Senate Bill 2555

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-307, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES TO CHARGE A NOMINAL FEE FOR MARKETING MATERIALS; AND FOR RELATED SERVICES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-15-307, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-15-307. The department shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To implement the policy of the commission regarding marine resources within the jurisdiction of the department;

(b) To apply for, receive and expend any federal or state funds or contributions, gifts, devises, bequests or funds from any other source;

(c) To commission or conduct studies designed to determine alternative methods of managing and conserving the marine resources of this state in a manner to insure efficiency and sustained productivity;

(d) To issue permits and licenses authorized by law or regulation;

(e) To equip and supply check stations, remote duty stations and personnel for extended duty;

(f) To develop programs to enhance the marketing of the state's recreational and commercial marine resources and to charge a nominal fee for marketing related materials which shall be deposited into the Seafood Fund for use by the marketing program;

(g) To provide gear, insignias, and otherwise equip personnel subject to the amount appropriated for those purposes; and

(h) To discharge any other duties, responsibilities and powers as are necessary to implement this chapter.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.