunk or otherwise resting on the bottom of the waterway;

(iii) Is abandoned;

(iv) Is wrecked, junked, or in a substantially dismantled condition upon any waters of this state:

1. A vessel is “wrecked” if it is sunken or sinking; or remaining after a marine casualty, including, but not limited to, a boating accident, extreme weather, or fire.

2. A vessel is “junked” if it has been substantially stripped of vessel components, if vessel components have substantially degraded or been destroyed, or if the vessel has been discarded by the owner or operator. Attaching an outboard motor to a vessel that is otherwise junked will not cause the vessel to no longer be junked if such motor is not an effective means of propulsion.

3. A vessel is “substantially dismantled” if at least two (2) of the three (3) following vessel systems or components are missing, compromised, incomplete, inoperable, or broken:

(A) The steering system;

(B) The propulsion system; or

(C) The exterior hull integrity.

Attaching an outboard motor to a vessel that is otherwise substantially dismantled will not cause the vessel to no longer be substantially dismantled if such motor is not an effective means of propulsion;

(v) Docked, grounded, or beached upon the property of another without the consent of the owner of the property;

(vi) Is obstructing a waterway or within one hundred (100) yards of the boundaries of any state, county or municipal port;

(vii) Is endangering life or property;

(viii) Has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor, mooring, or ties; or

(iv) 1 A vessel that is otherwise not seaworthy.

(d) “ Documented vessel ” means a vessel documented under 46 USC, Chapter 121 .

(e) “ Effective means of propulsion ” means a vessel, other than a barge, that is equipped with:

(i) A functioning motor, controls, and steering system; or

(ii) Rigging and sails that are present and in good working order, and a functioning steering system.

A vessel does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation within seventy-two (72) hours after the vessel owner or operator received telephonic notice, in-person notice recorded on an agency-approved body camera, or written notice, which may be provided by facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means, stating such from a representative of the department, and the vessel owner or operator is unable to provide a receipt, proof of purchase, or other documentation of having ordered necessary parts for vessel repair. The department may adopt regulations to implement this paragraph.

(f) “ Floating building or structure ” means a floating entity, with or without accommodations built thereon, which is not primarily used as a means of transportation on water but which serves purposes or provides services typically associated with a structure or other improvement to real property. The term includes, but is not limited to, an entity used as a residence, place of business or office with public access; a hotel or motel; a restaurant or lounge; a clubhouse; a meeting facility; a storage or parking facility; or a mining platform, dredge, dragline, or similar facility or entity represented as such. Incidental movement upon water or resting partially or entirely on the bottom does not, in and of itself, preclude an entity from classification as a floating structure.

(g) “ Gross negligence ” means conduct so reckless or wanting in care that it constitutes a conscious disregard or indifference to the safety of the property to such conduct.

(h) “ Moored ” means a vessel that is anchored or affixed in some other way to the public trust tidelands, to leased tidelands, to private land, or within the riparian zone of a private or public landowner or leaseholder.

(i) “ Registered ” means a vessel documented under Section 59-21-5 .

(j) “ Unseaworthy ” means a vessel that is not fit or safe for any normal perils of the sea or has no effective means of propulsion.

(k) “ Vessel ” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. For the purposes of this section, vessels powered only by hand, foot, oars or paddles, are included.

For the purposes of this section, floatable buildings and structures, whether or not they are used for navigation, are included.

(l) “ Waters of the state ” means any waters located within Harrison, Hancock and Jackson Counties under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources as established pursuant to Section 49-15-23 .

(m) “ Willful misconduct ” means conduct evidencing carelessness or negligence of such a degree or recurrence as to manifest culpability, wrongful intent, or evil design or to show an intentional and substantial disregard of the interests of the vessel owner.

(2) Jurisdiction. (a)(i) In the waters of Harrison, Hancock and Jackson Counties, a person, firm, corporation or other entity may not leave derelict or at risk of being derelict, any vessel on the coastal wetlands, marine waters, or on public or privately owned lands without the owner's permission.

(ii) The Department of Marine Resources has the authority to remove derelict vessels, whether located on private or public property.

(iii) Vessels located in ports and harbors are subject to the provisions outlined in Title 50, Mississippi Code of 1972 , Ports, Harbors, Landings and Watercraft.

(iv) Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (a) does not apply to vessels located in marinas, garages or repair shops for repairs, improvements or other work with knowledge of the owner and for which the costs for such services have been unpaid.

(v) Vessels deemed to be derelict pursuant to this chapter are exempt from the salvage provisions in Section 89-17-1 et seq.

(b)(i) In all other waters of the State of Mississippi, a person, firm, corporation or other entity may not leave derelict or at risk of being derelict, any vessel in the wetlands, public waters or waterways or on public or privately owned lands without the owner's permission.

(ii) Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (b) does not apply to vessels located in public or private marinas, garages or repair shops for repairs, improvements or other work with knowledge of the owner and for which the costs for such services have been unpaid.

(iii) Vessels deemed to be derelict pursuant to this chapter are exempt from the salvage provisions of Section 89-17-1 et seq.

(3) Penalties. Violations of this act will be subject to the penalties as provided in Section 49-15-63 .

(4) Standing. A party with standing may initiate the derelict vessel procedures in this section. For purpose of this section, the following parties have standing:

(a) The owner of the property where the vessel came to rest or to which the vessel was made fast;

(b) Any harbormaster, police department, municipality or agent of the state that agrees to accept or process a derelict vessel; or

(c) Any professional marine salvager when the salvager is engaged by a person with standing.

(5) Landowner permission may be revoked at any time. The landowner must provide the department sufficient proof that the vessel owner has been notified of the revocation of landowner's permission or proof that the landowner cannot locate the owner of the vessel.

When a vessel that is not otherwise leased to another party is moored upon public trust tidelands for a period of thirty (30) days or longer, permission must be granted by the Secretary of State's Office.

(6) Notice. Any party with standing, or his or her representative, may initiate the notice process by filing an application with the department to remove the derelict vessel. Upon receipt and review of the application, the department may initiate the following notice process:

(a) A department officer is authorized to board any vessel that has been reported to the department as being derelict or at risk of being derelict to determine the condition of the vessel and in an attempt to establish ownership of the vessel.

(b) A department officer shall post notice, which must comply with the following requirements:

(i) Be posted on the vessel in a prominent location, visible to an approaching person;

(ii) Require the vessel owner to submit a plan for removal to the department within seven (7) days of the notice; and

(iii) Include a space for the owner of the vessel to respond.

(c) If the registered owner responds with a signature in the space or otherwise provides a written response to the department requesting an extension of time, then the registered owner will have an additional five (5) days to submit the plan for removal.

(d) The department will notify the respondent of the approval or denial of the removal plan within seven (7) business days.

(e) If the respondent fails to comply with the approved removal plan and fails to submit a satisfactory reason as to why the vessel cannot be moved as planned, the department may present the removal plan and evidence of the owner's noncompliance to the chancery court.

(f) Upon presentation of the required evidence, the chancery court will issue an order allowing the department or its representative to remove the vessel from its current location and make whatever disposition is deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to, immediate disposal, storage pending disposal, use for official purposes, transfer to another state agency or other disposition.

(g) If the vessel is located in an area of coastal wetlands where emergent vegetation is present or where the vessel is embedded in the ground, a wetlands permit may be required prior to removal.

(h) Any party who acts in good faith and without malicious intent in the processing, storing or moving any derelict vessel pursuant to this section is immune from liability for damages to the vessel.

(7) Determining ownership. (a) Upon receipt of an application for the removal of a derelict vessel where no removal plan has been submitted by the owner, the department must attempt to contact the registered owner of the vessel and any lien holders of record by other available means.

(b) The department must inquire of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) as to the status of the vessel in regard to the Mississippi Boating Law of 1960, Section 59-21-1 et seq. , or the United States Coast Guard as to the status of the vessel in regard to documentation under 46 USC, Chapter 121 .

(c) The inquiry must provide the description of the vessel, including the vessel registration number.

(d) The MDWFP is required to provide the requested information to the department within two (2) business days.

(e) The registered owner of a vessel must comply with Section 59-21-21 to change ownership. In the event a vessel owner fails to notify the MDWFP of a transfer of ownership and supply the new owner's contact information, the owner of the vessel according to MDWFP records is presumed to be the person to whom the vessel is registered.

(f) If there is no registered owner found, the department must make publication on the department's website and in a newspaper with general circulation for three (3) weeks, describing the vessel and the location.

(8) Derelict vessel removal. (a) After the initial notice period described in subsection (6) has lapsed and the department can show proof of inquiries to ascertain the vessel ownership under subsection (7) of this section, the department may obtain an order from the chancery court for the derelict vessel to be removed from its current location.

(b) The chancery court order may authorize the department to make whatever disposition is deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to, immediate disposal of the vessel, storage pending disposal, use for official purposes, transfer to another state agency or other disposition.

(c) If the vessel is located in an area of coastal wetlands where emergent vegetation is present or where the vessel is embedded in the ground, a wetlands permit may be required prior to removal.

(d) Any person who acts in good faith and without malicious intent in the processing, storing or moving of any derelict vessel pursuant to this section is immune from civil liability for damage to the vessel.

(9) Emergency removal. Any derelict vessel that is obstructing a waterway, is within any designated navigation channel or within one hundred (100) yards of the boundaries of any state, county or municipal port may be declared a hazard to navigation and subject to immediate relocation, removal disposal, or other disposition by the department or other party with standing.

(a) Any derelict vessel that is leaking any hazardous substances, chemicals or fuels will be reported to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and may be declared an environmental hazard and subject to immediate relocation, removal, disposal or other disposition by MDEQ, the department or other party with standing.

(b) The registered owner of a vessel removed in accordance with this subsection (9) is liable for the costs associated with the relocation, removal, salvage storage or disposal of the vessel and any damages to the flora and fauna within the affected area.

(c) Any funds derived from salvage or sale of a vessel pursuant to this section will be used to offset the costs to the department associated with the removal, salvage, storage or disposal of the vessel.

(d) Any funds derived from damages to the flora and fauna will be deposited into the Coastal Resource Management Fund if the Department of Marine Resources initiates the action.

(e) Any party who relocates or removes a vessel under this section is not liable for damages resulting from relocation or removal unless the damage results from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(10) Cost recovery. (a) The department may seek full cost recovery from the registered owner of the derelict vessel for any expense incurred as a result of, or incidental to, removing the vessel. The registered owner of the vessel is liable for the costs of removal, storage, disposal, and restoration of affected lands, attorneys' fees, and all court costs.

(b) The owner of the vessel is also liable for an administrative penalty of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per day. The penalty for emergency removal of vessels under subsection (9) of this section may be imposed by the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources upon the recommendation of the Advisory Commission on Marine Resources, under Section 49-15-401 et seq. The fines for removal of all other vessels may be imposed by the chancery court.

(c) Expenses incurred, including, but not limited to, fines, court costs, vessel removal, storage, disposal, restoration of affected lands, and attorneys' fees for derelict vessels will be imposed by the chancery court as outlined in subsection (11) of this section.

(d) If the registered owner should fail to pay fines imposed by the department in accordance with paragraph (b) of this subsection, an enforcement action will be filed with the chancery court which may result in the court issuing an order, including, but not limited to, the collection of fines, court costs, and/or any legal avenue the court finds appropriate to collect such funds.

(e) All proceeds from any activity initiated by the Department of Marine Resources related to the disposition of a vessel under this chapter will go into the Derelict Vessel Fund, a special fund within the Seafood Fund. However, any fines imposed for the damage to coastal wetlands will be placed in the Coastal Resource Management Fund.

(11) Court process. (a) The chancery court of the county in which the vessel is located has jurisdiction over all matters concerning derelict vessels under this section, including injunctions and demands for damages. If the vessel is allowed to float and/or is otherwise moved to another county after notice has been provided under subsection (6) of this section, the county in which the vessel was first provided notice shall have continuing jurisdiction.

(b) If there is no response to the publication attempts under subsection (7)(e) of this section, the chancery court will issue an order to the department allowing the department to take possession of the vessel and make such use or disposition of the vessel as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. If the department determines that the vessel may be used for official purposes or otherwise sold, the MDWFP will issue a vessel registration number or a hull identification number to the department after proof of publication has been submitted.

(c) The chancery court may, in its discretion, order damages up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per day for every day the vessel was left abandoned or derelict, beginning on the day notice was posted on the vessel.

(d) If the department or a party with standing desires to require the registered owner to remove the vessel, then he or she may apply to the chancery court for a writ of mandatory injunction ordering the registered owner to remove the vessel. The chancery court must allow a reasonable time for removal and restoration of the affected lands. The chancery court may order further damages not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per day for each day that the violation exists beyond the date set by the court in an injunction for the removal of the vessel and restoration of the affected lands.

(e) Any court-ordered reimbursed costs or damages in excess of the actual costs of removal and restoration initiated by the Department of Marine Resources must be deposited in a special fund in the State Treasury known as the “Derelict Vessel Fund” within the Seafood Fund. Any funds deposited in the fund must be used to cover the administrative costs and removal costs incurred by the department for the removal of vessels. Any remaining funds must be used to cover the costs of removing additional derelict vessels. However, any fines imposed for the damage to coastal wetlands will be placed in the Coastal Resource Management Fund.

(12) Department authorities. (a) The department is authorized to enter into contracts with individuals, firms and corporations, or agreements with other state agencies for the removal and/or temporary storage of vessels prior to removal. The salvage value, if any, of the vessel may be used to offset the costs of the removal of the vessel and the restoration of the affected area. The department may enter into noncompetitive contracts or agreements with any state or federal entity for the removal of vessels.

(b) The department may enter into interstate or intrastate agreements toward this end, and may seek and utilize aid from all federal, state, and local sources in this endeavor.

(c) The Department of Marine Resources shall adopt rules and regulations necessary and appropriate to carry out this section for actions falling within its jurisdiction.

(d) The department may promulgate regulations to establish a derelict vessel prevention program to address vessels at risk of becoming derelict. Such program may, but is not required to, include:

(i) Removal, relocation, and destruction of vessels declared a public nuisance due to the lack of proper marine sanitation, derelict or at risk of becoming derelict, or lost or abandoned.

