reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-9 - Chief law enforcement officer

The director shall appoint a chief law enforcement officer who shall be qualified and experienced in law enforcement work and who has served for not less than five (5) years as a duly sworn wildlife enforcement officer in the department and who has served in a supervisory position. The chief law enforcement officer shall be furnished a vehicle to perform his duties of overseeing all enforcement operations throughout the state in accordance with department policy. The officer shall enter into bond in the same amount as provided for the director, and conditioned upon the same terms. The primary duty of the chief law enforcement officer shall be directing the enforcement of all game and fish laws and regulations, cooperating with the cattle theft bureau of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and instructing all conservation officers in the discharge of their respective duties. The salary of the chief law enforcement officer shall be fixed by the commission in its discretion.
Codes, 1942, § 5843; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1938, ch. 178; Laws, 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1944, ch. 234; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 1; Laws, 1948, ch. 254, § 1; Laws, 1952, ch. 186, § 3; Laws, 1956, ch. 147, § 3; Laws, 1958, ch. 172, § 2; Laws, 1960, ch. 163, § 2; Laws, 1966, ch. 445, § 14; Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 7; Laws, 1983, ch. 368, § 2; Laws, 1993, ch. 574, § 3; Laws, 1996, ch. 412, § 3, eff. 3/21/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-11 - Public relations officer

The director, with the advice and consent of the commission, shall appoint a qualified public relations officer whose duty it shall be to make information available to the public concerning rules, regulations, and policies of the commission, to generally make information available to the public on game and fish conservation work, and to perform such other public relations duties as may be directed by the director. His salary shall be fixed by the commission in its discretion.
Codes, 1942, § 5843; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1938, ch. 178; Laws, 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1944, ch. 234; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 1; Laws, 1948, ch. 254, § 1; Laws, 1952, ch. 186, § 3; Laws, 1956, ch. 147, § 3; Laws, 1958, ch. 172, § 2; Laws, 1960, ch. 163, § 2; Laws, 1966, ch. 445, § 14, eff. 7/1/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-12 - Wardens, game wardens, and game and fish wardens designated conservation officers; construction and effect of designation

(1)
The term "conservation officer" means a law enforcement officer of the department.
(2)
Wherever the terms "warden," "game warden," or "game and fish warden" appear, the same shall mean conservation officer.
Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 1; Laws, 1994, ch. 592, § 3, eff. 4/8/1994.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-13 - Conservation officers

The director is hereby authorized and directed to appoint as many conservation officers as may be required to efficiently enforce the laws for the protection of wild animals, birds and fish, and the laws relating to theft of cattle, trespass prohibitions and litter. These officers shall be located in different sections of the state where their services are most needed. Conservation officers shall police the state lands in their respective districts and prohibit the unlawful cutting of timber. The salary of the conservation officers shall be as determined by the State Personnel Board, or its successor.
Each conservation officer and supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed the amount specified in the appropriation bill.
Codes, 1942, § 5851; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1934, ch. 283; Laws, 1938, ch. 178; Laws, 1944, ch. 234; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 2; Laws, 1950, ch. 214; Laws, 1952, chs. 192, § 4, 186, § 4; Laws, 1958, ch. 171; Laws, 1962, ch. 184; Laws, 1973, ch. 502, § 1; Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 8; Laws, 1978, ch. 417, § 2; Laws, 1980, ch. 553, § 1; Laws, 1982, ch. 365, § 2; Laws, 1996, ch. 370, § 1, eff. 3/18/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-14 - Retiring sworn law enforcement officer employed by Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks authorized to retain side arm under certain circumstances

(1)
Each person employed by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a sworn law enforcement officer who meets the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, and who retires for superannuation or for reason of disability under the Public Employees' Retirement System, upon his request, may be allowed by the commission to retain, as his personal property, one (1) side arm which was issued to him, during his service, provided funds are available for such purpose.
(2)
In order to be eligible to retain a side arm issued to him under subsection (1) of this section, a retiring sworn law enforcement officer employed by the commission must have attended and successfully completed the law enforcement curriculum at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy, and must be certified as a qualified law enforcement officer by the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training.
Laws, 1992, ch. 549, § 1; Laws, 2007, ch. 420, § 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-15 - Conservation officers; appointments and qualifications

