Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1737 Compare Versions

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Version 2 (New)

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1		-	MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Appropriations B; Appropriations A By: Representatives Bounds, Read, Anderson (122nd), Clark, Eure, Hale, Jackson (11th), Paden, Pigott House Bill 1737 ~~(As Passed the House)~~ AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the support and maintenance of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.......................... ............................................ $ 17,322,192.00. SECTION 2. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in any special fund in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks which is comprised of special source funds collected by or otherwise available to the department for the support and maintenance of the department, including the Museum of Natural Science and the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026........................................... ............................................ $ 73,770,137.00. The following sum, which is included in the sum appropriated above in this section, is appropriated out of the state excise taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products to the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026............................................ $ 5,750,000.00. The Department of Revenue is directed to set aside the amount of this appropriation or any part thereof at any time it sees fit, out of any collections of taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products, and to deduct the amounts so set aside from such funds before making distribution thereof. However, provisions shall first be made for the Highway Bonds Sinking Fund, as required under the provisions of Chapter 130, Laws of 1938, and any amendments thereto, and Section 27-5-101, Mississippi Code of 1972. Any funds available in the Wildlife Heritage Fund may be expended by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as authorized by law. The department shall make a detailed report to the Legislature regarding the spending of the Wildlife Heritage funds by September 1 for the preceding fiscal year. SECTION 3. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Section 2 to the Bureau of Wildlife and Fisheries, funds in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-five Dollars ($125,335.00) shall be derived from the Education Enhancement Fund deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of Project WILD for Fiscal Year 2026. SECTION 4. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of this act, the following positions are authorized: AUTHORIZED HEADCOUNT: Permanent: 518 Time-Limited: 42 With the funds herein appropriated, it shall be the agencys responsibility to make certain that funds required for Personal Services for Fiscal Year 2027 do not exceed Fiscal Year 2026 funds appropriated for that purpose unless programs or positions are added to the agencys Fiscal Year 2026 budget by the Mississippi Legislature. The Legislature shall determine the agencys personal services appropriation, which the State Personnel Board shall publish. The agencys personal services appropriation may consist of restricted funds for approved vacancies for Fiscal Year 2026 that may be utilized to fill vacant Fiscal Year 2025 headcount. It shall be the agency's responsibility to ensure that the funds provided for vacancies are used to increase headcount and not for promotions, title changes, in-range salary adjustments or any other mechanism for increasing salaries for current employees. It is the Legislatures intention that no employee salary falls below the minimum salary established by the Mississippi State Personnel Board. Additionally, the State Personnel Board shall determine and publish the projected annualized payroll costs based on current employees. It shall be the responsibility of the agency head to ensure that actual personnel expenditures for Fiscal Year 2026 do not exceed the data provided by the Legislative Budget Office. If the agencys Fiscal Year 2026 projected cost exceeds the annualized costs, no salary actions shall be processed by the State Personnel Board except for new hires determined to be essential for the agency. Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions, and procedures established by law or allowable under the terms set forth within this act. The State Personnel Board shall not escalate positions without written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration. The Department of Finance and Administration shall not provide written approval to escalate any funds for salaries and/or positions without proof of availability of new or additional funds above the appropriated level. No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available. None of the funds herein appropriated shall be used in violation of the Internal Revenue Services Publication 15-A relating to the reporting of income paid to contract employees, as interpreted by the Office of the State Auditor. SECTION 5. Each conservation officer and supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550.00) per annum. Provided further, when any personnel of the Bureau of Wildlife and Fisheries are transferred from one (1) county to another on a permanent assignment, the expense monies now paid on out-of-county duty shall not be applicable. SECTION 6. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall maintain complete accounting and personnel records related to the expenditure of all funds appropriated under this act and that such records shall be in the same format and level of detail as maintained for Fiscal Year 2025. It is further the intention of the Legislature that the agency's budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in a format and level of detail comparable to the format and level of detail provided during the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request process. SECTION 7. In compliance with the "Mississippi Performance Budget and Strategic Planning Act of 1994," it is the intent of the Legislature that the funds provided herein shall be utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible to achieve the intended mission of this agency. Based on the funding authorized, this agency shall make every effort to attain the targeted performance measures provided below: FY2026 Performance Measures Target Support Services Number of Hunting and Fishing Licenses Sold 480,000 Number of Registrations of Boats 65,000 Percent Change in License Sales 0.01 Percent Change in Boat Registration 0.08 Fisheries Number of Fish Stocked for Public Waters 1,500,000 Number of Customers of DWFP Lakes 80,000 Number of Participants in