(ii) Creation of a vessel turn-in program allowing the owner of a vessel determined by the department to be at risk of becoming derelict, to turn the vessel and vessel title over to the department to be destroyed without penalty.

(iii) Providing for removal and destruction or other disposition of an abandoned vessel for which an owner cannot be identified or the owner of which is deceased and no heir is interested in acquiring the vessel.

(iv) Purchase of anchor line, anchors, and other equipment necessary for securing vessels at risk of becoming derelict.

(v) Creating or acquiring moorings designated for securing vessels at risk of becoming derelict.

(e) The State of Mississippi, the Commission on Marine Resources, the Department of Marine Resources, and their employees and representatives shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the removal, towing, storage, sale or disposal of any vessel that is derelict or hazardous under this section.

(f) The department or any party with standing does not incur liability for any resulting damage to the vessel or any damage the vessel may cause to any property or person during the time frame between posting notice and vessel removal. If any damages occur during the period of time between notice and removal of the vessel, the registered vessel owner, according to MDWFP records, is presumed liable for all damages.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 23 / Section 33-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-17
Status: in_force

All the provisions of this chapter are subject to Sections 11-46-1 et seq., 49-2-9 , 49-2-13 , 49-17-17 , 17-17-1 , 41-67-3 and 41-67-15, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-23 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 23-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-23
Status: in_force

Nothing in Sections 49-23-1 through 49-23-29 , shall be construed to abrogate or affect the provisions of any lawful ordinance, regulation or resolution, which are more restrictive than the provisions of such sections.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-30 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 17-30
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-30
Status: in_force

(1) As a condition of Title V of the federal Clean Air Act, the owner or operator of any stationary source required to obtain an air operating permit under the Title V program, hereinafter referred to as a “Title V permit,” shall pay to the Department of Environmental Quality an annual fee.

(2) To facilitate the proper administration of the Title V program, the commission is authorized to assess and collect fees from any stationary source subject to the Title V program. The commission shall establish the amount of each fee to cover the costs of the Title V program as provided in Section 49-17-14 . The commission is further authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary for the development and administration of the Title V program and the assessment and collection of the Title V program fees.

(3)(a) The fee schedule for Title V program fees shall be set annually by order of the commission in an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable costs of development and administration of the Title V program. The commission's order shall follow:

(i) Receipt of the report and recommendations of the Advisory Council, if timely received; and

(ii) A public hearing to be held not earlier than thirty (30) days following receipt by the commission of the report and recommendations of the Advisory Council.

(b) The commission may proceed with entry of the order on fees if the Advisory Council fails to submit its report in a timely manner.

(c) The order of the commission may be appealed in the manner set forth in Section 49-17-41 .

(d) The determination of the fee set by order of the commission shall not be considered the promulgation of a regulation by the commission.

(e) The record of the public hearing shall be included in the record upon which the order is based and shall become a part of the appellate records for all appeals taken from the order of the commission establishing or modifying Title V program fees. Any undisputed amount due from an appellant must be paid according to the appellant's payment schedule during the pendency of the appeal.

(4) Any person required to pay the Title V program fee set forth under this chapter who disagrees with the calculation or applicability of the person's fee may petition the commission in writing for a hearing in accordance with Section 49-17-35 . Such hearing shall be in accordance with Section 49-17-33 . Any disputed portion of the fee for which a hearing has been requested will not incur any penalty or interest from and after the receipt by the commission of the hearing petition. The decision of the commission may be appealed in the manner set forth in Section 49-17-41 .

(5) All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the “Air Operating Permit Program Fee Trust Fund” established in Section 49-17-14 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-303 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-303
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-303
Status: in_force

(1) A person involved in a hunting incident in which his use of a weapon caused a serious bodily injury or death to another person and who has an alcohol concentration of eight one- hundredths percent (.08%) or more based on specified levels in Section 63-11-30 , or is under the influence of any drug or controlled substance, shall have his hunting privileges revoked or suspended for two (2) years, in addition to any other punishment imposed. The chemical test must have been administered within three (3) hours after the hunting incident.

(2) If a person refuses to submit to the test at the request of a law enforcement officer, then none shall be given. The hunting privileges of a person who refuses the test shall be suspended for four (4) years. The law enforcement officer shall inform the person that his refusal to submit to a test is admissible in court and that his hunting privileges will be revoked or suspended for four (4) years.

(3) The results of such tests and the refusal to submit to a test shall be admissible in any civil or criminal action arising out of the hunting incident in which the person was involved.

(4) Any person whose hunting privileges are revoked or suspended under this section shall be required to complete an approved hunter education course before hunting privileges may be restored.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 35-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-1
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup and Redevelopment Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-415 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 17-415
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-415
Status: in_force

For the purposes of identifying the source of known or suspected pollution, developing or assisting in the development of any regulation, conducting any study, taking corrective action or enforcing the provisions of Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-433 , any owner or operator of an underground storage tank shall, upon the request of any duly authorized representative of the commission: furnish information relating to such tanks, including tank equipment and contents; conduct monitoring or testing; and permit the designated representative at all reasonable times to have access to and to copy all records relating to such tanks. For the purposes of identifying the source of known or suspected pollution, developing or assisting in the development of any regulation, conducting any study, or enforcing the provisions of Sections 49-17-401 et seq. , any duly authorized representatives of the commission are authorized:

(a) To enter at reasonable times any establishment or place where an underground storage tank is located;

(b) To inspect and obtain samples from any person of any regulated substances contained in such tank; and

(c) To conduct monitoring or testing of the tanks, associated equipment, contents or surrounding soils, air, surface water or groundwater.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-15 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 33-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-15
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are severable, and if any provision of this chapter is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-47 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 28-47
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-47
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be liberally construed for the purposes herein set out, the powers hereby granted being additional, cumulative and supplemental to any power granted to a board of supervisors by any general or local and private act of the Legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-41 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 21 / Section 27-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-41
Status: in_force

Such appeal shall be brought by a complaint in writing, stating fully the reasons therefor, signed by an authorized party, and shall be served at least twelve (12) days before the return date upon the commission and upon all parties having an interest adverse to the appellant as designated under subsection (a) of Section 49-27-39 . Such appeals shall be brought to the next return day of the court after the filing of such appeal or may be returned to a day set by fiat of the court. A cost bond must be posted with sufficient sureties payable to the state in the sum of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), to be fixed in the order appealed from and to be filed with and approved by the executive director of the commission, who shall forthwith certify the same, together with a certified copy of the transcription record of the proceedings in the matter to the chancery court to which the appeal is taken, which shall thereupon become the record of the cause. An appeal to the chancery court as provided herein shall not stay the execution of an order of the commission. Any party aggrieved by an order of the commission may petition the chancery court for an appeal with supersedeas and the chancellor shall grant a hearing on the petition, and upon good cause shown may grant the appeal with supersedeas in which case the appellant shall be required to post a bond with sufficient sureties according to law in an amount to be determined by the chancellor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-4 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-4
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-4
Status: in_force

The records of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks relating to applications for and sales of any resident or nonresident licenses issued under this chapter, and all records related to holders of such licenses, are exempt from the provisions of the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, in accordance with Section 25-61-11 , and shall be released only upon order of a court having proper jurisdiction over a petition for release of the record or records. However, upon request, the records specified in this section shall be available to all law enforcement agencies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 23 / Section 25-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-7
Status: in_force

No person shall establish, operate, or maintain a junkyard, any portion of which is within one thousand (1,000) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any interstate or primary highway, except the following:

(a) Those which are screened by natural objects, plantings, fences, or other appropriate means so as not to be visible from the main-traveled way of the system, or otherwise removed from sight.

(b) Those located within areas which are zoned for industrial use under authority of law.

(c) Those located within unzoned industrial areas, which areas shall be determined from actual land uses and defined by regulations to be promulgated by the State Highway Commission.

(d) Those which are not visible from the main-traveled way of the system.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-11 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 28-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-11
Status: in_force

If the creation of the district is initiated by petition, the board of supervisors may bear the costs of meeting the requirements of this chapter or may require the parties filing the petition to bear the costs. The board of supervisors may require the execution of a cost bond by the parties filing the petition. The bond shall be in an amount and with good sureties to guarantee the payment of any costs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-3
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that:

(a) Inefficient and improper methods of managing waste create hazards to public health, cause pollution of the air and water resources and constitute a waste of natural resources;

(b) Problems in preventing pollution are statewide in scope and necessitate state action in improving methods and processes to promote more efficient methods of managing and reducing the waste generated in the state;

(c) The economic and population growth of our state and improvements in the standard of living enjoyed by our population have required increased industrial production which, coupled with expanding commercial and agricultural operations, have resulted in a rise in the amounts of waste generated;

(d) State government should take a proactive role to assist business, industry, academic institutions, governmental entities and the citizens of the state in the development of a coordinated pollution prevention program that addresses the need for both environmental protection and economic growth;

(e) There are significant opportunities for business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities to eliminate or reduce the generation of waste at the source through cost-effective pollution prevention technologies and procedures. Use of these technologies and procedures offers business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities savings in materials, waste management and liability costs;

(f) The opportunities for pollution prevention are often not realized because existing regulations focus more upon treatment and disposal than pollution prevention and do not emphasize multimedia management of waste; and

(g) Pollution prevention is the ultimate goal in waste management. The use of pollution prevention policies and technologies as an integral part of the waste management system, thereby reducing the need for the creation of additional management capacity, is strongly endorsed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 28-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-25
Status: in_force

In addition to the purposes authorized by Section 49-28-23 , any district created under this chapter may issue negotiable special improvement bonds of the district in the manner provided in Section 49-28-23 , for any of the following purposes:

(a) To refund the outstanding bonds of the district upon a finding by the board of commissioners that the refunding is in the public interest;

(b) To improve or extend the structures or facilities of the district or to conduct projects of the district; and

(c) To enter into cooperative agreements with the state or federal government, or both, to obtain financial assistance in the form of loans or grants as may be available from the state or federal government, or both (reference to the state or federal government as used in this section shall specifically include any agency thereof).

The district may make any covenants and do any acts and things as may be necessary, convenient and desirable to secure the bonds or make the bonds more marketable, notwithstanding that the covenants, acts or things may not be enumerated in this chapter or expressly authorized in this chapter. The board of commissioners, in issuing the negotiable special improvement bonds, shall have the power to do all things required or necessary in the issuance of those bonds and for their execution which are not inconsistent with the Mississippi Constitution of 1890.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-3
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that:

(a) Inefficient and improper methods of managing waste create hazards to public health, cause pollution of the air and water resources and constitute a waste of natural resources;

(b) Problems in preventing pollution are statewide in scope and necessitate state action in improving methods and processes to promote more efficient methods of managing and reducing the waste generated in the state;

(c) The economic and population growth of our state and improvements in the standard of living enjoyed by our population have required increased industrial production which, coupled with expanding commercial and agricultural operations, have resulted in a rise in the amounts of waste generated;

(d) State government should take a proactive role to assist business, industry, academic institutions, governmental entities and the citizens of the state in the development of a coordinated pollution prevention program that addresses the need for both environmental protection and economic growth;

(e) There are significant opportunities for business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities to eliminate or reduce the generation of waste at the source through cost-effective pollution prevention technologies and procedures. Use of these technologies and procedures offers business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities savings in materials, waste management and liability costs;

(f) The opportunities for pollution prevention are often not realized because existing regulations focus more upon treatment and disposal than pollution prevention and do not emphasize multimedia management of waste; and

(g) Pollution prevention is the ultimate goal in waste management. The use of pollution prevention policies and technologies as an integral part of the waste management system, thereby reducing the need for the creation of additional management capacity, is strongly endorsed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-31 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 23 / Section 28-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-31
Status: in_force

Any bonds secured by a pledge of the special assessments shall mature at any time or times, not exceeding twenty-five (25) years from the date of the bonds, and may be in fully registered form or in bearer form, as determined by the board of commissioners.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-11 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 17 / Section 33-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-11
Status: in_force

The state shall not make a waiver of the provisions of this chapter a condition for approval of the use or continued use of real property or the issuance of any permit or other entitlement. The acceptance by an owner of any approval of use, continued use, permit or other entitlement shall not constitute a waiver of the rights of the owner to compensation for inverse condemnation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-9 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 19 / 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. § 49-15-107 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 15-107
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-107
Status: in_force

There is hereby granted to the commission and the commissioners thereof all the powers provided in the said compact and all the powers necessary or incidental to the carrying out of said compact in every particular. Said powers shall be regarded as in aid of and supplemental to and in no case a limitation upon any of the powers vested in said commission by other laws of the State of Mississippi, or by the terms of said compact.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / 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. § 49-17-531 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 17-531
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-531
Status: in_force

The commission may establish requirements for reciprocity for accreditation and certification of risk assessors, project designers, supervisors, renovators, dust sampling technicans 1 , inspectors and workers with other states that have established accreditation and certification programs that meet or exceed the requirements established by the commission for accreditation and certification in this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-13-13 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / 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. § 49-17-422 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-422
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-422
Status: in_force

(1) An Underground Storage Tank (UST) Advisory Council is created to consult with the commission on all matters relating to the UST program, to conduct an independent study of the development and administration costs of the program and to conduct an annual review of administering such program. The costs to be included in the study for the program shall be those costs as provided in Section 49-17-421 . The council shall include in the study the type and quantity of underground storage tanks in the state that are covered by the program. After completing a study of the needs and costs of the program, the council shall recommend an equitable fee system for the program that is based on the type and quantity of underground storage tanks. The annual review for the program shall determine if the fee system is collecting sufficient funds to meet program needs and include any recommendation by the council regarding changes to the fee system. Each annual review report shall be due January 1 of each year to the commission and the executive director of the department.

(2) The UST Advisory Council shall be comprised of the following five (5) members:

(a) The President of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (MPMCSA) or his or her designee;

(b) A member of the MPMCSA appointed by the Board of Directors of the MPMCSA for a term of four (4) years;

(c) A representative appointed by the President of the Mississippi Engineering Society, experienced in the assessment and remediation of petroleum contamination, for a term of four (4) years;

(d) A representative appointed by the Governor, of any company doing business in Mississippi in the installation, closure and/or testing of underground storage tanks; and

(e) A representative appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, of any company doing business in Mississippi in the installation, closure and/or testing of underground storage tanks.

