Mitchell Todd (Todd) Hairston, Gulfport, Mississippi, Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, remainder of a five year term effective June 27, 2024 and ending June 30, 2028, representing the 5th Congressional District, vice Leonard Bentz.

2025 Regular Session

Appoints Mitchell Todd Hairston to the Mississippi CWFP for the 5th District, filling Bentz’s seat for the remaining term through June 30, 2028.

Notified of Approval

#wildlife #fisheriesandparks

Quick Facts

Bill Number: SN 84

Title/Subject: Nomination of Mitchell Todd Hairston (Gulfport, MS) to the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (CWFP) for the 5th Congressional District.

Term: Remainder of a five-year term effective June 27, 2024, ending June 30, 2028. Replaces Leonard Bentz.

Status: Notified of Approval.

Introduced: February 5, 2025.

Classification: Nomination

Legislative Actions:

2025-02-05 Referred to Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
2025-02-27 Do Advise and Consent (implied action in process)
2025-03-31 Appointment Confirmed
2025-04-01 Notified of Approval

Purpose and Context

The bill records and facilitates the formal appointment of Mitchell Todd Hairston to the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The CWFP is the state body responsible for policy oversight of wildlife, fisheries, and parks within Mississippi. Hairston’s appointment fills the seat representing the 5th Congressional District, replacing former commissioner Leonard Bentz, and will serve the remainder of the current five-year term through June 30, 2028.

Key Provisions

Appointment Confirmation: The bill confirms Hairston’s nomination and appointment to the CWFP.

Term and Representation: Hairston will serve the remainder of the open five-year term for the 5th District, starting from the term alignment (effective June 27, 2024) and concluding on June 30, 2028.

Seat Details: Represents the 5th Congressional District on the CWFP; succession to the seat formerly held by Leonard Bentz.

Who is Affected

Mitchell Todd Hairston: Receives formal confirmation to serve on the CWFP.

Mississippi 5th Congressional District constituents: Will be represented on the CWFP by Hairston.

Leonard Bentz (former commissioner): Seat vacated by Bentz is now filled through Hairston’s appointment.

Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks: Gains a new member who will participate in policy decisions affecting wildlife management, fisheries regulation, and state park systems.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

The nomination was introduced and referred to the CWFP on February 5, 2025.

Advise and Consent procedures occurred in March 2025, with formal appointment confirmed March 31, 2025.

The administration notified the legislature of approval on April 1, 2025.

The term ends June 30, 2028, aligning with the remainder of the initial five-year appointment cycle.

Potential Impacts

The CWFP’s policymaking on wildlife, fisheries, and parks may be influenced by Hairston’s background and perspectives once seated.

Public stakeholders (hunters, anglers, conservation groups, park visitors) may experience outcomes of CWFP decisions in regulations, conservation programs, and park management.

Appointment completes the current commission lineup for the 5th District, contributing to the CWFP’s regional representation.

If you’d like, I can add any available biographical details on Hairston or the CWFP’s recent initiatives to provide more context.

Bill