(1)
All appointments of conservation officers shall be under rules adopted and promulgated by the commission. No person shall be appointed from and after July 1, 2001, unless he meets the following requirements:
(a)
Is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(b)
Has successfully completed sixty-four (64) semester hours at an accredited community college or university or has an associate degree from an accredited community college or has passed the Law Enforcement Academy and has at least two (2) years experience in law enforcement.
(2)
Each applicant, prior to entering into performance of his duties, at the expense of the department, shall attend and complete an appropriate curriculum in the field of law enforcement at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy or other training academy whose curriculum complies with requirements of the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Conservation officers shall, on a periodic basis, be required to successfully complete additional advanced courses in law enforcement in order that they will be properly improved and trained in the modern, technical advances of law enforcement.
Codes, 1942, §§ 5851, 5852; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1934, ch. 283; Laws, 1938, ch. 178; Laws, 1944, ch. 234; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 2; Laws, 1950, ch. 214; Laws, 1952, chs. 192, § 4, 186, § 4; Laws, 1958, ch. 171; Laws, 1962, ch. 184; Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 9; Laws, 1980, ch. 553, § 2; Laws, 1984, ch. 518, § 4; Laws, 1984, 1st Ex Sess, ch. 28, § 2; Laws, 1985, ch. 504, § 6; Laws, 1989, ch. 423, § 1; Laws, 1998, ch. 346, § 1; Laws, 2001, ch. 506, § 1; Laws, 2002, ch. 362, § 1, eff. 3/18/2002.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 345, HB 516,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-17 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1980, ch. 553, § 5, eff. 7/1/1980.
Codes, 1942, §§ 5853, 5871; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1944, ch. 237, § 1; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 4; Laws, 1954, ch. 172; Laws, 1956, ch. 150; Laws, 1958, ch. 174; Laws, 1962, ch. 189, § 2; Laws, 1966, ch. 263, § 1; Laws, 1971, ch. 372, § 1; Am Laws, 1974, ch. 569 § 10.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-19 - Political activity

(1)
No member of the commission, the executive director, administrative officer, employee, supervisor or conservation officer shall be active in any manner for or on behalf of his own candidacy or the candidacy of any candidate for any public office during his term of office or employment with said department. Violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class II violation and upon conviction thereof the violator shall be punished as provided in Section
49-7-143
for each offense. A conviction shall render vacant the office or position of the violator.
(2)
While retaining the right to vote as he may please and to express privately his opinions on all political subjects, no executive director or conservation officer shall use his official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with an election or affecting the results thereof, nor for the purpose of coercing the political action of any person or body.
Codes, 1942, §§ 5841, 5854; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 193; Laws, 1944, ch. 234, § 1; Laws, 1948, ch. 255, § 1; Laws, 1952, ch. 186, § 1; Laws, 1956, ch. 147, § 1; Laws, 1958, ch. 172, § 1; Laws, 1960, ch. 163, § 1 Para.Para. (a)-(e); Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 11; Laws, 1985, ch. 504, § 8; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 12, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-21 - Fidelity bonds; oath of office