Aquatic Education 5,500 Number of Access Facilities Built or Maintained (Boat Ramps) 37 Wildlife MDWFP Management for Hunters and Non-Consumptive Users (Man-Days) 125,000 Research Projects Conducted to Sustain Healthy and Abundant Wildlife Populations 6 Acres of Forest Inventory 1,000 Acres of Prescribed Burning, Waterfowl Management, and Timber Management on WMA's to Sustain Healthy & Abundant Wildlife 25,000 Percent Change in Number of Research Projects Conducted to Sustain Healthy and Abundant Wildlife Populations -33.00 Percent Change in Number of Private Land Acres Influenced 0.00 Percent Change in the Number of Forest Inventories Conducted -80.00 Law Enforcement Number of Hunter Education Participants 11,000 Number of Hours Patrolled on Land 181,500 Number of Hours Patrolled on Water 32,500 Number of Criminal Investigations Conducted 8,000 Number of Shooting Sport Programs 1,600 Number of Boating Accidents 40 Number of Boating Fatalities 7 Cost per Student for Hunter Education 51.00 Cost per Sports Program 550.00 Percent Change in Number of Boating Accidents 0.00 Percent Change in Boating Related Fatalities 0.00 Percent Change in Public Contacts per Officer/per Day 15.00 Special Projects Percent Increase in Improved Use of Special Funds 0.00 Parks Overnight Accommodation (Cabins/Motels) 300,000 Overnight Accommodations (Camping) 650,000 Day Use Services 400,000 Percent Change in Day Use Services 0.00 Percent Change in the Prior Year of Occupancy Rate of Cabins 20.00 Museum Statewide Education Programming 145,000 Total Public Programming 250,000 Number of Visitors to Exhibits 90,000 Number of Natural Heritage Records Entered 85,000 Percent Change of Students that Understand the Importance of Natural Resource Conservation 5.00 Percent Change of Visitors to Exhibits 3.00 A reporting of the degree to which the performance targets set above have been or are being achieved shall be provided in the agency's budget request submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for Fiscal Year 2027. SECTION 8. Of the funds appropriated in Section 2, the following amount shall be derived from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Special Pearl River Timber Fund No. 3465, for the purpose of making improvements to the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area $ 50,000.00. SECTION 9. Of the funds appropriated within this act, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may enter into cooperative agreements with the board of supervisors of any county or any group or combination of counties for the purpose of creating, improving or restoring parks, public game and fish habitat lying or to be situated wholly or partially within such county or in an adjoining county; and each county is empowered and authorized, in its discretion, to expend funds from the general county fund for such purposes from which fund they shall reimburse to the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks the actual cost of all surveying and engineering projects incurred by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks incidental thereto. Such boards of supervisors are further authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to enter into agreements necessary to carry out the purposes of this act with any other county, the United States Forest Service or any other agency if same should be necessary for the acquisition of land by lease or otherwise for such purposes. SECTION 10. It shall be unlawful for any officer, employee or other person whatsoever to use or permit or authorize the use of any automobile or any other motor vehicle owned by the State of Mississippi or any department, agency or institution thereof for any purpose other than upon the official business of the State of Mississippi or any agency, department or institution thereof. It is the intent of the Legislature that motor vehicles authorized to be owned and operated by this agency shall comply with Sections 25-1-77 through 25-1-93, Mississippi Code of 1972. SECTION 11. In order to be in compliance with Section 63-1-201 et seq., funds are herein provided and may be expended by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to pay the costs of commercial driver's licenses for specific employees and/or to reimburse such costs for specific employees who, in the course of their duties and responsibilities, are required to hold a valid Mississippi Commercial Driver's License. SECTION 12. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to provide financial support of One Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($175,000.00) and to enter into an agreement with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service for a project specialist and related supportive cost. SECTION 13. The department is authorized to spend up to sixty percent (60%) of revenue in the State Park Timber Endowment Fund, as needed, to operate and maintain the state parks. SECTION 14. It is the intention of the Legislature that whenever two (2) or more bids are received by this agency for the purchase of commodities or equipment, and whenever all things stated in such received bids are equal with respect to price, quality and service, the Mississippi Industries for the Blind shall be given preference. A similar preference shall be given to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind whenever purchases are made without competitive bids. SECTION 15. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) is allocated for the detection and prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations across the state. SECTION 16. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) is allocated for LeFleurs Bluff State Park for playground security expenses. SECTION 17. Of the funds appropriated herein, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) may be provided to fund the Youth Participation Initiative for the purpose of educating children in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety. SECTION 18. It is the intention of the Legislature that no more than One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,300,000.00) be expended from the Motor Vehicle Fund for the purchase of any type of motor vehicle. SECTION 19. The executive director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to enter into an agreement with any public or private entities to manage any park or parks within the state park system. SECTION 20. It is the intent of the Legislature that no state-owned wildlife management area be closed and that to the greatest practicable extent, department land management decisions and actions may not result in any net loss of any acreage available for hunting opportunities that existed on July 1, 2006, as provided in Section 49-5-99(4). It is the intention of the Legislature that no state park be closed without legislative approval. SECTION 21. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the authority to enter into multi-year contracts for the purpose of placing a sign on such state park property under the department's domain, in accordance with any applicable rules and regulations. All proceeds generated from these activities shall remain with the department and shall be deposited into the proper special fund. SECTION 22. It is the intent of the Legislature that from the funds available to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the department may purchase and pay premium(s) on property damage insurance on its motor vehicles, boats, trailers, real property improvements, buildings, furnishings, and such other assets as may be appropriate or practical, and/or as required by a granting entity. SECTION 23. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Section 2, One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) shall be designated for the purpose of defraying the operational expenses of Special Projects. None of these funds shall be used for "Personal Services." SECTION 24. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the authority to receive, budget and expend funds from the Gulf and Wildlife Protection Fund, not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for the purpose of preservation, protection, conservation, and acquisition of waters, land and wildlife of this state. SECTION 25. It is the intention of the Legislature that the funds herein appropriated shall be expended in compliance with Section 27-104-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, that no state agency shall incur obligations or indebtedness in excess of their appropriation and that the responsible officers, either personally or upon their official bonds, shall be held responsible for actions contrary to this provision. SECTION 26. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Fifty-eight Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-three Dollars ($58,593.00) may be allocated for the Hunter Education program supported from the General Fund court assessments. SECTION 27. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Capital Expense Fund not otherwise appropriated for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Capital Expense Funds, as authorized in House Bill 1791, 2024 Regular Session, to defray expenses of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026........................................................... ............................................... $ 3,800,000.00. This appropriation is made for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein: (a) Projects on the Parks Improvement Plan... $ 2,300,000.00 (b) Museum Admissions Area Renovations....... $ 1,500,000.00 Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under this section, the amount that may be expended under the authority of this section, shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds remaining as of June 30, 2025, from the amount authorized for the previous fiscal year. In addition, this reappropriation shall not change the purpose for which the funds were originally authorized. SECTION 28. The money herein appropriated shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law. SECTION 29. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.
	1	+	MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Appropriations B; Appropriations A By: Representatives Bounds, Read, Anderson (122nd), Clark, Eure, Hale, Jackson (11th), Paden, Pigott House Bill 1737 AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the support and maintenance of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.......................... ............................................ $ 17,322,192.00. SECTION 2. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in any special fund in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks which is comprised of special source funds collected by or otherwise available to the department for the support and maintenance of the department, including the Museum of Natural Science and the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026........................................... ............................................ $ 73,770,137.00. The following sum, which is included in the sum appropriated above in this section, is appropriated out of the state excise taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products to the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026............................................ $ 5,750,000.00. The Department of Revenue is directed to set aside the amount of this appropriation or any part thereof at any time it sees fit, out of any collections of taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products, and to deduct the amounts so set aside from such funds before making distribution thereof. However, provisions shall first be made for the Highway Bonds Sinking Fund, as required under the provisions of Chapter 130, Laws of 1938, and any amendments thereto, and Section 27-5-101, Mississippi Code of 1972. Any funds available in the Wildlife Heritage Fund may be expended by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as authorized by law. The department shall make a detailed report to the Legislature regarding the spending of the Wildlife Heritage funds by September 1 for the preceding fiscal year. SECTION 3. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Section 2 to the Bureau of Wildlife and Fisheries, funds in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-five Dollars ($125,335.00) shall be derived from the Education Enhancement Fund deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of Project WILD for Fiscal Year 2026. SECTION 4. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of this act, the following positions are authorized: AUTHORIZED HEADCOUNT: Permanent: 518 Time-Limited: 42 With the funds herein appropriated, it shall be the agencys responsibility to make certain that funds required for Personal Services for Fiscal Year 2027 do not exceed Fiscal Year 2026 funds appropriated for that purpose unless programs or positions are added to the agencys Fiscal Year 2026 budget by the Mississippi Legislature. The Legislature shall determine the agencys personal services appropriation, which the State Personnel Board shall publish. The agencys personal services appropriation may consist of restricted funds for approved vacancies for Fiscal Year 2026 that may be utilized to fill vacant Fiscal Year 2025 headcount. It shall be the agency's responsibility to ensure that the funds provided for vacancies are used to increase headcount and not for promotions, title changes, in-range salary adjustments or any other mechanism for increasing salaries for current employees. It is the Legislatures intention that no employee salary falls below the minimum salary established by the Mississippi State Personnel Board. Additionally, the State Personnel Board shall determine and publish the projected annualized payroll costs based on current employees. It shall be the responsibility of the agency head to ensure that actual personnel expenditures for Fiscal Year 2026 do not exceed the data provided by the Legislative Budget Office. If the agencys Fiscal Year 2026 projected cost exceeds the annualized costs, no salary actions shall be processed by the State Personnel Board except for new hires determined to be essential for the agency. Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions, and procedures established by law or allowable under the terms set forth within this act. The State Personnel Board shall not escalate positions without written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration. The Department of Finance and Administration shall not provide written approval to escalate any funds for salaries and/or positions without proof of availability of new or additional funds above the appropriated level. No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available. None of the funds herein appropriated shall be used in violation of the Internal Revenue Services Publication 15-A relating to the reporting of income paid to contract employees, as interpreted by the Office of the State Auditor. SECTION 5. Each conservation officer and supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550.00) per annum. Provided further, when any personnel of the Bureau of Wildlife and Fisheries are transferred from one (1) county to another on a permanent assignment, the expense monies now paid on out-of-county duty shall not be applicable. SECTION 6. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall maintain complete accounting and personnel records related to the expenditure of all funds appropriated under this act and that such records shall be in the same format and level of detail as maintained for Fiscal Year 2025. It is further the intention of the Legislature that the agency's budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in a format and level of detail comparable to the format and level of detail provided during the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request process. SECTION 7. In compliance with the "Mississippi Performance Budget and Strategic Planning Act of 1994," it is the intent of the Legislature that the funds provided herein shall be utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible to achieve the intended mission of this agency. Based on the funding authorized, this agency shall make every effort to attain the targeted performance measures provided below: FY2026 Performance Measures Target Support Services Number of Hunting and Fishing Licenses Sold 480,000 Number of Registrations of Boats 65,000 Percent Change in License Sales 0.01 Percent Change in Boat Registration 0.08 Fisheries Number of Fish Stocked for Public Waters 1,500,000 Number of Customers of DWFP Lakes 80,000 Number of Participants in Aquatic Education 5,500 Number of Access Facilities Built or Maintained (Boat Ramps) 37 Wildlife MDWFP Management for Hunters and Non-Consumptive Users (Man-Days) 125,000 Research Projects Conducted to Sustain Healthy and Abundant Wildlife Populations 6 Acres of Forest Inventory 1,000 Acres of Prescribed Burning, Waterfowl Management, and Timber Management on WMA's to Sustain Healthy & Abundant Wildlife 25,000 Percent Change in Number of Research Projects Conducted to Sustain Healthy and Abundant Wildlife Populations -33.00 Percent Change in Number of Private Land Acres Influenced 0.00 Percent Change in the Number of Forest Inventories Conducted -80.00 Law Enforcement Number of Hunter Education Participants 11,000 Number of Hours Patrolled on Land 181,500 Number of Hours Patrolled on Water 32,500 Number of Criminal Investigations Conducted 8,000 Number of Shooting Sport Programs 1,600 Number of Boating Accidents 40 Number of Boating Fatalities 7 Cost per Student for Hunter Education 51.00 Cost per Sports Program 550.00 Percent Change in Number of Boating Accidents 0.00 Percent Change in Boating Related Fatalities 0.00 Percent Change in Public Contacts per Officer/per Day 15.00 Special Projects Percent Increase in Improved Use of Special Funds 0.00 Parks Overnight Accommodation (Cabins/Motels) 300,000 Overnight Accommodations (Camping) 650,000 Day Use Services 400,000 Percent Change in Day Use Services 0.00 Percent Change in the Prior Year of Occupancy Rate of Cabins 20.00 Museum Statewide Education Programming 145,000 Total Public Programming 250,000 Number of Visitors to Exhibits 90,000 Number of Natural Heritage Records Entered 85,000 Percent Change of Students that Understand the Importance of Natural Resource Conservation 5.00 Percent Change of Visitors to Exhibits 3.00 A reporting of the degree to which the performance targets set above have been or are being achieved shall be provided in the agency's budget request submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for Fiscal Year 2027. SECTION 8. Of the funds appropriated in Section 2, the following amount shall be derived from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Special Pearl River Timber Fund No. 3465, for the purpose of making improvements to the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area $ 50,000.00. SECTION 9. Of the funds appropriated within this act, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may enter into cooperative agreements with the board of supervisors of any county or any group or combination of counties for the purpose of creating, improving or restoring parks, public game and fish habitat lying or to be situated wholly or partially within such county or in an adjoining county; and each county is empowered and authorized, in its discretion, to expend funds from the general county fund for such purposes from which fund they shall reimburse to the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks the actual cost of all surveying and engineering projects incurred by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks incidental thereto. Such boards of supervisors are further authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to enter into agreements necessary to carry out the purposes of this act with any other county, the United States Forest Service or any other agency if same should be necessary for the acquisition of land by lease or otherwise for such purposes. SECTION 10. It shall be unlawful for any officer, employee or other person whatsoever to use or permit or authorize the use of any automobile or any other motor vehicle owned by the State of Mississippi or any department, agency or institution thereof for any purpose other than upon the official business of the State of Mississippi or any agency, department or institution thereof. It is the intent of the Legislature that motor vehicles authorized to be owned and operated by this agency shall comply with Sections 25-1-77 through 25-1-93, Mississippi Code of 1972. SECTION 11. In order to be in compliance with Section 63-1-201 et seq., funds are herein provided and may be expended by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to pay the costs of commercial driver's licenses for specific employees and/or to reimburse such costs for specific employees who, in the course of their duties and responsibilities, are required to hold a valid Mississippi Commercial Driver's License. SECTION 12. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to provide financial support of One Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($175,000.00) and to enter into an agreement with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service for a project specialist and related supportive cost. SECTION 13. The department is authorized to spend up to sixty percent (60%) of revenue in the State Park Timber Endowment Fund, as needed, to operate and maintain the state parks. SECTION 14. It is the intention of the Legislature that whenever two (2) or more bids are received by this agency for the purchase of commodities or equipment, and whenever all things stated in such received bids are equal with respect to price, quality and service, the Mississippi Industries for the Blind shall be given preference. A similar preference shall be given to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind whenever purchases are made without competitive bids. SECTION 15. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) is allocated for the detection and prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations across the state. SECTION 16. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) is allocated for LeFleurs Bluff State Park for playground security expenses. SECTION 17. Of the funds appropriated herein, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) may be provided to fund the Youth Participation Initiative for the purpose of educating children in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety. SECTION 18. It is the intention of the Legislature that no more than One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,300,000.00) be expended from the Motor Vehicle Fund for the purchase of any type of motor vehicle. SECTION 19. The executive director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to enter into an agreement with any public or private entities to manage any park or parks within the state park system. SECTION 20. It is the intent of the Legislature that no state-owned wildlife management area be closed and that to the greatest practicable extent, department land management decisions and actions may not result in any net loss of any acreage available for hunting opportunities that existed on July 1, 2006, as provided in Section 49-5-99(4). It is the intention of the Legislature that no state park be closed without legislative approval. SECTION 21. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the authority to enter into multi-year contracts for the purpose of placing a sign on such state park property under the department's domain, in accordance with any applicable rules and regulations. All proceeds generated from these activities shall remain with the department and shall be deposited into the proper special fund. SECTION 22. It is the intent of the Legislature that from the funds available to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the department may purchase and pay premium(s) on property damage insurance on its motor vehicles, boats, trailers, real property improvements, buildings, furnishings, and such other assets as may be appropriate or practical, and/or as required by a granting entity. SECTION 23. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Section 2, One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) shall be designated for the purpose of defraying the operational expenses of Special Projects. None of these funds shall be used for "Personal Services." SECTION 24. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the authority to receive, budget and expend funds from the Gulf and Wildlife Protection Fund, not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for the purpose of preservation, protection, conservation, and acquisition of waters, land and wildlife of this state. SECTION 25. It is the intention of the Legislature that the funds herein appropriated shall be expended in compliance with Section 27-104-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, that no state agency shall incur obligations or indebtedness in excess of their appropriation and that the responsible officers, either personally or upon their official bonds, shall be held responsible for actions contrary to this provision. SECTION 26. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Fifty-eight Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-three Dollars ($58,593.00) may be allocated for the Hunter Education program supported from the General Fund court assessments. SECTION 27. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Capital Expense Fund not otherwise appropriated for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Capital Expense Funds, as authorized in House Bill 1791, 2024 Regular Session, to defray expenses of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026........................................................... ............................................... $ 3,800,000.00. This appropriation is made for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein: (a) Projects on the Parks Improvement Plan... $ 2,300,000.00 (b) Museum Admissions Area Renovations....... $ 1,500,000.00 Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under this section, the amount that may be expended under the authority of this section, shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds remaining as of June 30, 2025, from the amount authorized for the previous fiscal year. In addition, this reappropriation shall not change the purpose for which the funds were originally authorized. SECTION 28. The money herein appropriated shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law. SECTION 29. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.
2	2
3	3		MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
4	4
5	5		2025 Regular Session
6	6
7	7		To: Appropriations B; Appropriations A
8	8
9	9		By: Representatives Bounds, Read, Anderson (122nd), Clark, Eure, Hale, Jackson (11th), Paden, Pigott
10	10
11	11		# House Bill 1737
12		-
13		-	## (As Passed the House)
14	12
15	13		AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026.
