Mississippi House Bill HB1200

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Failed: 3/14/24

Caption

Department of Marine Resources; revise administrative hearing procedure for.

Impact

The bill amends various sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 that govern the administrative operations of the Department of Marine Resources. Specifically, it intends to streamline the administrative process regarding violations, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the compliance officer and other officials involved in hearing complaints. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that individuals aggrieved by final decisions from the department are entitled to judicial review, thereby maintaining a balance between regulatory enforcement and the rights of individuals affected by those regulations.

Summary

House Bill 1200 introduces significant revisions to administrative hearing procedures for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The bill aims to establish a clearer and more structured process for handling complaints related to violations of marine regulations. A key provision of the bill is the designation of a compliance officer within the department, responsible for overseeing the enforcement of these procedures and ensuring that complaints are handled efficiently and fairly.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 1200 is related to the powers granted to the compliance officer and the implications of amending procedural requirements. Concerns have been raised about the potential for overreach and whether the new processes might undermine the rights of individuals facing allegations of violations. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary for effective enforcement and regulation of marine resources, while critics fear it could hinder fair administrative practices.

Additional_provisions

The bill also seeks to clarify that no individual shall face criminal prosecution for matters compelled by the department during hearings, except for instances of perjury. This provision aims to encourage transparency and compliance with marine regulations by protecting individuals who may need to provide evidence regarding alleged violations.