(1)
Each member of the commission or any officer or employee of the commission handling funds of the commission shall execute and file with the proper officer a bond in the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00), with a surety company authorized to do business in the state, which bond shall be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance and conditioned upon the faithful performance of his official duties. Premiums on the bonds shall be paid by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
(2)
The executive director shall execute and file with the State Treasurer a bond in the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) and each conservation officer shall execute and file a bond in the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), conditioned upon the faithful performance of their respective duties and that they, respectively, will account for and pay over pursuant to law all state monies received by them under the laws for the protection of wild animals, birds and fish. They shall be reimbursed for the premiums on their bonds from the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund in case a surety company acts as surety on such bond.
Before entering upon the duties of his office, the Executive Director and each conservation officer of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall take and subscribe to the constitutional oath of office. Such oath or affirmation shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
Codes, 1942, §§ 5841, 5855; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 193, 1938, ch. 178; Laws, 1944, ch. 234, § 1; Laws, 1948, ch. 255, § 1; Laws, 1952, ch. 186, § 1; Laws, 1956, ch. 147, § 1; Laws, 1958, ch. 172, § 1; Laws, 1960, ch. 163, § 1 Para.Para. (a)-(e); Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 12; Laws, 1982, ch. 365, § 3; Laws, 1983, ch. 368, § 1; Laws, 1991, ch. 366, § 1, eff. 3/15/1991.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-23 - and 49-1-24 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1988, ch. 405, eff.7/1/1988.
§ 49-1-23. [Codes, 1942, §§ 5841, 5853; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 193; Laws, 1944, ch. 234, § 1; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 4; Laws, 1948, ch. 255, § 1; Laws, 1952, ch. 186, § 1; Laws, 1956, ch. 147, § 1; Laws, 1958, ch. 172, § 1; Laws, 1960, ch. 163, § 1 Para.Para. (a)-(e); Am Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 13] § 49-1-24. [Laws, 1980, ch. 553, § 6]
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-25 - and 49-1-27 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1978, ch. 484, § 30, eff. 7/1/1979.
§ 49-1-25. [Codes, 1942, § 5843; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1938, ch. 178; 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1944, ch. 234; Laws, 1946, ch. 423, § 1; Laws, 1948, ch. 254, § 1; Laws, 1952, ch. 186, § 3; Laws, 1956, ch. 147, § 3; Laws, 1958, ch. 172, § 2; Laws, 1960, ch. 163, § 2; Laws, 1966, ch. 445, § 14] § 49-1-27. [Codes, 1942, § 5842; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; 1952, ch. 186, § 2; 1956, ch. 147, § 2; 1960, ch. 163 § 1(f)]
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-31 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 2000, ch. 376, § 1, eff. 4/17/2000.
Codes, 1942, § 5844-11; Laws, 1946, ch. 209, § 1; Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 14, eff. 4/24/1974.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-33 - Acquisition of lands overflowed by construction of dam

Whenever the commission shall desire to construct or cause to be constructed any dam or similar structure in or across any lake, stream, river or other waters under its control in order to prevent or control the deterioration or drying up of such waters, and the construction of such dam or other structure could cause the level of such waters to be raised and thereby cause the land or property adjoining or adjacent to such lake, stream, river, or other waters to be overflowed, inundated or flooded, the commission shall have the power and authority to acquire, hold and own any such land or property so overflowed, inundated or flooded from the owner thereof by purchase, grant, donation, or otherwise. The commission is hereby authorized and empowered to exercise the right of eminent domain to condemn any such land or property in the manner and method now or hereafter provided by law for the exercise of such right of eminent domain by railway, telegraph and telephone companies, and/or the Mississippi Transportation Commission.
Codes, 1942, § 5844-01; Laws, 1944, ch. 235, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 13, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-35 - Official magazine of department

(1)
The commission may publish an official magazine concerning the activities of the department and other matters of interest to Mississippi hunters, fishermen, boaters and other outdoorsmen. The commission may set, charge and collect a fee for subscriptions and make such other rules and regulations as may be necessary for the publishing of such magazine.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, the term "publish" includes the publishing and production of the current print version of a magazine, as well as the production and distribution of a digital version of the magazine which shall be available exclusively online and/or in a mobile application.
(3)
In order to offset costs related to the print and digital versions of the magazine, and to minimize subscription costs, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to sell advertisements in and on any media falling under its control, including the official magazine, the department's website and any mobile application.
(4)
The department may establish a fund to be known as the MS Outdoors Fund. The proceeds from subscriptions and sales of advertisements shall be deposited in such fund. Monies in such fund shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account in an approved state depository. Proceeds from this account, along with the interest earned on the same, for each fiscal year's magazine shall be transferred to the department's operating account to defray the publishing expenses of MS Outdoors, the digital magazine and related expenses.
Codes, 1942, § 5844-05; Laws, 1962, ch. 183; Laws, 1983, ch. 338; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 14, eff. 4/30/2000.
Amended by Laws, 2016, ch. 370, HB 1157, 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-37 - Power to dispose of contraband animals, birds, fish, etc