The council members who are appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall have terms that are concurrent with the term of the appointing official.

(3) Original appointments to the UST Advisory Council must be made no later than January 1, 2019, and vacancies on the council shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments. The council shall convene within sixty (60) days following the date of the appointment of the members, and must 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 is excused. The council shall adopt procedures governing the manner of conducting its business. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum to do business.

(4) Members of the UST Advisory Council shall serve without salary, but shall be entitled to receive a reimbursement of their actual travel and expenses, as provided in Section 25-3-41 , that are incurred while performing in the scope of their duties as council members. These expenses are to be paid on an itemized statement that is approved by the State Fiscal Officer from fees collected under Section 49-17-421 .

(5) The executive director of the department shall provide technical, clerical and other support services, including service by contract, as the council requires in the performance of its functions.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-15 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / 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. § 49-7-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 7-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-25
Status: in_force

Each officer authorized to issue licenses shall keep in a book to be supplied to him by the commission, a correct and complete list, in numerical order, of all licenses, resident or nonresident, issued by him. He shall enter at the close of each week the name and residence of each individual to whom a license was issued during that week, and shall on or before the tenth day of each month, forward to the executive director, on blanks furnished to him by the executive director, a complete list of all licenses so granted, with the name and address of each licensee, and shall pay over to the executive director all sums collected by him for licenses during the preceding month, and at the end of the license year shall render a final report and return to the executive director all license stubs and all unused or mutilated license blanks. Thereupon the executive director shall cause the account of the officer to be audited and a final statement furnished such officer on the condition of the account.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-23 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 11-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-23
Status: in_force

The operator shall furnish and issue a consecutively numbered certificate to any hunter or person leaving with harvested game. The certificate shall bear the license number and name of the shooting preserve or commercial wildlife enclosure or its licensed operator. The certificate shall contain the person's name, address, date of issuance and number and species of harvested game in possession. The certificate must remain with the harvested game until the game is prepared for consumption.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-45 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-45
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of each district attorney in this state and county prosecuting attorney in each county to prosecute and defend, for the state, in all courts of the county or counties in his district or county, all causes, criminal or civil, arising under the provisions of this chapter, or any law or regulation for the protection of wild animals, birds or fish, in which the state may be a party or may be interested or concerned. Circuit judges shall give the grand juries, when organized, the provisions of the laws relating to wild animals, birds and fish strictly in charge and shall urge strict inquiry into all violations thereof.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-35-51 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 26 / 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. § 49-10-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-10-3
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person whose license, privilege, or right to hunt, fish, trap, possess, or transport wildlife, having been suspended or revoked pursuant to this article, to exercise that right or privilege within this state or to purchase or possess such a license which grants such right or privilege. Any person who hunts, fishes, traps, possesses, or transports wildlife in this state or who purchases or possesses a license to hunt, fish, trap, possess, or transport wildlife in this state in violation of such suspension or revocation pursuant to this compact shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months or both.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-729 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 17-729
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-729
Status: in_force

(1) All powers of the Harrison County Utility Authority shall be exercised by a consolidated board consisting of the Board of Directors of the Harrison County Wastewater and Solid Waste Management District and the additional director provided under this section for a total of seven (7) directors. Upon consolidation, the Board of Supervisors of Harrison County shall appoint one (1) additional director who shall be a resident of the unincorporated area from the county. The director shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board of supervisors. The consolidated board shall consist of the mayor of each city participating in the authority and the directors appointed by the board of supervisors. Each director may appoint a delegate to represent him at a meeting of the board.

(2) All business of the Harrison County Utility Authority shall be transacted as provided in Section 49-17-741 , except that all actions affecting rates, bonds or capital improvements must be by unanimous vote of all members of the board.

(3) 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, including the power and right to regulate and control solid waste within its jurisdictional boundaries.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-145 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-145
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-145
Status: in_force

The state forester of Mississippi shall act as “compact administrator” for the State of Mississippi and represent Mississippi in the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact. The “advisory committee” shall be composed of four (4) members as follows: (1) One member of the senate, (2) one member of the house of representatives, each of whom shall be appointed by the Mississippi Commission on Interstate Cooperation, (3) the state forester or his successor, or a comparable official, in the event of amendment to the present law, who shall be appointed by the governor and shall serve as chairman of the advisory committee, and (4) one member who shall be associated with forestry or forest products industries, to be appointed by the governor; each member shall serve for a term of four (4) years and be eligible to immediately succeed himself.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-529 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 17-529
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-529
Status: in_force

(1) Any person found by the commission to have violated Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 or any rule or regulation or written order of the commission issued under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 or any certificate or accreditation issued under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for each violation. The penalty may be assessed and levied by order of the commission after notice and hearing in accordance with subsection (5) of this section. In addition, the commission may issue a reprimand or a suspension or revocation of any certificate issued to the person under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 . The reprimand, suspension or revocation may be assessed and levied by order of the commission after notice and hearing as provided in subsection (5) of this section.

(2) In lieu of, or in addition to, the penalty provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the commission may institute and maintain in the name of the state any proceedings necessary to enforce Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 , rules and regulations adopted under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 , and orders and certificates issued under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 in the appropriate circuit, chancery, county or justice court of the county in which venue may lie. The commission may obtain mandatory or prohibitory injunctive relief, either temporary or permanent, and it shall not be necessary in those cases that the state plead or prove: (a) that irreparable damage would result if the injunction did not issue; (b) that there is no adequate remedy at law; or (c) that a written complaint or commission order has first been issued for the alleged violation.

(3) Any person who knowingly submits false or inaccurate information in support of an application for issuance or reissuance of an accreditation or a certificate under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 or who willfully fails to comply with the conditions of the accreditation or the certificate issued by the commission or who willfully violates Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 , or any rule, regulation or written order of the commission or emergency order issued by the director in pursuance thereof, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) within the discretion of the court. Each day in which that violation exists or continues shall constitute a separate offense.

(4) In addition to or in lieu of filing a criminal complaint for the willful misconduct described in subsection (3) of this section, the commission may impose a civil penalty in accordance with subsection (1)(a) of this section, and shall impose a reprimand or a suspension or revocation of any certificate in accordance with subsection (1)(b) of this section.

(5) All proceedings and hearings before the commission regarding violations of Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 or any rule or regulation, written order of the commission, emergency order of the director or certificate issued or reissued by the commission in pursuance thereof or any certificate issued under Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 and all appeals therefrom shall be conducted in accordance with Sections 49-17-31 through 49-17-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(6) All fines, penalties and other sums recovered or collected by the commission for and on behalf of the state under this section shall be deposited in the Pollution Emergency Fund established under Section 49-17-68, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-23 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 28-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-23
Status: in_force

(1) The district may issue negotiable special improvement bonds to provide funds for the purpose of planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance or improvement of any project of the district, including acquisition of land. The bonds shall be payable primarily from special assessments authorized in Section 49-28-29 and, if provided in the proceedings authorizing the bonds, the avails of the ad valorem tax levy authorized in Section 49-28-27 . In addition, if provided in the proceedings authorizing the bonds and agreed to by resolution of the board of supervisors authorizing the board of commissioners to make that pledge, the bonds shall also be payable from the avails of the ad valorem tax levy provided for in subsection (2) of this section, or from any combination of monies from those special assessments and tax levies. The bonds may be issued without an election being held upon the question of their issuance and without the publication of any notice of intention to issue the bonds. The board of commissioners of the district shall issue bonds of the district by resolution spread upon the minutes of the board. The bonds shall contain covenants and provisions, be executed, bear interest at the rate or rates not to exceed fourteen percent (14%) per annum, be in denomination or denominations, be payable, both as to principal and interest, at the place or places, mature at the time or times not exceeding twenty-five (25) years from their date of issuance, as shall be determined by the board of commissioners and set forth in the resolution under which the bonds are issued. However, any bonds which are secured by a pledge of special assessments shall mature at the time or times not exceeding the time period over which the special assessments are payable, as determined by the board of commissioners under Section 49-28-29 . Notwithstanding any provision of general law to the contrary, any bonds and interest coupons issued under this chapter shall possess all of the qualities of negotiable instruments, and the bonds, premium, if any, and interest thereon shall be exempt from all state, county, municipal and other taxation under the laws of the State of Mississippi. Any bonds issued under the authority of this chapter may be refunded in the manner provided in this chapter upon a finding by the board of commissioners that the refunding is in the public interest. Bonds for the improvement or extension of any structures or facilities of the district may be included with any refunding bonds. The bonds may be sold without the necessity of advertising for bids and may be sold by negotiated private sale and on any terms, conditions and covenants as may be agreed to by and between the issuing authority and the purchasers of the bonds. The total amount of bonds issued under this chapter shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).

(2) If provided in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds and agreed to by resolution of the board of supervisors authorizing the board of commissioners of the district to make a pledge, then when there are insufficient revenues received from special assessments authorized under Section 49-28-29 and the avails of the ad valorem tax levy authorized under Section 49-28-27 , or from both together, according to the provisions made in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds, to meet the interest or principal payments, or both, when due on any bonds issued under this chapter (excluding for this purpose any amounts in a reserve fund for those bonds), then, upon certification of that fact by the board of commissioners of the district to the board of supervisors, the board of supervisors shall levy an ad valorem tax on all taxable property within the geographical limits of the district. The avails of the tax, together with any other monies available for that purpose, shall be sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds as the principal and interest falls due. If provided in the proceedings for the issuance of the bonds, the avails of the tax may also be used to replenish any reserve fund established for the bonds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-161 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 7-161
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-161
Status: in_force

For purposes of Sections 49-7-161 through 49-7-173 , unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meaning described herein:

(a) “ Migratory waterfowl ” means any wild goose, brant or wild duck.

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

(c) “ Stamp ” means the state migratory waterfowl stamp or the electronic equivalent furnished by the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 39-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-5
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which shall consist of the following members:

(a) Four (4) members appointed by the Governor from geographically diverse areas;

(b) Three (3) members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor from geographically diverse areas;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission, as an ex officio, nonvoting member;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, as an ex officio, nonvoting member;

(e) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, as an ex officio, nonvoting member;

(f) The Secretary of State, as an ex officio, nonvoting member;

(g) The Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, as an ex officio, nonvoting member;

(h) The Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, as ex officio, nonvoting members;

(i) The Chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, as ex officio, nonvoting members; and

(j) The Chairs of the Senate and House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees, as ex officio, nonvoting members.

One (1) of the members to be appointed by the Governor shall be appointed only after consideration of recommendations for those appointments made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Governor. One (1) of the members to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor shall be appointed only after consideration of recommendations for those appointments made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Lieutenant Governor.

(2) The members of the board appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be appointed from the following private sectors: forestry, conservation, agriculture, business, marine resources, hunting or fishing. Such members shall be and shall remain Mississippi residents during their tenure on the board and shall possess a demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to public lands, land conservation and outdoor recreation. These seven (7) appointments shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Mississippi State Senate.

(3)(a) Two (2) persons initially appointed by the Governor and two (2) persons initially appointed by the Lieutenant Governor shall serve terms ending June 30, 2025. The other two (2) persons initially appointed by the Governor and the remaining person initially appointed by the Lieutenant Governor shall serve terms ending June 30, 2026.

After the expiration of the initial terms, each such appointment shall be for a term of four (4) years from the expiration of the previous term.

(b) A majority of the voting members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of meetings, and all actions of the board shall require a majority vote of the voting members of the board.

(c) The board shall annually elect one (1) voting member to serve as chairman and one (1) voting member to serve as vice chairman. The vice chairman shall act as chairman in the absence or disability of the chairman, or if there is a vacancy in the office of chairman.

(4) The members of the board appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall receive a per diem as provided in Section 25-3-69 , plus travel and necessary expenses incidental to the attendance at each board meeting, including mileage, as provided in Section 25-3-41 .

(5) No board member shall use his official position to obtain, or attempt to obtain, pecuniary benefit for himself other than that compensation provided for by law, or to obtain, or attempt to obtain, pecuniary benefit for any relative or any business with which he is associated, as provided in Section 25-4-105 .

(6) The board shall not approve any funding to any entity of which a voting member of the board is an executive, member or employee.

(7) The Department of Finance and Administration shall provide the office space, staff and other support necessary for the board to perform its duties.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-3
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that:

(a) Inefficient and improper methods of managing waste create hazards to public health, cause pollution of the air and water resources and constitute a waste of natural resources;

(b) Problems in preventing pollution are statewide in scope and necessitate state action in improving methods and processes to promote more efficient methods of managing and reducing the waste generated in the state;

(c) The economic and population growth of our state and improvements in the standard of living enjoyed by our population have required increased industrial production which, coupled with expanding commercial and agricultural operations, have resulted in a rise in the amounts of waste generated;

(d) State government should take a proactive role to assist business, industry, academic institutions, governmental entities and the citizens of the state in the development of a coordinated pollution prevention program that addresses the need for both environmental protection and economic growth;

(e) There are significant opportunities for business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities to eliminate or reduce the generation of waste at the source through cost-effective pollution prevention technologies and procedures. Use of these technologies and procedures offers business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities savings in materials, waste management and liability costs;

(f) The opportunities for pollution prevention are often not realized because existing regulations focus more upon treatment and disposal than pollution prevention and do not emphasize multimedia management of waste; and

(g) Pollution prevention is the ultimate goal in waste management. The use of pollution prevention policies and technologies as an integral part of the waste management system, thereby reducing the need for the creation of additional management capacity, is strongly endorsed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 35 / 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. § 49-17-516 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 17-516
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-516
Status: in_force

(1) After July 1, 2009, it is unlawful for an individual who does not possess a valid lead-based paint renovator certificate to direct a lead-based paint renovation activity and/or conduct testing to determine the presence of lead-based paint on components affected by renovation activities.

