MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res

By: Senator(s) Dearing

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-2-4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2001, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY SHALL BE HIRED BY AND SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 49-2-4, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-2-4. (1) There is * * * created the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality whose offices shall be located in Jackson, Mississippi.

(2) Until December 31, 2000, the department shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Beginning January 1, 2001, the department shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commission. The appointment of the executive director shall be made with the advice and consent of the Senate. * * * 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 is the chief administrative officer of the department.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.