The edible portions of all game or fur-bearing animals, game birds, and fish seized under the provisions of this chapter or any other law for the protection of wild animals, birds, or fish, shall be disposed of by the department or under its direction to needy recipients, charitable institutions within the state and to local law enforcement agencies having facilities to prepare food for prisoners. Skins or pelts of fur-bearing animals, taken illegally, may be seized and sold by order of the department, and the funds received for same shall be paid into the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund. Nongame birds, fish and animals or parts thereof, and the plumes or skins of game birds of foreign species shall be disposed of by the department, or under its direction, by gift to scientific institutions, or, in the discretion of the department, they shall be kept by it for scientific or educational purposes, or may be destroyed. The officer disposing of any such animals, birds, fish or parts thereof, shall take a receipt from the donee for any such gift, which receipt shall be filed in the office of the department, and the department shall keep a permanent record of such gifts.
Codes, 1942, § 5848; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 221; Laws, 1982, ch. 365, § 4; Laws, 2002, ch. 363, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-39 - Power to capture or destroy animals injurious to property

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.
Codes, 1942, § 5849; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1970, ch. 280, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 368, § 1, eff. 4/17/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-43.1 - Conservation officers not subject to criminal liability for trespass when performing official duties

(1)
A conservation officer may enter in or upon public or private lands or waters where game or fish are known to range in the performance of his duties to enforce the wildlife laws of the state and the conservation officer shall not be subject to criminal liability for trespass while performing such duties.
(2)
The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not authorize a conservation officer to engage in any conduct in violation of a person's constitutional right against unreasonable searches and seizures nor expand or enlarge upon the powers and duties of a conservation officer as specifically provided for under Section
49-1-43
.
Laws, 2006, ch. 511, § 1, eff. 3/29/2006.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-44 - Powers and duties of conservation officers to apprehend certain violators

In addition to the regulations of the commission and the statutes relating to protection and preservation of wildlife and the environment, conservation officers are hereby authorized to assist in the detection and apprehension of violators of the laws of this state which pertain to theft of cattle, to enforce and apprehend violators of the laws of this state which pertain to unauthorized dumping of garbage, obstructing streams and littering, as set forth specifically in Sections
97-15-13
,
97-15-21
,
97-15-23
,
97-15-25
,
97-15-27
,
97-15-29
,
97-15-31
,
97-15-39
,
97-15-41
,
97-15-43
,
97-15-45
,
97-17-53
,
97-17-79
,
97-17-81
and
97-17-83
, but not limited thereto, and in addition to any other powers and duties otherwise delegated or assigned to conservation officers.
Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 2; Laws, 1994, ch. 592, § 2, eff. 4/8/1994.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-45 - Publication of rules, regulations and orders

Rules, regulations and orders of the commission shall be published in accordance with the "Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law."
Codes, 1942, § 5846; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 2006, ch. 372, § 1, eff. 3/13/2006.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-47 - Commission may execute deeds to clear up ambiguities in conveyances to it

The commission is hereby authorized to execute and deliver deeds or other documents to make clear any ambiguity that may exist in any deed or conveyance to it, or to make the deed or conveyance to the commission conform to the intent of the parties as to the estate or rights or easements conveyed. Such deeds or documents shall be based upon an order of the commission setting forth the facts, shall be submitted to and approved by the Attorney General and executed and delivered for the commission by the director.
Codes, 1942, § 5912-01; Laws, 1946, ch. 470, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 16, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-49 - Cooperation with other departments