16	14
17	15		BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
18	16
19	17		SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the support and maintenance of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026..........................
20	18
21	19		............................................ $ 17,322,192.00.
22	20
23	21		SECTION 2. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in any special fund in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks which is comprised of special source funds collected by or otherwise available to the department for the support and maintenance of the department, including the Museum of Natural Science and the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026...........................................
24	22
25	23		............................................ $ 73,770,137.00.
26	24
27	25		The following sum, which is included in the sum appropriated above in this section, is appropriated out of the state excise taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products to the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026............................................ $ 5,750,000.00.
28	26
29	27		The Department of Revenue is directed to set aside the amount of this appropriation or any part thereof at any time it sees fit, out of any collections of taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products, and to deduct the amounts so set aside from such funds before making distribution thereof. However, provisions shall first be made for the Highway Bonds Sinking Fund, as required under the provisions of Chapter 130, Laws of 1938, and any amendments thereto, and Section 27-5-101, Mississippi Code of 1972.
30	28
31	29		Any funds available in the Wildlife Heritage Fund may be expended by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as authorized by law. The department shall make a detailed report to the Legislature regarding the spending of the Wildlife Heritage funds by September 1 for the preceding fiscal year.
32	30
33	31		SECTION 3. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Section 2 to the Bureau of Wildlife and Fisheries, funds in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-five Dollars ($125,335.00) shall be derived from the Education Enhancement Fund deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of Project WILD for Fiscal Year 2026.
34	32
35	33		SECTION 4. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of this act, the following positions are authorized:
36	34
37	35		AUTHORIZED HEADCOUNT:
38	36
39	37		Permanent: 518
40	38
41	39		Time-Limited: 42
42	40
43	41		With the funds herein appropriated, it shall be the agencys responsibility to make certain that funds required for Personal Services for Fiscal Year 2027 do not exceed Fiscal Year 2026 funds appropriated for that purpose unless programs or positions are added to the agencys Fiscal Year 2026 budget by the Mississippi Legislature. The Legislature shall determine the agencys personal services appropriation, which the State Personnel Board shall publish. The agencys personal services appropriation may consist of restricted funds for approved vacancies for Fiscal Year 2026 that may be utilized to fill vacant Fiscal Year 2025 headcount. It shall be the agency's responsibility to ensure that the funds provided for vacancies are used to increase headcount and not for promotions, title changes, in-range salary adjustments or any other mechanism for increasing salaries for current employees. It is the Legislatures intention that no employee salary falls below the minimum salary established by the Mississippi State Personnel Board.
44	42
45	43		Additionally, the State Personnel Board shall determine and publish the projected annualized payroll costs based on current employees. It shall be the responsibility of the agency head to ensure that actual personnel expenditures for Fiscal Year 2026 do not exceed the data provided by the Legislative Budget Office. If the agencys Fiscal Year 2026 projected cost exceeds the annualized costs, no salary actions shall be processed by the State Personnel Board except for new hires determined to be essential for the agency.
46	44
47	45		Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions, and procedures established by law or allowable under the terms set forth within this act. The State Personnel Board shall not escalate positions without written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration. The Department of Finance and Administration shall not provide written approval to escalate any funds for salaries and/or positions without proof of availability of new or additional funds above the appropriated level.
48	46
49	47		No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available.
50	48
51	49		None of the funds herein appropriated shall be used in violation of the Internal Revenue Services Publication 15-A relating to the reporting of income paid to contract employees, as interpreted by the Office of the State Auditor.
52	50
53	51		SECTION 5. Each conservation officer and supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550.00) per annum.
54	52
55	53		Provided further, when any personnel of the Bureau of Wildlife and Fisheries are transferred from one (1) county to another on a permanent assignment, the expense monies now paid on out-of-county duty shall not be applicable.
56	54
57	55		SECTION 6. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall maintain complete accounting and personnel records related to the expenditure of all funds appropriated under this act and that such records shall be in the same format and level of detail as maintained for Fiscal Year 2025. It is further the intention of the Legislature that the agency's budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in a format and level of detail comparable to the format and level of detail provided during the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request process.
