Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1617

Introduced
2/13/23  
Refer
2/13/23  
Engrossed
2/15/23  
Refer
2/20/23  
Enrolled
3/31/23  

Caption

Appropriation; Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Department of.

Impact

The bill will have a considerable impact on state laws regarding the management of wildlife and state parks. It provides the funding necessary for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to fulfill its responsibilities in managing public lands, promoting conservation, and ensuring the sustainability of fish and wildlife populations. Specific allocations are mentioned for initiatives such as the detection and prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease, educational programs for youth, and capital improvements to state parks, which are fundamental for enhancing tourist attractiveness and preserving ecological integrity.

Summary

House Bill 1617 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for the support and maintenance of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in Mississippi for the fiscal year 2024. The bill comprehensively details the amounts appropriated from both the State General Fund and special funds for various departmental functions, including the operation of state parks, wildlife management, and educational initiatives. The total appropriation amounts to over $100 million, indicating a significant commitment to the state's natural resources and recreational facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1617 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers and stakeholders focused on wildlife conservation and recreation. Many view the appropriations as essential for maintaining and improving Mississippi's natural resources and public amenities. By funding educational programs in conservation and responsible use of wildlife, the bill aims to foster greater public engagement and stewardship of the state's natural resources.

Contention

Despite the overall positive sentiment, there could be points of contention over specific allocations or management practices. For instance, the distribution of funds from special sources such as excise taxes on gasoline may raise questions regarding transparency and accountability. Furthermore, provisions related to the maintenance and operation of facilities could lead to debates about the effectiveness of the funding in achieving the intended conservation and recreational goals. The emphasis on cooperative agreements with local governments may also result in scrutiny regarding the collaboration dynamics and the intended outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1737

Appropriation; Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Department of.

MS HB15

Appropriation; Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Department of.

MS HB1904

Appropriation; Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Department of.

MS HB1303

Appropriation; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for search and rescue program.

MS HB1857

Appropriation; Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for renovations and upgrades to Holmes County State Park.

MS HB266

Appropriation; Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for renovations and upgrades to Holmes County State Park.

MS HB1636

Appropriation; Dept. of Willife, Fisheries and Parks to increase conservation officers' salaries.

MS HB710

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; require reimbursement for statutory discounts relating to hunting and fishing licenses and other fees.

MS HB1103

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; require reimbursement for statutory discounts relating to hunting and fishing licenses and other fees.

MS LD402

An Act to Move the Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and to Amend the Law Governing Administration of the Bureau of Resource Management Within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.