The commission is hereby authorized to, and shall cooperate with the several state departments and officials in the conduct of matters in which the interest of the respective departments or officials overlap.
Codes, 1942, § 5845; Laws, 1932, ch. 123.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-51 - Funds

All funds collected by the department under this chapter shall be used by the commission for the purpose of carrying out all purposes of this chapter.
Codes, 1942, § 5862; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 221; Laws, 1938, ch. 178; Laws, 1948, ch. 25, § 3; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 17, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-53 - Offices; supplies

The department may, with any funds owned by it, purchase equipment and/or office furnishings sufficient to carry on its work; and, if the Department of Finance and Administration cannot assign suitable offices for the department in either of the state capitols, in the city of Jackson, then the Department of Finance and Administration shall rent suitable offices to properly house the department which shall then be authorized to pay such rental out of any of its funds.
Codes, 1942, § 5911; Laws, 1934, ch. 284; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 18, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-55 - Natural Science Museum

(1)
The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is hereby designated as Mississippi's official State Natural Science Museum.
The museum will henceforth be named "Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, The Fannye A. Cook Memorial, a Division of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks."
(2)
The Legislature shall annually appropriate from the General Fund a sum to defray not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the expenses of the museum.
Codes, 1942, § 5928.5; Laws, 1971, ch. 309, §§ 1, 2; Laws, 1977, ch. 356; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 19, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-57 - Assent to federal program for promotion of hunter safety, principles of conservation and sportsmanship

The State of Mississippi hereby assents to the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled, "An Act to Revise and Clarify the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act," approved October 23, 1970 (Public Law 91-503, 91st Congress). The department may:
(a)
Establish a hunter safety conservation and sportsmanship program;
(b)
Apply for, receive and expend funds from any source for this program; and
(c)
Discharge any other duties, responsibilities and powers as are necessary to implement the program.
Codes, 1942, § 5844-13; Laws, 1972, ch. 314, § 1; Laws, 1995, ch. 409, § 1, eff. 3/15/1995.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-59 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1995, ch. 409, § 6, eff. 3/15/1995.
Codes, 1942, § 5844-14; Laws, 1972, ch. 314, § 2.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-60 - Insurance covering hunter safety program

(1)
The department is hereby authorized to purchase liability insurance to cover the following:
(a)
Any officer in charge and control of an armory used for firearm instruction in the State of Mississippi, as a part of the Mississippi Hunter Safety Program;
(b)
Any Mississippi certified hunter and firearm instructor, while participating in the Mississippi Hunter Safety Program; and
(c)
Any student participating in hunter safety courses sponsored by the department's Hunter Safety Program and being taught by a hunter safety instructor certified by the department's Hunter Safety Program.
(2)
The premium for such liability insurance shall be paid from the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund.
Laws, 1974, ch. 524, §§ 1, 2; Laws, 1982, ch. 365, § 5; Laws, 1985, ch. 474, § 52; Laws, 1986, ch. 438, § 33; Laws, 1987, ch. 483, § 34; Laws, 1988, ch. 442, § 31; Laws, 1989, ch. 537, § 30; Laws, 1990, ch. 518, § 31; Laws, 1991, ch. 618, § 30; Laws, 1992, ch. 491 § 32; Laws, 1995, ch. 409, § 2, eff. 3/15/1995.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-61 - through 49-1-63 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1995, ch. 409, §§ 7-9, eff.3/15/1995.
§ 49-1-61. [Codes, 1942, § 5844-15; Laws, 1972, ch. 314, § 3] § 49-1-62. [Laws, 1976, ch. 383, § 2] § 49-1-63. [Codes, 1942, § 5844-16; Laws, 1972, ch. 314, § 4]
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-1-65) › Section 49-1-65 - Hunter Education and Training Program Fund

