House Bill 1007

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-4-6, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS SHALL SERVE AT THE WILL AND PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-4-6, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-4-6. (1) There is hereby created the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, whose principal office shall be located in Jackson, Mississippi.

(2) The department shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by the Governor and who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Governor. * * * The executive director may assign those powers and duties as deemed appropriate to carry out the department's lawful functions. * * *

(3) The executive director shall appoint heads, who will serve at the pleasure of the executive director.

(4) The executive director shall have the authority to organize the department as deemed appropriate to carry out the responsibilities of the department. The organizational charts of the department shall be presented annually with the budget request of the Governor for review by the Legislature.

(5) The executive director shall develop and implement a merit promotion system for all sworn law enforcement officers. Promotion to higher rank shall be based on an individual's merit and length of service. The executive director shall implement the merit promotion system before July 1, 1995.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.