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

(a) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience as a lead-based paint abatement or renovation worker or two (2) years of experience in a related field, as determined by the commission or in the building trades;

(b) Satisfactorily complete an accredited training program for lead-based paint renovators; or

(c) Have successfully completed an accredited abatement worker or supervisor course, or have successfully completed an EPA, HUD or EPA/HUD model renovation training course and have taken an accredited refresher renovator training course; and

(d) 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. § 49-15-19 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 15-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-19
Status: in_force

The Attorney General shall be counsel and attorney for the commission and department and shall provide legal services as may be requested. The executive director is authorized to employ legal counsel, after consultation with the Attorney General, as may be necessary or appropriate for the operation of the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 33-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-5
Status: in_force

It is declared the policy of the State of Mississippi to conserve, protect and encourage the continued use, development and improvement of forest and agricultural land within the state for the production of agricultural products and timber, wood and forest products including nongame species. The vital and significant contributions of forestry and agricultural activities to the economy of the State of Mississippi and the use of land in the state as forest and agricultural lands are essential factors in providing for the favorable quality of life in the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-75 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 17-75
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-75
Status: in_force

The commission contemplated by Article IV of the above compact shall consist of three (3) members, as follows: One legislator, who may either be a member of the Mississippi State Senate or the Mississippi House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Mississippi Commission on Interstate Co-operation, and two (2) executive officers or employees in the executive branch of the state government whose duties, experience and abilities qualify them for such a position, to be appointed by the governor. Each member of the commission must be a qualified voter of this state and shall serve for a term of four (4) years and be eligible to immediately succeed himself.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 23-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-1
Status: in_force

The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices in areas adjacent to state controlled routes should be controlled in order to protect the public investment in such highways, to promote the safety and recreational value of public travel, and to preserve natural beauty. Any advertising device subject to Sections 49-23-1 through 49-23-29 , and found to be in violation thereof, is subject to removal under the state's police power where not contrary to provisions provided herein. It is the intention of the Legislature in such sections to provide a statutory basis for regulation of outdoor advertising consistent with the public policy declared by Congress in areas adjacent to state controlled routes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-83 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-83
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-83
Status: in_force

For the purposes of Sections 49-17-81 through 49-17-89 , the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed in this section:

(a) “Administrator” means the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

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

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

(d) “Emergency fund” means the “Water Pollution Control Emergency Loan Fund” created under Section 49-17-86 .

(e) “Loan agreement” means an agreement by and among the commission, a political subdivision and the State Tax Commission to evidence the terms and provisions of a loan under Sections 49-17-81 through 49-17-89 .

(f) “Loan fund” means the Water Pollution Abatement Loan Fund created pursuant to Section 49-17-61 .

(g) “Municipal security” means a bond, note or other evidence of indebtedness issued by a political subdivision to evidence a loan pursuant to the provisions of Sections 49-17-81 through 49-17-89 .

(h) “Political subdivision” means any county, municipality, utility, district, political subdivision, or other governmental unit created under state law.

(i) “Project” means a publicly owned wastewater collection, treatment or disposal system including sludge disposal, renovation, repair and upgrading of existing systems, nonpoint source pollution control management programs and estuary conservation and management programs, and otherwise qualified under rules of the commission pursuant to the federal Water Quality Act of 1987.

(j) “Revolving fund” means the Mississippi Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund created under Section 49-17-85 .

(k) “State” means the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-219 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-219
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-219
Status: in_force

The commission shall have the following powers and duties to implement the provisions of Sections 49-19-201 through 49-19-227 :

(a) To determine which approved practices shall be eligible for cost-share assistance;

(b) To establish maximum sums, subject to the provisions of Section 49-19-221 , which any one (1) eligible owner may receive for implementation of an approved practice;

(c) To review periodically the costs of forest development practices and to make such adjustment as, in the discretion of the commission, is necessary in the Thirty-seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($37.50) per acre assistance allowed in Section 49-19-221 ;

(d) Upon request of the forestry commission, the attorney general of the State of Mississippi shall institute proper legal proceedings to recover any or all of the cost-share assistance provided an eligible owner if the commission shall determine that the owner failed to implement any portion of or all of the practice approved by the commission for such owner and if the commission determines that legal proceedings are necessary and proper.

(e) To determine, before approving any cost-share assistance for any eligible owner that such approved practice is reasonable and is comparable to the actual cost of implementing such practice in the general area in which the land is located. Should the commission determine that the submitted cost of implementing the approved practice is not reasonable, the commission shall approve cost-share assistance in an amount which is determined by the commission to be reasonable for the implementation of the approved practice in the general area in which the land is located.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-211 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / 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. § 49-11-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 11-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-17
Status: in_force

The operating licenses issued by the department shall entitle licensees, and their guests or customers, to recover the total number of each species of game released on the premises each year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-351 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-351
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-351
Status: in_force

(1) In this section, “ drought or wildfire conditions ” means the existence of a deficit of moisture creating severe conditions with increased wildfire occurrences as determined by the State Forestry Commission through use of drought indices or models or the existence of extreme wildfire conditions.

(2) If the State Forestry Commission determines that drought or wildfire conditions exist in a county, the commission shall notify the board of supervisors of that county. The commission may recommend that a temporary outdoor burning ban or other restrictions be adopted by the board of supervisors.

(3) The board of supervisors may, by order, prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in all or part of the unincorporated parts of the county if drought or wildfire conditions have been determined to exist by the State Forestry Commission. An order must specify the period during which burning is restricted. The State Forestry Commission shall notify the board of supervisors when the drought or wildfire conditions no longer exist. Any order issued under this section shall expire upon the determination that the drought or wildfire conditions no longer exist.

(4) Any person who knowingly and willfully violates an order under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

(5) The sheriff of the county shall enforce the order and may cite persons for violations of an order under this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-89 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 15-89
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-89
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to catch, destroy, confine, hold or have in his possession, whether for individual use or for market, any of the genus callinectes sapidus (blue crab) or allied species, of a smaller size than five (5) inches measured from the tip of one (1) lateral spine across the back of the shell to the tip of the opposite lateral spine; provided that peeler crabs and soft-shell crabs are exempt from these limitations. Conservation officers may inspect any catch for violations of any of the provisions of Sections 49-15-83 through 49-15-91 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-30 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-30
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-30
Status: in_force

(1) The department may promulgate rules and regulations for nonresident permits in order to promote reciprocal agreements with other states.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in Section 49-15-46 , the department shall provide that residents of other states bordering on the Gulf of Mexico who are applicants for a commercial fishing license of any type as provided for in this chapter shall pay the same fee or fees that a resident of this state pays in this state for that license if the respective applicant's domicile state does not charge a greater fee or fees for a Mississippi resident than for a resident of any other state to engage in a like activity in the other state. If the applicant's domicile state does charge a greater fee or fees for residents of Mississippi than for a resident of the applicant's domicile state, then that applicant shall pay the same fee or fees that the applicant's domicile state charges residents of Mississippi.

(3) The department shall require a nonresident to purchase the same type and number of licenses and pay the same fees that are required of Mississippi residents to engage in like activity in the nonresident's state.

(4)(a) If an applicant applies for a nonresident commercial fishing license to engage in a certain activity and the applicant's state does not issue a nonresident commercial fishing license for that activity, then the department shall not issue such license to the applicant.

(b) If the applicant's domicile state has additional mandatory licensing requirements, the applicant must meet those requirements before receiving a nonresident commercial fishing license.

(5) Any nonresident who engages in the commercial taking of seafood within the territorial waters of Mississippi without having the required nonresident commercial license is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) and shall forfeit any equipment, gear or nets used in the offense.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-51 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 27 / Section 27-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-51
Status: in_force

(1)(a) If a person in violation of this chapter submits a proper application for any unauthorized work and the commission determines that the work has been conducted in accordance with the public policy as set forth in Section 49-27-3 , the commission shall issue after-the-fact authorization for the work.

(b) For conducting the work without first obtaining a current and valid permit and other violations of this chapter, the commission may order and levy a penalty of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50. 00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per day for each day the violation has existed for residential type regulated activity and a penalty of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per day for each day the violation has existed for commercial and industrial type regulated activity.

(2) If the person continues the violation, the Attorney General of the State of Mississippi at the request of the commission, a district attorney having jurisdiction, or a county attorney having jurisdiction may initiate the civil or criminal actions, or both civil and criminal actions, as described in this chapter against the person.

(3) The Attorney General, commission, district attorney or county attorney may initiate action to enjoin any person in violation of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-38.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 7-38.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-38.1
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall establish a special hunting permit for youth under the age of eighteen (18) who have a life threatening illness. This permit may be for any number of days in length but only for the class of persons deemed to have a life threatening illness by the commission. This special hunting permit for youth having a life threatening illness may occur anytime during the calendar year and for any game bird or game animal. However, the commission may not allow these permits during any time that conflicts with laws governing the taking of federally protected birds or species. The commission shall select participants, set the cost of permits, if any, the number of permits to be issued and the length of the special permits.

(2) The commission may establish and regulate special youth hunts for all nonmigratory game birds and animals outside of the open season on wildlife management areas and on private lands for youth under the age of eighteen (18) who are deemed to have a life threatening illness. This permit may be for any number of days in length but only for the class of persons deemed to have a life threatening illness by the commission. The commission shall select participants, set the cost of permits, if any, the number of permits to be issued and the length of the special permit.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-55 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 27-55
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-55
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who performs or causes to be performed any activity regulated by this chapter for which a permit has not been obtained, violates any provision of this chapter, regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter or any condition of a permit, shall be liable to the State of Mississippi for the restoration of all affected coastal wetlands to their condition prior to such violation, insofar as such restoration is possible, and for any and all damages to the wetlands. The appropriate chancery court by writ of mandatory injunction shall allow a reasonable time for completion of the restoration and may, in its discretion, order as punitive damages a sum not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per day for each day such violation has existed. The chancery court may further order as punitive damages a sum not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per day for each day that the violation exists beyond the date set by the court in its injunction for the restoration of the wetland. If injunctive relief is not sought, the appropriate circuit or county court shall have jurisdiction over any action for damages and/or punitive damages as set forth in this paragraph.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude other statutory or common law remedies by public or private parties against violators or nonviolators of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-10-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-10-5
Status: in_force

The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall make and publish such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of the Wildlife Violator Compact.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-407 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 17-407
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-407
Status: in_force

(1)(a) An environmental protection fee of Four-tenths of One Cent ( 4 / 10 of 1¢) per gallon is hereby levied upon any bonded distributor, as defined by Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-433 , who sells or delivers motor fuels to a retailer or user in this state.

(b) Every person, other than a bonded distributor, who shall purchase or acquire motor fuels within this state on which the environmental protection fee has not accrued, shall be liable for the environmental protection fee.

(c) The environmental protection fee shall be imposed only one (1) time on motor fuels sold in the state.

(d) The environmental protection fee shall be collected by the Department of Revenue and shall be designated separately from the excise taxes on fuels.

(e) Any person liable for the environmental protection fee shall be subject to the same requirements and penalties as distributors under the provisions of the Mississippi Special Fuel Tax Law.

(f) Any person liable for the environmental protection fee shall file a report and remit any fees due at the same time provided for filing reports under Section 27-55-523 , on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue.

(g) The Department of Revenue is hereby authorized and empowered to promulgate all rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the environmental protection fee.

(2)(a) On or before the fifteenth day of each month the environmental protection fees collected during the previous month shall be deposited into the Mississippi Groundwater Protection Trust Fund established in Section 49-17-405 . When the unobligated balance in the fund reaches or exceeds Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00), the administrator of the fund shall notify in writing the Department of Revenue no later than the twenty-fifth day of the month to revise the distribution of the environmental protection fee and the Department of Revenue shall deposit the fee into the State Highway Fund. Such distribution shall become effective on the last day of the month succeeding the month in which such notice was given. All environmental protection fees accrued shall be reported and paid.

(b) When the fund balance is reduced below Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000.00), the fee shall again be deposited into the Mississippi Groundwater Protection Trust Fund until such time as the fund shall reach or exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00). The administrator of the fund shall notify, no later than the twenty-fifth day of the month, the Department of Revenue to deposit the environmental protection fee into the Mississippi Groundwater Protection Trust Fund and such distribution shall become effective on the first day of the second month succeeding the month in which the notice to deposit the fee into the fund was given.

(3) This fund shall be used for the purposes set forth in Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-435 and for no other governmental purposes, nor shall any portion hereof ever be available to borrow from by any branch of government; it being the intent of the Legislature that this fund and its increments shall remain intact and inviolate. Any interest earned on monies in this fund shall remain in this fund.

(4) Monies held in the fund established under Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-435 shall be used for supplemental funding of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program as described in Section 49-17-405 and only at an active site and shall be disbursed in accordance with the commission requirements and as follows:

(a) Payments shall be made to any third party who brings a third-party claim against any owner of an underground storage tank and the commission as trustee of the Mississippi Groundwater Protection Trust Fund and who obtains a final judgment in such action which is valid and enforceable in this state against such parties. Payment shall be paid to the third party upon filing by such party an application with the department attaching the original or a certified copy of the final judgment.

(b) Payments shall be made in reasonable amounts to approved response action contractors and other parties involved in the site study and cleanup. Payment shall be made to the party incurring the costs by filing of a sworn application with the department indicating the fair and reasonable value of the costs of site rehabilitation, subject to the regulations and limitations as set by the department.

(5) Payments from the fund are limited as follows:

(a) For cleanup purposes, a maximum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) may be disbursed from the fund for any one (1) site, per confirmed release occurrence.

(b) For third-party judgments, a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) may be disbursed from the fund for any one (1) site, per confirmed release occurrence.

(c) Nothing in Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-435 shall establish or create any liability or responsibility on the part of the department or the State of Mississippi to pay any cleanup costs or third-party claims if the fund created herein is insufficient to do so.

(6) Monies held in the fund established under Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-435 shall not be used for purchases of equipment needed to assist in cleanup operations.

(7) Nothing in Sections 49-17-401 through 49-17-435 shall serve to limit any recovery against an owner of an underground storage tank in excess of the fund payment limits established under this section.