Any assessments collected under subsection (3) of Section
99-19-73
shall be deposited in a special fund hereby created in the State Treasury and designated the "Hunter Education and Training Program Fund," which shall be expended to defray the expenses of the program as authorized and appropriated by the Legislature. In addition, the Legislature shall annually appropriate from the General Fund a sum to defray the necessary expenses of the program.
Laws, 1976, ch. 383, § 3; Laws, 1978, ch. 384, § 1; Laws, 1982, ch. 365, § 6; Laws, 1990, ch. 329, § 9; Laws, 1995, ch. 409, § 3, eff. 3/15/1995.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-1 - Declaration of purpose

It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Legislature to conserve, manage, develop and protect our natural resources and wildlife for the benefit of this and succeeding generations by reorganizing the natural resource and wildlife conservation functions of state government into the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks thereby providing more effective organizations through which the methods of conserving, managing, developing and protecting our natural resources and wildlife can be analyzed, coordinated and implemented.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 20, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-2 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed herein, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a)
"Department" means the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
(b)
"Commission" means the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality.
(c)
"Office" means an administrative subdivision of the department.
(d)
"Executive director" means the chief officer of the department.
(e)
"Environmental self-evaluation report" means any document, including any audit, report, finding, communication, or opinion or any draft of an audit, report, finding, communication or opinion, prepared solely as a part of or in connection with a voluntary self-assessment that is done in good faith, which report is kept and maintained solely within the confines of the evaluated party.
(f)
"Voluntary self-evaluation" means a self-initiated internal assessment, audit, or review, not otherwise expressly required by environmental law, of a facility or an activity at a facility, or management systems related to a facility or an activity. A voluntary self-evaluation shall be designed to identify and prevent noncompliance with environmental laws, and improve compliance with environmental laws. In addition, a voluntary self-evaluation must be conducted by an owner or operator of a facility or an employee of the owner or operator or by a private contractor engaged by the owner or operator.
(g)
"Environmental law" means any federal, state or local statute, rule or regulation, or any order, award, agreement, release, permit, license, standard or notice from or issued by a federal, state or local court, agency or governmental authority in pursuance thereof.
Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 134; Laws, 1990, ch. 522, § 27; Laws, 1995, ch. 627, § 3, eff. 7/1/1995.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-3 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1989, ch. 544, § 131, eff. 7/1/1989.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 2.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-4 - Department of Environmental Quality; executive director; qualifications

(1)
There is hereby created the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality whose offices shall be located in Jackson, Mississippi.
(2)
The department shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The appointment of the executive director shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate, not less than every four (4) years. The executive director may assign to the appropriate bureaus such powers and duties as deemed appropriate to carry out the department's lawful functions. The executive director shall have the following minimum qualifications:
(a)
A master's degree in a field related to natural resources, and at least six (6) years' full-time experience in natural resources, including at least three (3) years of management experience; or
(b)
A bachelor's degree in a field related to natural resources or administration and at least eight (8) years of full-time work in the field of natural resources, including four (4) years of management experience.
The executive director shall be the chief administrative officer of the department.
Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 128, eff. 7/1/1989.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 497, SB 2799,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2024.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-6 - Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality assuming powers and duties of Mississippi Commission on Natural Resources

The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality shall be the Mississippi Commission on Natural Resources with the exception of the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and shall retain all powers and duties granted by law to the Mississippi Commission on Natural Resources with the exception of the Division of Parks and Recreation, and wherever the term "Mississippi Commission on Natural Resources" appears in any law the same shall mean the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality.
Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 129, eff. 7/1/1989.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-7 - Department of Environmental Quality assuming powers and duties of Department of Natural Resources; organization of department; duties

