Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2658

Introduced
1/19/26  
Refer
1/19/26  

Caption

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 51-15-123, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE PAT HARRISON WATERWAY DISTRICT TO OFFER DISCOUNTS TO ACTIVE-DUTY, RESERVE, NATIONAL GUARD, AS WELL AS VETERAN MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FOR THE USE OF DISTRICT PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS, FACILITIES AND RECREATIONAL AREAS; TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY TO THE DISTRICT IN SETTING THE RATES AND TERMS OF SUCH DISCOUNTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

The enactment of SB2658 would significantly enhance the benefits available to military members in Mississippi, fostering greater access to recreational activities and amenities. The bill allows the district's board of directors to have discretion over the eligibility requirements, discount rates, and terms and conditions of the military discount programs. This flexibility is meant to ensure that the district can tailor its offerings to best meet the needs of those who have served in the armed forces.

Summary

Senate Bill 2658, introduced in the Mississippi Legislature, aims to amend Section 51-15-123 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The bill authorizes the Pat Harrison Waterway District to offer discounts to active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and veteran members of the United States Armed Forces for access to district parks, campgrounds, facilities, and recreational areas. This initiative intends to honor military service members by providing them reduced fees for using various district-managed recreational resources.

Contention

While the bill is primarily seen as a gesture of goodwill towards veterans and active military personnel, there may be differing opinions regarding its implementation and scope. Some stakeholders could argue for limited access to discounts based on budget constraints or the potential for increased usage of the facilities, while supporters emphasize the need for equitable benefits for all military members. Overall, the bill appears to have broad support, but questions about administrative implementation could arise in future discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB10

Appropriation; Pat Harrison Waterway District.

MS HB1731

Appropriation; Pat Harrison Waterway District.

MS HB1293

Pat Harrison Waterway District; revise eligibility criteria for appointment to board of directors.

MS JR201

Mississippi State Senate; revise the composition of certain Senate districts.

MS HB802

State park fee; authorize MDWFP to provide discount to senior citizens age 65 and older.

MS HB1569

Water districts; authorize Public Service Commission to investigate fairness of rates and to mediate disputes between districts.

MS HB1103

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

MS JR202

Mississippi State Senate; revise composition of Districts 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 34, 41, 42, 44 and 45.

MS SB2751

340B drug discount program entities; remove distributor from prohibition of certain discriminating actions related to.

MS HB1694

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist City of Gulfport for repairs and upgrades to the park areas of certain facilities.

Similar Bills

CA AB2790

California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund.

MS SB2434

Pat Harrison Waterway District; allow to offer discounts for members of U.S. Armed Forces.

ND HB1626

Application of the primary residence credit and discount for early payment of tax; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1626

AN ACT to amend and reenact subdivision d of subsection 1 of section 57-02-08.9, section 57-20-09, and subsection 1 of section 57-55-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to application of the primary residence credit and discount for early payment of tax; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB 1626

AN ACT to amend and reenact subdivision d of subsection 1 of section 57-02-08.9, section 57-20-09, and subsection 1 of section 57-55-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to application of the primary residence credit and discount for early payment of tax; and to provide an effective date.

DC B26-0593

Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs Act of 2026

CA AB2564

Surveillance pricing.

TX HB3293

Relating to rates for electric service provided to public school districts and other local governmental entities in certain counties.