(8) Substantial compliance shall in no way be construed to be an absolute defense to civil liability.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-35 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-35
Status: in_force

Any interested person shall have the right to request the commission to call a hearing for the purpose of taking action in respect to any matter within the jurisdiction of the commission by making a request therefor in writing. Upon receipt of any such request, the commission shall conduct such investigations as it deems necessary and may call a special hearing or may schedule such matter for its next regular meeting or hearing day, and after such hearings and with all convenient speed and in any event within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of such hearing shall take such action on the subject matter thereof as it may deem appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-151 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-151
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-151
Status: in_force

The commission shall publish and revise at least annually a register of natural areas using the inventory of natural areas compiled by the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-251 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 7-251
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-251
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in Section 49-7-257 , when any property is seized pursuant to Section 49-7-103 , 49-15-21(2) or 59-21-33, Mississippi Code of 1972 , proceedings under this section shall be instituted promptly. Provided, however, that the seizing law enforcement agency may, in the sound exercise of discretion, decide not to bring a forfeiture action if the interests of bona fide lienholders or secured creditors equal or exceed the value of the seized property, or if other factors would produce a negative economic result. Provided further, that no property shall be subject to forfeiture which has been stolen from its owner if the owner can be identified and prosecution for the theft has been initiated.

(2) A petition for forfeiture shall be filed promptly in the name of the State of Mississippi, the county or the municipality and may be filed in the county in which the seizure is made, the county in which the criminal prosecution is brought or the county in which the owner of the seized property is found. Forfeiture proceedings may be brought in the circuit court or the county court if a county court exists in the county and the value of the seized property is within the jurisdictional limits of the county court as set forth in Section 9-9-21, Mississippi Code of 1972 . A copy of such petition shall be served upon the following persons by service of process in the same manner as in civil cases:

(a) The owner of the property, if address is known;

(b) Any secured party who has registered his lien or filed a financing statement as provided by law, if the identity of such secured party can be ascertained by the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency by making a good faith effort to ascertain the identity of such secured party as described in subsections (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) of this section;

(c) Any other bona fide lienholder or secured party or other person holding an interest in the property in the nature of a security interest of whom the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency has actual knowledge; and

(d) Any person in possession of property subject to forfeiture at the time that it was seized.

(3) If the property is a motor vehicle susceptible of titling under the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Title Law and if there is any reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle has been titled, the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall make inquiry of the State Tax Commission as to what the records of the State Tax Commission show as to who is the record owner of the vehicle and who, if anyone, holds any lien or security interest which affects the vehicle.

(4) If the property is a motor vehicle and is not titled in the State of Mississippi, then the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall attempt to ascertain the name and address of the person in whose name the vehicle is licensed, and if the vehicle is licensed in a state which has in effect a certificate of title law, the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall make inquiry of the appropriate agency of that state as to what the records of the agency show as to who is the record owner of the vehicle and who, if anyone, holds any lien, security interest or other instrument in the nature of a security device which affects the vehicle.

(5) If the property is of a nature that a financing statement is required by the laws of this state to be filed to perfect a security interest affecting the property and if there is any reasonable cause to believe that a financing statement covering the security interest has been filed under the laws of this state, the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall make inquiry of the appropriate office designated in Section 75-9-501, Mississippi Code of 1972 , as to what the records show as to who is the record owner of the property and who, if anyone, has filed a financing statement affecting the property.

(6) If the property is an aircraft or part thereof and if there is any reasonable cause to believe that an instrument in the nature of a security device affects the property, then the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall make inquiry of the Administrator of the Mississippi Aeronautics Commission as to what the records of the Federal Aviation Administration show as to who is the record owner of the property and who, if anyone, holds an instrument in the nature of a security device which affects the property.

(7) In the case of all other personal property subject to forfeiture, if there is any reasonable cause to believe that an instrument in the nature of a security device affects the property, then the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall make a good faith inquiry to identify the holder of any such instrument.

(8) In the event the answer to an inquiry states that the record owner of the property is any person other than the person who was in possession of it when it was seized, or states that any person holds any lien, encumbrance, security interest, other interest in the nature of a security interest, mortgage or deed of trust which affects the property, the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall cause any record owner and also any lienholder, secured party, other person who holds an interest in the property in the nature of a security interest which affects the property to be named in the petition of forfeiture and to be served with process in the same manner as in civil cases.

(9) If the owner of the property cannot be found and served with a copy of the petition of forfeiture, or if no person was in possession of the property subject to forfeiture at the time that it was seized and the owner of the property is unknown, the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the local law enforcement agency shall file with the clerk of the court in which the proceeding is pending an affidavit to such effect, whereupon the clerk of the court shall publish notice of the hearing addressed to “the Unknown Owner of __________,” filling in the blank space with a reasonably detailed description of the property subject to forfeiture. Service by publication shall contain the other requisites prescribed in Section 11-33-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 , and shall be served as provided in Section 11-33-37, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for publication of notice for attachments at law.

(10) No proceedings instituted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall proceed to hearing unless the judge conducting the hearing is satisfied that this section has been complied with. Any answer received from an inquiry required by subsections (3) through (7) of this section shall be introduced into evidence at the hearing.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-47 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 28-47
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-47
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be liberally construed for the purposes herein set out, the powers hereby granted being additional, cumulative and supplemental to any power granted to a board of supervisors by any general or local and private act of the Legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-305 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 15-305
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-305
Status: in_force

(1) The Governor shall appoint the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Governor. The executive director shall be knowledgeable and experienced in marine resources management.

(2) The executive director of the department shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To supervise and direct all administrative, inspection and technical activities and personnel of the department;

(b) To employ qualified professional personnel in the subject matter or fields, and any other technical and clerical staff as may be required for the operation of the department;

(c) To coordinate all studies in the State of Mississippi concerned with the supply, development, use and conservation of marine resources;

(d) To prepare and deliver to the Legislature and the Governor on or before January 1 of each year, and at any other times as may be required by the Legislature or Governor, a full report of the work of the department, including a detailed statement of expenditures of the department and any recommendations the department may have;

(e) To enter into cooperative agreements with any federal or state agency or subdivision thereof, or any public or private institution located inside or outside the State of Mississippi, or any person, corporation or association in connection with studies and investigations pertaining to marine resources, provided the agreements do not have a financial cost in excess of the amounts appropriated for the purposes by the Legislature; and

(f) To carry out all regulations and rules adopted by the department and enforce all licenses and permits issued by the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-403 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 15-403
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-403
Status: in_force

(1) When any allegation or charge in the form of a complaint has been made against a person for violations pursuant to the authorities outlined in Section 49-15-401 and such matter has been brought before the department for administrative penalty processing, the department shall:

(a) Cause the complaint to be in writing, signed by the person and/or office making the charge and include the recommended fine;

(b) Ensure that the complaint is filed with the executive director;

(c) Cause the executive director of the department, or his designee, to review the complaint; and

(d) Send or deliver a copy of the complaint and any supporting documents to the alleged violator along with a request for the alleged violator to respond to the allegations within thirty (30) days. The notification shall be accomplished by any of the methods provided for by the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure. Citations issued at the time of the alleged violation by marine enforcement officers shall constitute sufficient notice.

(2) Upon receipt of the response and any supporting documents from the alleged violator, the executive director, or his designee, shall review all information on file to determine the merit of the complaint. If the executive director, or his designee, determines that the complaint lacks merit, the executive director may dismiss the complaint.

(3) If the executive director, or his designee, determines that there are reasonable grounds to indicate that a violation has occurred or if the alleged violator admits to the truth of the allegations upon which the complaint is based, the executive director may impose a fine not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for each violation. The executive director shall send a copy of the imposed fine to the alleged violator.

(4) The alleged violator shall have fifteen (15) days from receipt of the finding and imposed fine of the executive director within which to file a written request for an informal settlement conference with the executive director, or his designee. If the alleged violator requests a conference, the executive director, or his designee, shall meet with the alleged violator to discuss the proposed penalty and the possibility of an agreed settlement. The alleged violator may present evidence and written or oral comments at the executive director's conference. The alleged violator may be represented by legal counsel, at his or her own expense. If, in the judgment of the executive director, or his designee, a reasonable settlement is reached, the recommended penalty shall be revised accordingly. The executive director shall make the final decision regarding the penalty to be issued, which may include dismissal of the complaint, issuance of a warning in lieu of a penalty or a monetary penalty not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for each violation. If a request for information settlement is not received within the timeframe provided, the executive director's imposed fine will be the final decision.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-1-39 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-1-39
Status: in_force

The commission may issue permits to kill any species of animals or native, nonmigratory birds which may become injurious to agricultural or other interests in any particular community. All migratory birds, including hawks, owls, and eagles and their nests and eggs are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and federal regulations promulgated under the act. All species of blackbirds, cowbirds, starlings, crows, grackles, and English sparrows may be killed without a permit when such birds are committing or about to commit depredations on shade or ornamental trees or agricultural crops.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-505 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 17-505
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-505
Status: in_force

For purposes of Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 , the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Abatement ” means any measure or set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards consistent with 745 CFR Section 223 . The term includes, but is not limited to, the removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead-contaminated soil and all preparation, cleanup, disposal, and postabatement clearance testing activities associated with those measures. The term does not include renovation, remodeling, landscaping or other activities not designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards and interim controls, operations and maintenance activities or other activities and measures designed to temporarily, but not permanently reduce lead-based paint hazards.

(b) “ Accredited training program ” means a training program that has been accredited by the commission, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or EPA-approved lead-based paint program in a state with reciprocity agreements with Mississippi to provide training for individuals engaged in lead-based paint activities.

(c) “ Certificate ” means a document authorizing a person to perform lead-based paint activities as described in Sections 49-17-501 through 49-17-531 .

(d) “ Child-occupied facility ,” as this term applies to abatement activities, means a building, or portion of a building, constructed before 1978, visited regularly by the same child, six (6) years of age or under, on at least two (2) different days within any calendar week, if each day's visit lasts at least three (3) hours, the combined weekly visit lasts at least six (6) hours, and the combined annual visits last at least sixty (60) hours. Child-occupied facilities include, but are not limited to, day care centers, preschools and kindergarten classrooms.

(e) “ Child-occupied facility ,” as this term applies to renovation activities, means a building, or portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited regularly by the same child, under six (6) years of age, on at least two (2) different days within any week, if each day's visit lasts at least three (3) hours and the combined weekly visits last at least six (6) hours, and the combined annual visits last at least sixty (60) hours. Child-occupied facilities may include, but are not limited to, day care centers, preschools and kindergarten classrooms. Child-occupied facilities may be located in target housing or in public or commercial buildings. With respect to common areas in public or commercial buildings that contain child-occupied facilities, the child-occupied facility encompasses only those common areas that are routinely used by children under age six (6), such as restrooms and cafeterias. Common areas that children under age six (6) only pass through, such as hallways, stairways, and garages are not included. In addition, with respect to exteriors of public or commercial buildings that contain child-occupied facilities, the child-occupied facility encompasses only the exterior sides of the building that are immediately adjacent to the child-occupied facility or the common areas routinely used by children under age six (6).

(f) “ Clearance levels ” means the maximum amount of lead permitted in dust on a surface following completion of an abatement activity.

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

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

(i) “ Dust sampling technician ” means an individual employed to perform dust clearance sampling.

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

(k) “ Firm ” means a company, partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship, association, or other business entity or individual doing business that performs or offers to perform lead-based paint activities. This term also includes a federal, state, tribal, or local government agency, or a nonprofit organization that performs or offers to perform lead-based paint activities.

( l ) “ Inspection ” means a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint and the provision of a report explaining the results of the investigation.

(m) “ Inspector ” means an individual employed to inspect or reinspect for the presence of lead-based paint, to collect samples for the presence of lead in dust and soil for the purposes of abatement or renovation clearance testing and to prepare inspection reports.

(n) “ Lead-based paint ” means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead equal to or in excess of one (1) milligram per square centimeter or more than one-half of one percent (0.5%) by weight.

( o ) “ Lead-based paint activities ” means inspection, risk assessment, abatement or renovation of target housing or child-occupied facilities.

(p) “ Lead-based paint hazard ” means any condition that causes exposure to lead from lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present in accessible surfaces, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces that would result in adverse human health effects as identified by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

(q) “ Minor repair and maintenance activities ” means activities, including minor heating, ventilation or air conditioning work, electrical work, and plumbing, that disrupt six (6) square feet or less of painted surface per room for interior activities or twenty (20) square feet or less of painted surface for exterior activities where none of the work practices prohibited or restricted by 40 CFR Section 745.85(a)(3) are used and where the work does not involve window replacement or demolition of painted surface areas. When removing painted components, or portions of painted components, the entire surface area removed is the amount of painted surface disturbed. Jobs, other than emergency renovations, performed in the same room within the same thirty (30) days must be considered the same job for the purpose of determining whether the job is a minor repair and maintenance activity.

(r) “ Person ” means the state or other agency or institution thereof, any municipality, political subdivision, public or private corporation, individual, partnership, firm, association, independent contractor or other entity, and includes any officer or governing or managing body of any municipality, political subdivision, or public or private corporation, or the United States or any officer or employee thereof.

(s) “ Project designer ” means an individual employed to prepare abatement project designs, occupant protection plans and abatement project reports.

(t) “ Renovation ” means the modification of any existing structure, or portion thereof, that results in the disturbance of painted surfaces, unless that activity is performed as part of an abatement. The term “ renovation ” includes, but is not limited to: the removal, modification or repair of painted surfaces or painted components (e.g., modification of painted doors, surface restoration, window repair, surface preparation activity, sanding, scraping or other activities that may generate paint dust); the removal of building components (e.g., walls, ceilings, plumbing, windows); weatherization projects (e.g., cutting holes in painted surfaces to install blown-in insulation or to gain access to attics, planning thresholds to install weather-stripping); and interim controls that disturb painted surfaces. A renovation performed for the purpose of converting a building, or part of a building, into target housing or a child-occupied facility is a renovation. The term renovation does not include minor repair and maintenance activities.

(u) “ Renovator ” means an individual who either performs or directs or supervises workers who perform renovations. A “ certified renovator ” is a renovator who has successfully completed a renovator course accredited by EPA or an EPA-authorized state or tribal program, and has been certified to perform renovations in the State of Mississippi.

(v) “ Residential dwelling ” means a detached single family dwelling unit, including attached structures such as porches and stoops or a single family dwelling unit in a structure that contains more than one (1) separate residential dwelling unit, which is used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of one or more persons.