The Department of Environmental Quality shall be the Mississippi Department of Natural Resources with the exception of the Office of Parks and Recreation, and shall retain all powers and duties granted by law to the Mississippi Department of Natural Resources with the exception of the Office of Parks and Recreation, and wherever the term "Mississippi Department of Natural Resources" appears in any law the same shall mean the Department of Environmental Quality. The Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality may assign to the appropriate offices any powers and duties deemed appropriate to carry out the lawful duties of the department.
The department shall be composed of the following offices:
(a)
Office of Geology and Energy Resources;
(b)
Office of Land and Water Resources; and
(c)
Office of Pollution Control.
Each office shall be composed of the administrative units set forth in the consolidation plan adopted by the commission, subject to changes by the executive director, with approval of the commission, as hereinafter set forth.
The department is designated as the single state department to receive and expend any federal funds being received or expended by any agency transferred to the department by Chapter 484, Laws of 1978, and to receive and expend any federal funds made available for matters within the jurisdiction of the department.
The department shall be responsible for conserving, managing, developing and protecting the natural resources of the State of Mississippi within the jurisdiction of the department, with the exception of functions of the Office of Recreation and Parks. The department shall coordinate all functions of state government related to natural resources within the jurisdiction of the department. The department shall not exercise any of its authority or powers granted under the provisions of this section in a manner which would be inconsistent with the provisions of Section
29-1-1
.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 5; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 132; Laws, 1990, ch. 522, § 28; Laws, 1993, ch. 615, § 4, eff. 7/1/1993.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-15 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1989, ch. 544, § 131, eff. 7/1/1989.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 9.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-16 - Qualifications for certain office heads

(1)
The head of the Office of Geology and Energy Resources shall be a geologist, petroleum engineer or energy engineer of established reputation with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in geology, petroleum engineering or energy engineering or a field related thereto.
(2)
The head of the Office of Land and Water Resources shall possess a minimum of six (6) years' experience in a field related to the bureau's function.
(3)
The head of the Division of State Land and Water Resources of the Office of Land and Water Resources shall have six (6) years' experience in hydraulics and hydrology.
(4)
The head of the Division of Regional Water Resources of the Office of Land and Water Resources shall have a minimum of six (6) years' experience in a field related to the division's function.
(5)
The head of the Office of Pollution Control shall have a minimum of six (6) years' experience in a field related to pollution control.
Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 135; Laws, 1990, ch. 522, § 30, eff. 7/1/1990.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-17 - Assistant for administration

Effective July 1, 1979, the executive director shall employ an assistant for administration and shall centralize under his office the following administrative functions for the entire department:
(a)
accounting;
(b)
payroll;
(c)
purchasing;
(d)
data processing;
(e)
personnel;
(f)
motor pool and vehicles;
(g)
maintenance;
(h)
printing and records; and
(i)
public relations.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 10, eff. 4/17/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-19 - Traveling expenses of departmental employees

All employees of the department, when authorized by the executive director, shall be entitled to transportation, traveling and subsistence expenses while away from the office on official business of the department, in accordance with Section
25-3-41
, Mississippi Code of 1972.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 19; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 21, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-21 - Attorney General as counsel to Commission and Department of Environmental Quality; executive director authorized to employ legal counsel

The Attorney General shall be counsel and attorney for the commission and the Department of Environmental Quality and shall provide such legal services as may be requested from time to time, without cost. The executive director is hereby authorized to employ such legal counsel as may be necessary or appropriate for the operation of the department.
Laws, 1978, ch. 484, § 20; Laws, 1990, ch. 480, § 1, eff. 3/26/1990.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-23 - Authority to enter agreements with National Space Technology Laboratories

The Mississippi Department of Natural Resources, as created in Section
49-2-7
, is designated as the primary agency of the State of Mississippi that shall enter into such agreements with the National Space Technology Laboratories (NSTL) located in Hancock County, Mississippi, as may be necessary to enable the State of Mississippi to have full access to all information and technical assistance that is made available through the NSTL.
Laws, 1979, ch. 416, § 1, eff. 7/1/1979.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-24 - Conference suite within Mississippi Technology Transfer Center named in honor of Herman Cowan Glazier, Jr

