AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 55-3-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO PROVIDE A DISCOUNT ON ADMISSIONS TO STATE PARKS TO SENIOR CITIZENS AGE 65 YEARS AND OLDER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Summary
HB1247 amends Section 55-3-33 of the Mississippi Code to authorize the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to provide a permanent 10% discount on state park admission fees for senior citizens age 65 and older. The bill also preserves the department’s existing authority to set discounted fees for selected parks and recreational facilities for marketing and promotional purposes, while making clear that the senior discount is separate from and in addition to those promotional discounts.
The measure is focused on state park admissions and does not broadly restructure park governance. It leaves intact the department’s authority over park operations, fee-setting, enforcement, accounting, leasing, trail agreements, and utility-related contracts. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.
Impact
The bill would amend Mississippi’s state park statute to create a specific statutory discount for seniors, requiring MDWFP to offer a 10% reduction in admission fees to visitors age 65 and older. This would affect state park revenue collection and pricing policy, but it does not mandate a general fee reduction for all visitors or alter the department’s broader management powers. The bill also continues existing provisions allowing discounted promotional pricing at selected parks and facilities, and it leaves other statutory authorities in Section 55-3-33 unchanged.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive, low-conflict support for the bill’s purpose, which is reflected in the caption describing it as a senior citizen park fee discount. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes showing opposition or debate, and the bill appears straightforward and narrowly tailored. The absence of recorded controversy suggests the measure is likely viewed as a modest benefit for older Mississippians and park users.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised, would likely involve the revenue impact on state parks, the administrative implementation of a permanent senior discount, or whether the discount should be mandatory rather than discretionary. However, the bill text itself is clear that the senior discount is required and separate from promotional discounts, and no named stakeholders or objections appear in the available record.