58	56
59	57		SECTION 7. In compliance with the "Mississippi Performance Budget and Strategic Planning Act of 1994," it is the intent of the Legislature that the funds provided herein shall be utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible to achieve the intended mission of this agency. Based on the funding authorized, this agency shall make every effort to attain the targeted performance measures provided below:
60	58
61	59		FY2026
62	60
63	61		Performance Measures Target
64	62
65	63		Support Services
66	64
67	65		Number of Hunting and Fishing Licenses Sold 480,000
68	66
69	67		Number of Registrations of Boats 65,000
70	68
71	69		Percent Change in License Sales 0.01
72	70
73	71		Percent Change in Boat Registration 0.08
74	72
75	73		Fisheries
76	74
77	75		Number of Fish Stocked for Public Waters 1,500,000
78	76
79	77		Number of Customers of DWFP Lakes 80,000
80	78
81	79		Number of Participants in Aquatic Education 5,500
82	80
83	81		Number of Access Facilities Built or
84	82
85	83		Maintained (Boat Ramps) 37
86	84
87	85		Wildlife
88	86
89	87		MDWFP Management for Hunters and
90	88
91	89		Non-Consumptive Users (Man-Days) 125,000
92	90
93	91		Research Projects Conducted to Sustain
94	92
95	93		Healthy and Abundant Wildlife
96	94
97	95		Populations 6
98	96
99	97		Acres of Forest Inventory 1,000
100	98
101	99		Acres of Prescribed Burning, Waterfowl
102	100
103	101		Management, and Timber Management on
104	102
105	103		WMA's to Sustain Healthy & Abundant
106	104
107	105		Wildlife 25,000
108	106
109	107		Percent Change in Number of Research
110	108
111	109		Projects Conducted to Sustain Healthy
112	110
113	111		and Abundant Wildlife Populations -33.00
114	112
115	113		Percent Change in Number of Private Land
116	114
117	115		Acres Influenced 0.00
118	116
119	117		Percent Change in the Number of Forest
120	118
121	119		Inventories Conducted -80.00
122	120
123	121		Law Enforcement
124	122
125	123		Number of Hunter Education Participants 11,000
126	124
127	125		Number of Hours Patrolled on Land 181,500
128	126
129	127		Number of Hours Patrolled on Water 32,500
130	128
131	129		Number of Criminal Investigations Conducted 8,000
132	130
133	131		Number of Shooting Sport Programs 1,600
134	132
135	133		Number of Boating Accidents 40
136	134
137	135		Number of Boating Fatalities 7
138	136
139	137		Cost per Student for Hunter Education 51.00
140	138
141	139		Cost per Sports Program 550.00
142	140
143	141		Percent Change in Number of Boating
144	142
145	143		Accidents 0.00
146	144
147	145		Percent Change in Boating Related Fatalities 0.00
148	146
149	147		Percent Change in Public Contacts per
150	148
151	149		Officer/per Day 15.00
152	150
153	151		Special Projects
154	152
155	153		Percent Increase in Improved Use of
156	154
157	155		Special Funds 0.00
158	156
159	157		Parks
160	158
161	159		Overnight Accommodation (Cabins/Motels) 300,000
162	160
163	161		Overnight Accommodations (Camping) 650,000
164	162
165	163		Day Use Services 400,000
166	164
167	165		Percent Change in Day Use Services 0.00
168	166
169	167		Percent Change in the Prior Year of
170	168
171	169		Occupancy Rate of Cabins 20.00
172	170
173	171		Museum
174	172
175	173		Statewide Education Programming 145,000
176	174
177	175		Total Public Programming 250,000
178	176
179	177		Number of Visitors to Exhibits 90,000
180	178
181	179		Number of Natural Heritage Records Entered 85,000
182	180
183	181		Percent Change of Students that
184	182
185	183		Understand the Importance of Natural
186	184
187	185		Resource Conservation 5.00
188	186
189	187		Percent Change of Visitors to Exhibits 3.00
190	188
191	189		A reporting of the degree to which the performance targets set above have been or are being achieved shall be provided in the agency's budget request submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for Fiscal Year 2027.
192	190
193	191		SECTION 8. Of the funds appropriated in Section 2, the following amount shall be derived from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Special Pearl River Timber Fund No. 3465, for the purpose of making improvements to the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area $ 50,000.00.
194	192
195	193		SECTION 9. Of the funds appropriated within this act, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may enter into cooperative agreements with the board of supervisors of any county or any group or combination of counties for the purpose of creating, improving or restoring parks, public game and fish habitat lying or to be situated wholly or partially within such county or in an adjoining county; and each county is empowered and authorized, in its discretion, to expend funds from the general county fund for such purposes from which fund they shall reimburse to the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks the actual cost of all surveying and engineering projects incurred by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks incidental thereto. Such boards of supervisors are further authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to enter into agreements necessary to carry out the purposes of this act with any other county, the United States Forest Service or any other agency if same should be necessary for the acquisition of land by lease or otherwise for such purposes.