The conference suite within the Mississippi Technology Transfer Center at the National Space Technology Laboratories, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in Hancock County, Mississippi, is hereby named in honor of Herman Cowan Glazier, Jr.; and the Governor's Office of General Services shall have a distinctive plaque placed therein noting the designation provided for by this section.
Laws, 1988, ch. 326, eff. 4/13/1988.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-25 - Creation of office of technical resources; supervision

(1)
To assure the access and a proper utilization of assistance provided for in Section
49-2-23
, the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources, as provided by Section
49-2-11
, is hereby authorized to establish the office of technical resources within the NSTL facility in Hancock County and to direct and supervise the activities of this office and its personnel in a manner that will:
(a)
Provide the State of Mississippi, its political subdivisions and its people with an informed access to any and all of the services, skills, information and other capabilities which are available through the various functions of the federal government under its commitment to utilize its technical resources for public benefit.
(b)
Promote the transfer and utilization of such technical resources through a positive program of identifying, interpreting and informing potential users of these resources within the State of Mississippi.
(c)
Cooperate with all agencies and offices of the federal government and with any other state which share in the same objectives of the office of technical resources.
(d)
Manage, supervise and coordinate an orderly flow of these resources to all eligible users who request this service within the jurisdiction of the State of Mississippi.
(2)
The executive director of the Department of Natural Resources shall approve any change, acquisition of properties or the hiring of any additional personnel within the office of technical resources.
Laws, 1979, ch. 416, § 2, eff. 7/1/1979.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-27 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 1992, ch. 582, § 1, eff. 7/1/1993.
Laws, 1992, ch. 582, § 1, eff. 5/15/1992.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-29 - Strategic plan for operations of Department of Environmental Quality

(1)
The Department of Environmental Quality shall develop a strategic plan for its operations. The strategic plan shall cover a five-year period. The plan shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(a)
A clearly defined comprehensive statement of the mission, goals and objectives of the agency;
(b)
Performance effectiveness objectives (measurable indicators of output and outcome) for each program in the department;
(c)
A description of the department's internal management system used to evaluate its performance in relation to projected levels;
(d)
Detailed plans and strategies for meeting current and future needs and achieving goals and objectives established for the department;
(e)
A description of significant external factors which may affect any projected levels of performance, including an identification of priority and other service populations, or other service measures, under current law and how those populations are expected to change within the period of the plan;
(f)
A detailed analysis of the use of current agency resources in meeting current needs and expected future needs, and additional resources that may be necessary to meet future needs;
(g)
An analysis and estimate of the economic impact on the regulated community of regulations adopted by the Commission on Environmental Quality; and
(h)
An analysis of any likely or expected changes in the services provided by the department due to changes in state or federal law.
(2)
The department shall revise the plan biennially.
(3)
Upon completion of the initial plan and each revision, the department shall provide copies to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Senate Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources Committee, the Chairman of the House Conservation and Water Resources Committee, the Legislative Budget Office, the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Committee, the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration and the Legislative Reference Bureau.
(4)
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the department shall develop the strategic plan before July 1, 1995. However, if the comparative risk assessment required under Section
49-2-31
is initiated before September 1, 1994, the department shall develop the strategic plan before July 1, 1996.
Laws, 1994, ch. 598, § 3; Laws, 2009, ch. 546, § 16, eff. 4/15/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-131) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-2-1 — 49-2-33) › Section 49-2-31 - Comparative risk assessment

(1)
Before July 1, 1995, the Department of Environmental Quality shall complete a comparative risk assessment that will include consideration of environmental risks to the health and welfare of the citizens of Mississippi and to the environment. The assessment also shall include an examination of environmental factors, public health factors and socioeconomic factors. The department shall provide for public participation in the assessment process.
(2)
The requirements of this section shall be contingent upon the receipt of federal funds.
Laws, 1994, ch. 598, § 4, eff. 7/1/1994.