(w) “ Risk assessment ” means an on-site investigation to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards and the provision of a report by the person conducting the risk assessment, explaining the results of the investigation and options for reducing lead-based paint hazards.

(x) “ Risk assessor ” means an individual employed to conduct risk assessments and lead hazard screens, to prepare inspection reports and to collect samples for the presence of lead in dust and soil for the purposes of abatement and renovation clearance testing.

(y) “ Supervisor ” means an individual designated by a contractor or certified firm to be responsible for the direction and conduct of lead-based paint abatement activities and to prepare occupant protection plans and abatement reports.

(z) “ Target housing ,” as this term refers to abatements, means any housing constructed before 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities [unless any one or more children aged six (6) years or under resides or is expected to reside in that housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities] or any zero-bedroom dwelling.

(aa) “ Target housing ,” as this term refers to renovations, means any housing constructed before 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities [unless any one or more children under the age of six (6) years resides or is expected to reside in that housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities] or any zero-bedroom dwelling.

(bb) “ Worker ” means any individual who works on abatements or renovations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-53 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 27 / Section 27-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-53
Status: in_force

Jurisdiction and venue for judicial actions brought pursuant to this chapter shall lie in any county or counties in which the alleged violation occurs or in which property affected by such violation is located.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 37-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-37-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Statewide Scientific Information Management Act of 1999.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-36 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-36
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-36
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly: (a) fail to pay any fee assessed by the commission for administration of the federal air operating permit program; (b) fail to satisfy any air operating permit filing requirement; (c) make any false statement, representation of certification in any notice or report required by an air operating permit; or (d) render inaccurate any air monitoring device or method required by an air operating permit; and, upon conviction thereof, such person shall be punished by a fine of not less than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) nor more than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) per day of violation.

(2) In determining the amount of penalty under this section, the following shall be considered at a minimum:

(a) The willfulness of the violation;

(b) Any damage to air, water, land or other natural resources of the state or their uses;

(c) Costs of restoration or abatement;

(d) Economic benefit as a result of noncompliance;

(e) The seriousness of the violation, including any harm to the environment and any hazard to the health, safety and welfare of the public; and

(f) Past performance history.

(3) All fines collected by the commission under this section shall be deposited into the Pollution Emergency Fund established under Section 49-17-68, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / 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. § 49-27-53 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 27-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-53
Status: in_force

Jurisdiction and venue for judicial actions brought pursuant to this chapter shall lie in any county or counties in which the alleged violation occurs or in which property affected by such violation is located.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-28 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 17-28
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-28
Status: in_force

(1) There is created a Permit Board for the purpose of issuing, reissuing, modifying, revoking or denying, under the conditions, limitations and exemptions prescribed in Section 49-17-29 : (a) permits to control or prevent the discharge of contaminants and wastes into the air and waters of the state; (b) permits required under the Solid Wastes Disposal Law of 1974 (Title 17, Chapter 17); (c) permits required under Sections 51-3-1 through 51-3-55 ; (d) water quality certifications required by Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act; and (e) all other permits within the jurisdiction of the Permit Board. The membership of the Permit Board shall be composed of the Chief of the Bureau of Environmental Health of the State Board of Health, or his designee; the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, or his designee; the Head of the Office of Land and Water Resources of the Department of Environmental Quality, or his designee; the Supervisor of the State Oil and Gas Board, or his designee; the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources, or his designee; the Head of the Office of Geology and Energy Resources of the Department of Environmental Quality, or his designee; the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, or his designee; a retired professional engineer knowledgeable in the engineering of water wells and water supply systems, to be appointed by the Governor for a term concurrent with that of the Governor and until his successor is appointed and qualified; and a retired water well contractor, to be appointed by the Governor for a term concurrent with that of the Governor and until his successor is appointed and qualified. The retired professional engineer and the retired water well contractor shall only vote on matters pertaining to the Office of Land and Water Resources.

(2) Members of the Permit Board who are officers and employees of the state shall receive no compensation for their services on the board, but other board members shall receive per diem compensation as provided in Section 25-3-69 . All board members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, including mileage, incurred in the performance of their official duties as provided in Section 25-3-41 .

(3) In implementing the authority granted under this section for the Permit Board to act on water quality certifications required by Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, the Permit Board shall authorize the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality to make decisions on issuance, reissuance, denial, modification and revocation of water quality certifications on projects which the department has received no written adverse comments. The Permit Board may authorize the executive director to make decisions on water quality certifications for other projects. A decision of the executive director made under this authority shall be a decision of the Permit Board and shall be subject to a formal hearing and an appeal as provided in Section 49-17-29 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-3
Status: repealed

The duties and powers of the commission shall be:

(a) To appoint a State Forester, who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the commission and who is qualified to perform the duties as set forth herein; and to pay him such salary as is provided by the Legislature, and allow him such office expenses incidental to the performance of his official duties as the commission, in its discretion, may deem necessary; and to charge him with the immediate direction and control, subject to the supervision and approval of the commission, of all matters relating to forestry as authorized herein. Any person appointed by the commission as State Forester shall have received a bachelor's degree in forestry from an accredited school or college of forestry and shall be licensed and registered under the provisions of the Mississippi Foresters Registration Law ( Section 73-36-1 et seq. ) and in addition shall have had at least five (5) years' administrative experience in a forestry-related field.

(b) To take such action and provide and maintain such organized means as may seem necessary and expedient to prevent, control and extinguish forest fires, including the enforcement of any and all laws pertaining to the protection of forests and woodland.

(c) To encourage forest and tree planting for the production of a wood crop, for the protection of water supply, for windbreak and shade, or for any other beneficial purposes contributing to the general welfare, public hygiene and comfort of the people.

(d) To cause to be made such technical investigations and studies concerning forest conditions, the propagation, care and protection of forest and shade trees, the care and management of forests, their growth, yield and the products and by-products thereof, and any other competent subject, including forest taxation, bearing on the timber supply and needs of the state, which the commission, in its discretion, may deem proper.

(e) To assist and cooperate with any federal or state department or institution, county, town, corporation or individual, under such terms as in the judgment of the commission will best serve the public interest, in the preparation and execution of plans for the protection, management, replacement, or extension of the forest, woodland and roadside or other ornamental tree growth in the state.

(f) To encourage public interest in forestry by means of correspondence, the public press, periodicals, the publication of bulletins and leaflets for general distribution, the delivery of lectures in the schools and other suitable means, and to cooperate to the fullest extent with the extension department services of the state colleges in promoting reforestation. It shall be the duty of the State Forester to cooperate with private timber owners in laying plans for the protection, management and replacement of forests and in aiding them to form protection associations. It shall be his duty to examine all timbered lands belonging to the state and its institutions and report to the commission upon their timber conditions and actual value, and also whether some of these lands may not be held as state forests. He shall be responsible for the protection and management of lands donated, purchased or belonging to the state or state institutions, and all other lands reserved by the state as state forests.

(g) To control the expenditure of any and all funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the several purposes set forth herein under suitable regulations and restrictions by the commission and to specifically authorize any officer or employee of the commission to incur necessary and stipulated expenses in connection with the work in which such person may be engaged.

(h) To submit annually to the Legislature a report of the expenditures, proceedings and results achieved, together with such other matters including recommendations concerning legislation as are germane to the aims and purposes of this chapter.

(i) To create, establish and organize the State of Mississippi into forestry districts for the most effective and efficient administration of the commission.

(j) [Repealed]
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-219 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-219
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-219
Status: in_force

The commission shall have the following powers and duties to implement the provisions of Sections 49-19-201 through 49-19-227 :

(a) To determine which approved practices shall be eligible for cost-share assistance;

(b) To establish maximum sums, subject to the provisions of Section 49-19-221 , which any one (1) eligible owner may receive for implementation of an approved practice;

(c) To review periodically the costs of forest development practices and to make such adjustment as, in the discretion of the commission, is necessary in the Thirty-seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($37.50) per acre assistance allowed in Section 49-19-221 ;

(d) Upon request of the forestry commission, the attorney general of the State of Mississippi shall institute proper legal proceedings to recover any or all of the cost-share assistance provided an eligible owner if the commission shall determine that the owner failed to implement any portion of or all of the practice approved by the commission for such owner and if the commission determines that legal proceedings are necessary and proper.

(e) To determine, before approving any cost-share assistance for any eligible owner that such approved practice is reasonable and is comparable to the actual cost of implementing such practice in the general area in which the land is located. Should the commission determine that the submitted cost of implementing the approved practice is not reasonable, the commission shall approve cost-share assistance in an amount which is determined by the commission to be reasonable for the implementation of the approved practice in the general area in which the land is located.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-1.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-1.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-7-1.1
Status: in_force

Hunting, trapping and fishing are vital parts of the heritage of the State of Mississippi. It shall be the public policy of the State of Mississippi to protect and preserve these activities. The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, acting by and through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, may regulate hunting, trapping and fishing activities in the State of Mississippi, consistent with its powers and duties under the law. No court of this state may enjoin, suspend, curtail or abrogate any hunting, trapping or fishing activity which is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state or the regulations of the commission, except upon a showing, by clear and convincing evidence, of an immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare, or other imminent peril. It is, and shall be, the public policy of this state to promote hunting, trapping and fishing and other outdoor recreational opportunities and to preserve these activities for all generations to come.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 27 / Section 28-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-3
Status: in_force

A petition for the incorporation of a shoreline and beach preservation district may be submitted to the board of supervisors of a county, referred to in this chapter as “board of supervisors,” signed by not less than twenty-five (25) owners of real property residing within the boundaries of the proposed district. The petition shall include: (a) a statement of the necessity for the creation of the proposed district; (b) the proposed corporate name for the district; (c) the proposed boundaries of the district, which shall not include any property used for industrial purposes, unless the owner of that property submits a written request to the board of supervisors to be included in the district; (d) an estimate of the cost of special improvement projects to be conducted and maintained by the district; however the estimate shall not serve as a limitation upon the financing of any project; (e) a statement of whether or not the board of supervisors of the county shall exercise the authority to levy the tax outlined in Section 49-28-27 ; and (f) a statement of whether or not the board of supervisors of the county shall exercise the authority to make assessments as outlined in Section 49-28-29 . The petition shall be signed in person by the petitioners, with their respective residence addresses. The petition shall be accompanied by a sworn statement of the person or persons circulating the petition stating that the person or persons witnessed the signature of each petitioner, that each signature is the signature of the person it purports to be, and that, to the best of the person's or persons' knowledge, each petitioner was at the time of signing an owner of real property within and a resident of the proposed district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-94 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 15-94
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-94
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to use a purse seine to catch mullet during the roe mullet season. A violation of this subsection is punishable by the penalties provided in Section 49-15-100(2) for the unlawful use of gill or trammel nets.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-44.1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 17-44.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-44.1
Status: in_force

If the commission determines that any privately owned sewer system that is certificated by the Public Service Commission and within its jurisdiction has been actually or effectively abandoned by its owner, or that its management is grossly inefficient or irresponsible, and the abandonment or management has created an environmental problem that endangers public health, the commission may petition the chancery court of any county wherein the privately-owned sewer system is located for an order attaching the assets of the privately-owned sewer system and placing such sewer system under the sole control and responsibility of a receiver. Any person served by the sewer system shall have standing to intervene in the chancery proceeding as an interested party. If the court determines that the petition is proper in all respects and finds, after a hearing thereon, the allegations contained in the petition are true, it shall order that the sewer system be placed in receivership. The court, in its discretion and in consideration of the recommendation of the commission, may appoint a receiver who shall be a responsible individual, partnership, corporation or political subdivision knowledgeable in sewer service affairs and who shall maintain control and responsibility for the operation and management of the affairs of such sewer system. The receiver shall operate the sewer system so as to preserve the assets of the sewer system and to serve the best interests of its customers while protecting public health and welfare and the environment. The receiver shall be compensated from the assets of the sewer system in an amount to be determined by the court. Control of and responsibility for the sewer system shall remain in the receiver until the court determines that it is in the best interests of the customers and the public interest that the sewer system be returned to the owner, transferred to another owner, or assumed by another sewer system or public service corporation. If the court, after hearing, determines that control of and responsibility for the affairs of the sewer system should not be returned to the legal owner thereof, the receiver may proceed to liquidate the assets of the sewer system in the manner provided by law. Mississippi laws and Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure generally applicable to receivership shall govern receiverships created under this section. Any new owner or operator of a sewer system transferred or liquidated by the receiver or the chancery court under this subsection shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals from the Permit Board, the Public Service Commission and any other applicable state or local agencies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-215 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 19-215
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-215
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall actively and diligently encourage all eligible owners to use their own resources or to employ the resources of private vendors to implement approved practices.

(2) The commission shall not enter into active competition with eligible owners or private vendors for the on-the-ground job of implementing any approved practice as it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage private business, forest industries and the forestry community to participate in the economic development which will be provided by Sections 49-19-201 through 49-19-227 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 17-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-5
Status: in_force

For the purposes of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 , the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

(1) Water.

(a) “Pollution” means such contamination, or other alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties, of any waters of the state, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substance or leak into any waters of the state unless in compliance with a valid permit issued therefor by the Permit Board.

(b) “Wastes” means sewage, industrial wastes, oil field wastes, and all other liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substances which may pollute or tend to pollute any waters of the state.

(c) “Sewerage system” means pipelines or conduits, pumping stations, and force mains, and other structures, devices, appurtenances and facilities used for collecting or conducting wastes to an ultimate point for treatment or disposal.

(d) “Treatment works” means any plant or other works, used for the purpose of treating, stabilizing or holding wastes.

(e) “Disposal system” means a system for disposing of wastes, either by surface or underground methods, and includes sewerage systems, treatment works, disposal wells and other systems.

(f) “Waters of the state” means all waters within the jurisdiction of this state, including all streams, lakes, ponds, impounding reservoirs, marshes, watercourses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and all other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground, natural or artificial, situated wholly or partly within or bordering upon the state, and such coastal waters as are within the jurisdiction of the state, except lakes, ponds or other surface waters which are wholly landlocked and privately owned, and which are not regulated under the Federal Clean Water Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. ).