196	194
197	195		SECTION 10. It shall be unlawful for any officer, employee or other person whatsoever to use or permit or authorize the use of any automobile or any other motor vehicle owned by the State of Mississippi or any department, agency or institution thereof for any purpose other than upon the official business of the State of Mississippi or any agency, department or institution thereof.
198	196
199	197		It is the intent of the Legislature that motor vehicles authorized to be owned and operated by this agency shall comply with Sections 25-1-77 through 25-1-93, Mississippi Code of 1972.
200	198
201	199		SECTION 11. In order to be in compliance with Section 63-1-201 et seq., funds are herein provided and may be expended by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to pay the costs of commercial driver's licenses for specific employees and/or to reimburse such costs for specific employees who, in the course of their duties and responsibilities, are required to hold a valid Mississippi Commercial Driver's License.
202	200
203	201		SECTION 12. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to provide financial support of One Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($175,000.00) and to enter into an agreement with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service for a project specialist and related supportive cost.
204	202
205	203		SECTION 13. The department is authorized to spend up to sixty percent (60%) of revenue in the State Park Timber Endowment Fund, as needed, to operate and maintain the state parks.
206	204
207	205		SECTION 14. It is the intention of the Legislature that whenever two (2) or more bids are received by this agency for the purchase of commodities or equipment, and whenever all things stated in such received bids are equal with respect to price, quality and service, the Mississippi Industries for the Blind shall be given preference. A similar preference shall be given to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind whenever purchases are made without competitive bids.
208	206
209	207		SECTION 15. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) is allocated for the detection and prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations across the state.
210	208
211	209		SECTION 16. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) is allocated for LeFleurs Bluff State Park for playground security expenses.
212	210
213	211		SECTION 17. Of the funds appropriated herein, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) may be provided to fund the Youth Participation Initiative for the purpose of educating children in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety.
214	212
215	213		SECTION 18. It is the intention of the Legislature that no more than One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,300,000.00) be expended from the Motor Vehicle Fund for the purchase of any type of motor vehicle.
216	214
217	215		SECTION 19. The executive director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to enter into an agreement with any public or private entities to manage any park or parks within the state park system.
218	216
219	217		SECTION 20. It is the intent of the Legislature that no state-owned wildlife management area be closed and that to the greatest practicable extent, department land management decisions and actions may not result in any net loss of any acreage available for hunting opportunities that existed on July 1, 2006, as provided in Section 49-5-99(4). It is the intention of the Legislature that no state park be closed without legislative approval.
220	218
221	219		SECTION 21. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the authority to enter into multi-year contracts for the purpose of placing a sign on such state park property under the department's domain, in accordance with any applicable rules and regulations. All proceeds generated from these activities shall remain with the department and shall be deposited into the proper special fund.
222	220
223	221		SECTION 22. It is the intent of the Legislature that from the funds available to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the department may purchase and pay premium(s) on property damage insurance on its motor vehicles, boats, trailers, real property improvements, buildings, furnishings, and such other assets as may be appropriate or practical, and/or as required by a granting entity.
224	222
225	223		SECTION 23. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Section 2, One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) shall be designated for the purpose of defraying the operational expenses of Special Projects. None of these funds shall be used for "Personal Services."
226	224
227	225		SECTION 24. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the authority to receive, budget and expend funds from the Gulf and Wildlife Protection Fund, not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for the purpose of preservation, protection, conservation, and acquisition of waters, land and wildlife of this state.
228	226
229	227		SECTION 25. It is the intention of the Legislature that the funds herein appropriated shall be expended in compliance with Section 27-104-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, that no state agency shall incur obligations or indebtedness in excess of their appropriation and that the responsible officers, either personally or upon their official bonds, shall be held responsible for actions contrary to this provision.
230	228
231	229		SECTION 26. Of the funds appropriated in Section 1, it is the intention of the Legislature that Fifty-eight Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-three Dollars ($58,593.00) may be allocated for the Hunter Education program supported from the General Fund court assessments.
232	230
233	231		SECTION 27. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Capital Expense Fund not otherwise appropriated for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Capital Expense Funds, as authorized in House Bill 1791, 2024 Regular Session, to defray expenses of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026...........................................................
234	232
235	233		............................................... $ 3,800,000.00.
236	234
237	235		This appropriation is made for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein:
238	236
239	237		(a) Projects on the Parks Improvement Plan... $ 2,300,000.00
240	238
241	239		(b) Museum Admissions Area Renovations....... $ 1,500,000.00
242	240
243	241		Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under this section, the amount that may be expended under the authority of this section, shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds remaining as of June 30, 2025, from the amount authorized for the previous fiscal year. In addition, this reappropriation shall not change the purpose for which the funds were originally authorized.
244	242
245	243		SECTION 28. The money herein appropriated shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law.
246	244
247	245		SECTION 29. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.