AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-401, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES SHALL ENFORCE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE AND OTHER STATUTES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-403, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCESS FOR VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES AND TO CLARIFY THE AUTHORITY OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION REGARDING THE PENALTY, IF ANY, TO BE ISSUED; TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-405, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR A FORMAL HEARING CONCLUDED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-407, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ALLEGED VIOLATOR'S FAILURE TO PRESENT EVIDENCE SHALL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO A HEARING; TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-409, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER ALL PERSONS AND PROPERTY NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCEDURES FOR THE DEPARTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-411, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL AGGRIEVED BY A FINAL DECISION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO JUDICIAL REVIEW; TO AMEND SECTIONS 49-15-413, 49-15-415, 49-15-323 AND 49-15-63, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 49-15-401, 49-15-403, 49-15-405, 49-15-407, 49-15-409, 49-15-411, 49-15-413, 49-15-415, 49-15-323, 49-15-63
As Passed by the House: 49-15-401, 49-15-403, 49-15-405, 49-15-407, 49-15-409, 49-15-411, 49-15-413, 49-15-415, 49-15-323, 49-15-63
Approved by the Governor: 49-15-401, 49-15-405, 49-15-407, 49-15-409, 49-15-411, 49-15-413, 49-15-415, 49-15-323, 49-15-63