(g) “Underground water” means an underground source of drinking water as defined within the regulations of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

(2) Air.

(a) “Air contaminant” means particulate matter, dust, fumes, gas, mist, smoke or vapor, or any combination thereof, produced by processes other than natural.

(b) “Air pollution” means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more air contaminants in quantities, of characteristic, and of a duration which are materially injurious or can be reasonably expected to become materially injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property, or which unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of life or use of property throughout the state or throughout such area of the state as shall be affected thereby.

(c) “Air contamination” means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more air contaminants which contribute to a condition of air pollution.

(d) “Air contamination source” means any source at, from, or by reason of which there is emitted into the atmosphere any air contaminant, regardless of who the person may be who owns or operates the building, premises or other property in, at, or on which such source is located, or the facility, equipment or other property by which the emission is caused or from which the emission comes.

(e) “Air-cleaning device” means any method, process or equipment, the primary function of which is to remove, reduce or render less noxious air contaminants discharged into the atmosphere.

(f) “Area of the state” means any city or county or portion thereof, or other substantial geographical area of the state as may be designated by the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality.

(g) “Federal Clean Air Act” means the Federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., as amended.

(3) General.

(a) “Commission” means the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality acting through the Office of Pollution Control of the Department of Environmental Quality.

(b) “Person” means the state or other agency or institution thereof, any municipality, political subdivision, public or private corporation, individual, partnership, association or other entity, and includes any officer or governing or managing body of any municipality, political subdivision, or public or private corporation, or the United States or any officer or employee thereof.

(c) “Pollution Emergency Fund” means the fund established under Section 49-17-68 .

(d) “General permit” means a permit for categories of sources that involve similar wastes and have similar monitoring requirements and restrictions.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-71 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-71
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-71
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is hereby authorized to acquire interests in real estate and personal property through purchase, donation, bequest or devise in furtherance of the purposes of Sections 49-5-61 through 49-5-85 and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of law. The commission is authorized to approve land or real estate suitable for such purposes as eligible for the income tax credit authorized under Section 27-7-22.22 .

(2) Before such real estate is purchased or leased, the fair market value of such real estate shall be determined by the averaging of at least two (2) appraisals by Mississippi Certified General Appraisers. Such appraisals shall be paid for by the State of Mississippi.

(3) The commission is hereby authorized to obtain abstracts and surveys, and to engage the services of attorneys to conduct the above described transactions. The commission is authorized to obtain title insurance on property purchased if, in the opinion of the commission, the best interests of the State of Mississippi would be served.

(4) In order to carry out its management responsibilities over all state lands which are now or may hereafter come under its jurisdiction, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to grant easements and rights-of-way over and across any part of such state lands. Such easements and rights-of-way may be granted for such consideration, and upon such terms and conditions, as the department may deem to be in the best interest of the state, consistent with the use of such lands for recreational purposes. Any easement for a utility line shall be granted for that period of time which the department deems to be in the best interest of the management of such lands.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-15 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 28-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-15
Status: in_force

Beginning on the date of the adoption of the resolution creating a district, the district shall be a public corporation in perpetuity under its corporate name and shall, in that name, be a body politic and corporate with power of perpetual succession.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-39-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / 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. § 49-31-21 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-21
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall require waste minimization plans to be provided by each generator of hazardous waste who is regulated as a large quantity generator or a small quantity generator under Mississippi hazardous waste management regulations and each facility operator required to file a report under Section 313 of EPCRA. The generators and facility operators shall provide a plan for each site where waste is generated or chemicals are released.

(2) Waste minimization plans for large quantity generators and for facility operators required to file a report under Section 313 of EPCRA, shall include, at a minimum:

(a) A written policy describing ownership and management support for pollution prevention and waste minimization and implementation of the plan;

(b) The scope and objectives of the plan, including the evaluation of technologies, procedures and personnel training programs to ensure waste minimization;

(c) An explanation and documentation of waste minimization efforts completed or in progress before the first reporting date;

(d) An analysis of waste streams, and identification of opportunities to eliminate waste generation. The analysis shall include review of individual processes and facilities and other activities where wastes may be generated, evaluation of data on the types, amounts and hazardous and toxic constituents of waste generated, and potential waste minimization techniques applicable to those wastes;

(e) An identification of waste management costs;

(f) An identification of employee awareness and training programs to involve employees in waste minimization planning and implementation to the maximum extent feasible;

(g) The establishment of performance goals for the minimization of wastes which shall be expressed in numeric terms, to the extent practicable.

(3) The department shall develop appropriate, but less stringent, requirements for waste minimization plans to be prepared by small quantity generators.

(4) All generators and facility operators required to prepare a waste minimization plan shall update annually their waste minimization plan. The annual update shall include at a minimum:

(a) An analysis and quantification of progress made, if any, in waste minimization, relative to each performance goal established under subsection (2)(g) of this section; and

(b) Any amendments to the waste minimization plan and an explanation of the need for the amendments.

(5) For purposes of this section, a generator or facility operator shall permit the department or its designee to review the waste minimization plan.

(6) From the waste minimization plan and each annual update, the generator or facility operator shall submit to the department a certified report of the types and quantities of wastes generated, and the types and quantities of wastes minimized. To the extent practicable, the department shall coordinate the submission of this certified report with other reporting requirements placed on large quantity and small quantity hazardous waste generators and facility operators.

(7) The certified report shall include a narrative summary explaining the waste generation and minimization data, a description of goals and progress made in minimizing the generation of wastes, and a description of any impediments to the minimization of wastes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-65 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 27-65
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-65
Status: in_force

(a) To implement the policy set forth in the chapter and to assist in the protection of coastal wetlands, the commission acting with the cooperation and assistance of the Gulf Regional Planning Commission and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory shall evaluate the coastal wetlands and prepare charts at an appropriate scale showing the distribution of coastal wetlands as defined in this chapter. These charts will be provided to the offices of the chancery clerk of affected counties and to the Gulf Regional Planning Commission. The charts will be updated and reissued periodically as needed to provide a current inventory of coastal wetlands.

(b) The commission shall promote the education of the public about scientific and economic knowledge concerning coastal wetlands.

(c) In recognition of the national policy expressed in the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, Public Law 92-583 , the commission is directed to include an overall plan for use of coastal and private wetlands in the Mississippi Coastal Zone Management Plan being prepared by the commission. The commission is further directed to identify and include in such plan specific coastal and private wetlands which should be set aside as estuarine sanctuaries.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-37 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 25 / Section 27-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-37
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall send a copy of any order in issuance, denial, revocation or suspension of a permit to the parties stated in Section 49-27-17 , and such orders must be sent within ninety (90) days from the receipt of a complete application, or within ninety (90) days from an amendment to the application as provided by Section 49-27-11(2), in the case of granting or denying or thirty (30) days from the date of the hearing in the case of suspension or revocation, unless an extension is requested as provided in subsection (2) and approved by the commission.

(2) An applicant may request, in writing, additional extensions up to ninety (90) days for the processing of an application.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-83 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-83
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-83
Status: in_force

Monies expended from the Wildlife Heritage Fund shall be spent only after proper resolution entered upon its minutes by the commission and upon warrants signed by the chairman of the commission and countersigned by the executive director of the department. Such funds shall be audited at any time the Governor shall so direct or by the State Auditor on an annual basis.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-47 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 28-47
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-47
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be liberally construed for the purposes herein set out, the powers hereby granted being additional, cumulative and supplemental to any power granted to a board of supervisors by any general or local and private act of the Legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-26-3 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 26-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-26-3
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that channel maintenance is necessary to preserve and enhance the economic stability and recreational potential of the coastal region. The Legislature declares it to be a governmental responsibility to provide for proper channel maintenance. The Legislature further declares that channel maintenance projects are in the public interest. Those projects should be funded to promote the use of cost-efficient strategies, encourage coordination among federal, state and local governments and the private sector, provide for long-term solutions and minimize the impact of the environment to the extent possible.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-39 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 25 / Section 28-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-39
Status: in_force

The board of commissioners of any district created under this chapter shall have the authority to enter into cooperative agreements with the state or federal government, or both, to obtain financial assistance in the form of loans or grants as may be available from the state or federal government, or both. The board of commissioners may execute and deliver at private sale notes or bonds as evidence of the indebtedness in the form and subject to the terms and conditions as may be imposed by the state or federal government, or both. The board of commissioners may pledge the income and revenues of the district, or the income and revenues from any part of the area embraced in the district, in payment thereof. The district may do all things necessary to secure the financial aid or cooperation of the state or federal government, or both, in the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance or improvement of projects of the district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-25
Status: in_force

(1) There is imposed upon each large quantity generator and each small quantity generator that is regulated under the Mississippi hazardous waste management regulations and each facility operator, a pollution prevention fee. The fee upon each large quantity generator and each small quantity generator shall be measured by the quantity of hazardous waste which that generator generates annually. The fee upon each facility operator shall be measured by the quantity of chemicals which each facility releases annually and reports pursuant to Section 313 of EPCRA. For a fee payer that is both a large quantity hazardous waste generator and a facility operator, the fee shall be measured by adding the quantity of fugitive and stack air emissions reported under Section 313 of EPCRA plus the quantity of hazardous waste generated annually. For a fee payer that is both a small quantity hazardous waste generator and a facility operator, the fee shall be measured by the quantity of chemicals released as reported pursuant to Section 313 of EPCRA. The fee shall be assessed in an amount according to the following schedule:

TONS GENERATED/RELEASED

ANNUAL FEE

0.01

to

9.99

$ 250.00

10.00

to

99.99

$ 500.00

100.00

to

999.99

$ 1,500.00

1,000.00

to

9,999.99

$ 2,500.00

10,000.00

to

49,999.99

$ 10,000.00

50,000.00

and above

$ 50,000.00

The fee shall be due and payable to the department not later than September 1 of each year, or not later than a date specified by the department in the invoice which shall be no less than thirty (30) days following receipt of an invoice from the department, whichever is later. The fee shall be based on the quantity of hazardous waste generated and/or chemicals released during the preceding calendar year. The department shall annually prepare an invoice for the amount of the pollution prevention fee due from each generator or facility operator and furnish it to each generator or facility operator. The proceeds of the fee shall be deposited into the Environmental Protection Trust Fund created in Section 17-17-217 .

(2) From and after July 1, 1995, the department shall exclude from the calculation of the pollution prevention fee any hazardous waste recycled on-site or shipped off-site for recycling as reported on the Mississippi Annual Hazardous Waste Report or its equivalent and any chemicals recycled on-site or shipped off-site for recycling as reported under Section 313 of EPCRA. The hazardous waste generator or the facility operator shall submit any information the department deems necessary to substantiate that the hazardous waste or chemicals were recycled.

(3) At the discretion of the commission, a generator or facility operator shall be liable for a penalty not to exceed three (3) times the amount of the fee due and payable for failure to pay the fee on or before the due date, plus the amount necessary to reimburse the cost of collection.

(4) From and after July 1, 1995, the department shall exclude from any calculation of pollution prevention fee any hazardous waste or chemical for which a Title V permit fee is assessed to the same generator or facility operator.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-19 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-19
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the purposes of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 , the commission may set ambient standards of air and water quality for the state or portions thereof. Such ambient standards of quality shall be such as to protect the public health and welfare and the present and prospective future use of such air and of such waters for public water supplies, propagation of fish and aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes, and agricultural, industrial and other legitimate uses. Such ambient standards may be amended from time to time as determined to be necessary by the commission. In order to carry out the purposes of Sections 49-17-1 through 49-17-43 , the commission may also set emission standards for the purpose of controlling air contamination, air pollution and the sources thereof. In establishing ambient air quality standards for odor, the commission shall adopt recognized objective standards if they exist. In the absence of a recognized objective ambient air quality standard for odor, the commission may adopt such subjective standards as may be appropriate.

In establishing such standards relating to pesticides and commercial fertilizers for underground water, the commission shall adopt federal standards if they exist. If no federal standard exists, the commission shall petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish a federal standard for the substance of interest. If the commission determines that a federal standard cannot be obtained within thirty (30) days, it shall consult with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Drinking Water and Office of Pesticide Programs regarding the agency's conclusion relative to available toxicological information on the substance of interest and on the methodology used for establishing a federal standard. The commission shall utilize this information and methodology to establish a standard. The commission may also consult with and request similar information from other sources.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-9 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / 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. § 49-4-13 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 4-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-4-13
Status: in_force

Effective July 1, 1979, the executive director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To supervise and direct all administrative and technical activities of the department;

(b) To employ, subject to the approval of the commission, qualified professional personnel in the subject matter or fields, and such other technical and clerical staff as may be required for the operation of the department;

(c) To coordinate all studies in the State of Mississippi concerned with the supply, development, use and conservation of wildlife, fisheries and parks;

(d) To prepare and deliver to the Legislature and the Governor on or before January 1 of each year, and at such other times as may be required by the Legislature or Governor, a full report of the work of the department, including a detailed statement of expenditures of the department and any recommendations the department may have;

(e) To enter into cooperative agreements with any federal or state agency or subdivision thereof, or any public or private institution located inside or outside the State of Mississippi, or any person, corporation or association in connection with studies and investigations pertaining to wildlife, fisheries and parks, provided the agreements do not have a financial cost in excess of the amounts appropriated for such purposes by the Legislature;

(f) In his discretion, to enter into an affinity relationship with a credit card issuer and to expend funds derived therefrom to improve wildlife management areas; and

(g) To carry out all regulations and rules adopted by the commission and enforce all licenses and permits issued by the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-5 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 27-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-27-5
Status: in_force

(a) “ Coastal wetlands ” means all publicly-owned lands subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; which are below the ordinary high water mark; all publicly-owned accretions above the ordinary high water mark and all publicly-owned submerged water-bottoms below the ordinary high water mark and includes the flora and fauna on the wetlands and in the wetlands.

(b) “ Department ” means the Department of Marine Resources.

(c) “ Regulated activity ” means any of the following activities:

(i) The dredging, excavating or removing of soil, mud, sand, gravel, flora, fauna or aggregate of any kind from any coastal wetland;

(ii) The dumping, filling or depositing of any soil, stones, sand, gravel, mud, aggregate of any kind or garbage, either directly or indirectly, on or in any coastal wetlands;

(iii) Killing or materially damaging any flora or fauna on or in any coastal wetland;

(iv) The erection on coastal wetlands of structures which materially affect the ebb and flow of the tide; and

(v) The erection of any structure or structures on suitable sites for water dependent industry.

(d) “ Dredging ” means the removal or displacement by any means of soil, sand, gravel, shells or other material, whether of intrinsic value or not, from coastal wetlands.

(e) “ Executive director ” means the Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources.

(f) “ Filling ” means either the displacement of waters by the deposition into coastal wetlands of soil, sand, gravel, shells or other material; or the artificial alteration of water levels or water currents by physical structures, drainage ditches or otherwise.

(g) “ Person ” means any natural person, partnership, joint stock company, corporation, unincorporated association or society, or the state and any agency thereof, or any county, municipality or political subdivision, or any other corporation of any character whatsoever.

(h) “ Commission ” means the Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources.

(i) “ Water dependent industry ” means those commercial, industrial or manufacturing activities which, for purposes basic to their existence must occur or locate on or adjacent to the estuaries, sounds, channels, shores or marshlands of the coast. “ Suitable sites for water dependent industry ” means those areas of land which are suitable for the development of water dependent industry because of their proximity to waters of navigable depth, size and configuration, topography, soil conditions and access to other means of transportation. After consultation with local governments, port authorities, development commissions, port and harbor commissions and other interested parties, and after full consideration of zoning ordinances duly adopted by local governments, the department shall designate those sites it deems suitable for water dependent industry. The definition of “suitable sites for water dependent industry” shall be limited to, but not necessarily inclusive of, waterfront sites owned by county port authorities, development commissions and port and harbor commissions, and to areas that are now or are later made to be within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of any natural or maintained channel having a depth of seven (7) feet or greater at mean low water. However, additional sites may be included in the definition of suitable sites for water dependent industry with the concurrence of the board of supervisors in the county affected.

(j) “ Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) ” means a mark on the shore determined by the department staff, established by fluctuations in water level and indicated by physical and biological characteristics including, but not limited to, water stains, changes in the character of the soil, scour lines, presence of debris lines, changes in plant communities and other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding area. The determination of OHWM shall not be made by the department staff during high tide where the above referenced characteristics are not observable. OHWM is not the same as mean high water and shall not be used for determination of the boundary between private property and public trust tidelands or for any purpose other than regulated activity as defined in this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-91 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 5-91
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-91
Status: in_force

The State Bond Commission shall sell such bonds on sealed bids at public sale, and for such price as it may determine to be for the best interest of the State of Mississippi, but no such sale shall be made at a price less than par plus accrued interest to date of delivery of the bonds to the purchaser. The bonds authorized by Sections 49-5-86 through 49-5-98 shall not bear a greater overall maximum interest rate to maturity than seven percent (7%) per annum. No bond shall bear more than one (1) rate of interest; each bond shall bear interest from its date to its stated maturity date at the interest rate specified in the bid; all bonds of the same maturity shall bear the same rate of interest from date to maturity; all interest accruing on such bonds so issued shall be payable semiannually or annually, except that the first interest coupon attached to any such bond may be for any period not exceeding one (1) year.

No interest payment shall be evidenced by more than one (1) coupon and neither cancelled nor supplemental coupons shall be permitted; the lowest interest rate specified for any bonds issued shall not be less than seventy percent (70%) of the highest interest rate specified for the same bond issue. The interest rate of any one (1) maturity shall not exceed seven percent (7%).

Each interest rate specified in any bid must be in a multiple of one-eighth of one percent ( 1 / 8 of 1%) or one-tenth of one percent ( 1 / 10 of 1%), and a zero rate of interest cannot be named.

Notice of the sale of any such bonds shall be published at least two (2) times, the first of which shall be made not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of sale, and shall be so published in one (1) or more newspapers having a general circulation in the City of Jackson and in one (1) or more other newspapers or financial journals with a large national circulation, to be selected by the state bond commission.

The State Bond Commission, when issuing any bonds under the authority of Sections 49-5-86 through 49-5-98 , shall provide that bonds maturing eleven (11) or more years after the date of the issuance of such bonds may, at the option of the State of Mississippi, be called in for payment and redemption in reverse numerical order at the call price named therein and accrued interest, or on the tenth anniversary of the date of issue, or on any interest payment date thereafter prior to maturity.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-15 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 33-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-33-15
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are severable, and if any provision of this chapter is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-25 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-25
Status: in_force

(1) There is imposed upon each large quantity generator and each small quantity generator that is regulated under the Mississippi hazardous waste management regulations and each facility operator, a pollution prevention fee. The fee upon each large quantity generator and each small quantity generator shall be measured by the quantity of hazardous waste which that generator generates annually. The fee upon each facility operator shall be measured by the quantity of chemicals which each facility releases annually and reports pursuant to Section 313 of EPCRA. For a fee payer that is both a large quantity hazardous waste generator and a facility operator, the fee shall be measured by adding the quantity of fugitive and stack air emissions reported under Section 313 of EPCRA plus the quantity of hazardous waste generated annually. For a fee payer that is both a small quantity hazardous waste generator and a facility operator, the fee shall be measured by the quantity of chemicals released as reported pursuant to Section 313 of EPCRA. The fee shall be assessed in an amount according to the following schedule:

TONS GENERATED/RELEASED

ANNUAL FEE

0.01

to

9.99

$ 250.00

10.00

to

99.99

$ 500.00

100.00

to

999.99

$ 1,500.00

1,000.00

to

9,999.99

$ 2,500.00

10,000.00

to

49,999.99

$ 10,000.00

50,000.00

and above

$ 50,000.00

The fee shall be due and payable to the department not later than September 1 of each year, or not later than a date specified by the department in the invoice which shall be no less than thirty (30) days following receipt of an invoice from the department, whichever is later. The fee shall be based on the quantity of hazardous waste generated and/or chemicals released during the preceding calendar year. The department shall annually prepare an invoice for the amount of the pollution prevention fee due from each generator or facility operator and furnish it to each generator or facility operator. The proceeds of the fee shall be deposited into the Environmental Protection Trust Fund created in Section 17-17-217 .

(2) From and after July 1, 1995, the department shall exclude from the calculation of the pollution prevention fee any hazardous waste recycled on-site or shipped off-site for recycling as reported on the Mississippi Annual Hazardous Waste Report or its equivalent and any chemicals recycled on-site or shipped off-site for recycling as reported under Section 313 of EPCRA. The hazardous waste generator or the facility operator shall submit any information the department deems necessary to substantiate that the hazardous waste or chemicals were recycled.

(3) At the discretion of the commission, a generator or facility operator shall be liable for a penalty not to exceed three (3) times the amount of the fee due and payable for failure to pay the fee on or before the due date, plus the amount necessary to reimburse the cost of collection.

(4) From and after July 1, 1995, the department shall exclude from any calculation of pollution prevention fee any hazardous waste or chemical for which a Title V permit fee is assessed to the same generator or facility operator.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-13-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 13-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-13-17
Status: in_force

In case of the resale or disposition of quail carcasses originally purchased or received from a licensed quail producer and in turn sold or donated by another person, a record of each subsequent change of ownership must be made. The following information must be recorded by the present owner about the owner who receives the quail: name and address of the person or business to which the quail carcasses were transferred, the date of the transfer and the kind and number of quail transferred. The record of the quail transfer of ownership must be kept by the person or business selling or donating the quail for a period of one (1) year following the ownership transfer and shall, upon request, be available for inspection by a representative of the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-31-17
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Development Authority shall assist and actively promote the recycling industry in the state. Assistance and promotion of the recycling industry shall include, but is not limited to:

(a) Identification and analysis, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Quality, of components of the state's recycling industry and present and potential markets for recyclable materials in the state or other states;

(b) Provision of information on the availability and benefits of using recycled materials to business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities within the state;

(c) Distribution of any material prepared in implementing this section to business, industry, academic institutions, governmental entities and the general public upon request; and

(d) Active promotion of the present markets and development of the potential markets of recyclable materials through the resources of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Development Authority.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-25-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / 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. § 49-17-42 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 17-42
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-17-42
Status: in_force

(1) Any lender or holder who maintains indicia of ownership primarily to protect an interest in a property, facility, or other person, and who does not participate in the management of the property, facility, or other person, shall not be considered an owner or operator of that property, facility, or other person, nor liable under any pollution control or other environmental protection law, or any rule or regulation or written order of the commission in pursuance thereof, for the prevention, clean-up, removal, remediation or abatement of any pollution, hazardous waste or solid waste placed, released or dumped on, in, about or near the property, facility or other person or caused by any operator on or of the property, facility or other person.

(2) This section shall apply to actions commenced by the commission or by third parties.

(3) In implementing this section, the commission shall adopt regulations equivalent to those proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for this purpose.

(4) This section shall apply to all interests existing at the time of passage of this chapter and thereafter created, whether secured or unsecured.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-79 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 15-79
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-79
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to use or attempt to use a purse seine for the taking of fish or to have such seine in the water within one (1) mile of the shoreline of the County of Hancock or Harrison in the State of Mississippi. The Boards of Supervisors of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties shall have the authority to submit proposed regulations to the commission to regulate within their respective counties the use of and trammel nets. The commission may consider all such proposals submitted by the boards of supervisors in formulating regulations to be promulgated under this section.

(2) A person, firm or corporation convicted of a violation of this section or regulations promulgated under this section shall be punished by the penalties provided in Section 49-15-100(2), Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-207 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / 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. § 49-23-13 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 23-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-13
Status: in_force

All persons, partnerships, corporations or other business entities engaging in the outdoor advertising business, except persons erecting signs for personal activities or business, which includes but is not limited to the erection, maintenance and selling of advertising space on and along the highways and public roads of Mississippi, shall be required to provide the Mississippi State Highway Commission a bond under the rules and regulations as promulgated by the highway commission, but provided said bond does not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in amount.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-40 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-40
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-40
Status: in_force

The department may support projects in the nature of digging or constructing canals or ditches to bring additional water to existing oyster reefs or beds in need of that water, or for the purpose of creating or establishing new oyster reefs or beds. The department may also enter into interstate or intrastate efforts to support these projects and may seek and utilize aid from all federal, state and local sources in this endeavor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-29 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 23-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-23-29
Status: in_force

Federal funds appropriated to carry out the provisions of Sections 49-23-1 through 49-23-29 are to be apportioned to the commissioners' districts in the same manner as said federal funds are apportioned to the state, and matching state funds are to be apportioned to the commissioners' districts proportionately.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-81 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-5-81
Status: in_force

The commission may enter into agreements with the department for the purpose of providing camping and other recreational facilities on any such land acquired under Section 49-5-71 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-33 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 25 / Section 28-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-28-33
Status: in_force

All special assessments levied under this chapter shall be payable in equal annual installments over a period not to exceed twenty-five (25) years, as determined by the board of commissioners, with interest from the date of the confirmation of the assessment at a rate, to be fixed by the board of commissioners, which will produce sufficient funds for the payment of all or a specified portion of the principal of and interest on the bonds as they mature and accrue and for fees and expenses for a paying agent or trustee, or both for the bonds. The amount to be paid through the special assessments may be limited by the board of commissioners to the amounts needed for the purposes specified in this section. Any property owner who shall not have taken an appeal from the assessment, upon failure to pay the assessment in full within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation, shall be deemed to have elected to pay the assessment in installments as provided in this section, and shall be deemed to have admitted the legality of the assessment, and the right to contest the validity of the assessment shall be waived. The installments of the assessment shall be due and payable at the same time that the annual real property tax becomes due and payable, commencing with the first county tax levy which is payable after the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of the assessment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-215 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-215
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-215
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall actively and diligently encourage all eligible owners to use their own resources or to employ the resources of private vendors to implement approved practices.

(2) The commission shall not enter into active competition with eligible owners or private vendors for the on-the-ground job of implementing any approved practice as it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage private business, forest industries and the forestry community to participate in the economic development which will be provided by Sections 49-19-201 through 49-19-227 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-86 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 15-86
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-86
Status: in_force

(1) Each vessel used in catching or taking any saltwater crabs in the waters of the State of Mississippi for commercial purposes shall obtain a license from the department and shall pay an annual resident license fee of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) or an annual nonresident license fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00).

(2) The department may require a recreational crabber's license for an administrative fee not to exceed Five Dollars ($5.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-86 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 15-86
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-86
Status: in_force

(1) Each vessel used in catching or taking any saltwater crabs in the waters of the State of Mississippi for commercial purposes shall obtain a license from the department and shall pay an annual resident license fee of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) or an annual nonresident license fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00).

(2) The department may require a recreational crabber's license for an administrative fee not to exceed Five Dollars ($5.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-26-1 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 26-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-26-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Channel Maintenance Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-17 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 18 / Section 19-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-19-17
Status: in_force

The state and county boards of public education are directed to provide for proper courses of instruction by textbooks, or lectures on the general subject of forestry in all the public schools and colleges of this state; and they are further directed to provide for the celebration of arbor day by all public schools, on which day ornamental and shade trees, flowers, etc., are to be placed, where practicable, on the grounds surrounding all public schoolhouses.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-7 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 15-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-7
Status: in_force

All shells of dead oysters, clams and other shellfish; and all of the oyster shells, clam shells, mussel shells, dead reef shells, and cay shells, being upon or under the bottom of, or under the tidewaters within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Mississippi, and all beds, banks and accumulations of such shells within such territorial jurisdiction on or under the bottoms of such waters, or surrounded by such waters, being the property of the State of Mississippi are hereby further declared to be the property of the State of Mississippi under the jurisdiction of the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-23 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 11-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-11-23
Status: in_force

The operator shall furnish and issue a consecutively numbered certificate to any hunter or person leaving with harvested game. The certificate shall bear the license number and name of the shooting preserve or commercial wildlife enclosure or its licensed operator. The certificate shall contain the person's name, address, date of issuance and number and species of harvested game in possession. The certificate must remain with the harvested game until the game is prepared for consumption.
Miss. Code Ann. § 49-15-64 — MS Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / 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.