Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-31 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-31
Status: in_force

No person, not being the owner thereof, and without the written consent of the owner, proprietor, lessee, or person in charge thereof, shall enter or attempt to enter upon the lands of another and intentionally injure, disfigure, remove, excavate, damage, take, dig into, or destroy any historical structure, monument, marker, medallion, or artifact, or any prehistoric or historic archaeological site, American Indian or aboriginal remains located in, on or under any private lands within the State of Mississippi. No person without a permit from the board, and without written permission of the landowner, shall intentionally injure, disfigure, remove, excavate, damage, take, dig into, or destroy any prehistoric or historic American Indian or aboriginal burial.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-109 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / Section 17-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-109
Status: in_force

The State Bond Commission shall act as the issuing agent for the bonds authorized under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 , prescribe the form of the bonds, advertise for and accept bids, issue and sell the bonds so authorized to be sold, pay all fees and costs incurred in such issuance and sale, and do all other things necessary and advisable in connection with the issuance and sale of the bonds. The State Bond Commission may pay the costs that are incident to the sale, issuance and delivery of the bonds authorized under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 from the proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds. The State Bond Commission shall sell such bonds on sealed bids at public sale, and for such price as it may determine to be for the best interest of the State of Mississippi, but no such sale may be made at a price less than par plus accrued interest to the date of delivery of the bonds to the purchaser. All interest accruing on such bonds so issued shall be payable semiannually or annually; however, the first interest payment may be for any period of not more than one (1) year.

Notice of the sale of any such bond shall be published at least one (1) time, not less than ten (10) days before the date of sale, and shall be so published in one or more newspapers published or having a general circulation in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, and in one or more other newspapers or financial journals with a national circulation, to be selected by the State Bond Commission.

The State Bond Commission, when issuing any bonds under the authority of Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 , may provide that the bonds, at the option of the State of Mississippi, may be called in for payment and redemption at the call price named therein and accrued interest on such date or dates named therein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the Mississippi Blues Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission.” The commission may accept and expend grants and private donations from any source, including federal, state, public and private entities, to assist it to carry out its functions.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, the term “ blues ” shall mean African-American roots music and the culture that created it.

(3) The powers, functions and duties of the commission shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) To study, deliberate and report to the Governor and the Legislature on the best method or plan to market and foster an appreciation of the blues, to include tourism, academic study and blues archives, blues historical preservation, blues cultural education and the support of performing artists. The marketing plan shall be designed to attract tourists, conferences, music performances, filmmakers and others for the purpose of economic development of all geographic areas of the state, through the promotion of the blues and the heritage and culture that produced the blues, and to analyze the tourism potential of the blues for Mississippi.

(b) To make an inventory of blues “assets” that make up the blues and blues culture that could be developed into a program for domestic and international tourism, and opportunities for investment.

(c) To establish a statewide Mississippi “Blues Trail” infrastructure to offer to tourists and targeted groups a structured tour of Mississippi blues historical sites and performance venues.

(d) To coordinate with the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, the Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, the State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, the University Center for Economic Development at Mississippi Valley State University, the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University, the Delta Blues Museum, the Delta Music Institute, the Mississippi Arts Commission and similar organizations in the sharing of resources and information in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to marketing the blues and blues culture in Mississippi.

(e) To make recommendations regarding the establishment of, and budgeting for, a permanent Mississippi Office of the Blues as an agency of state government with an executive director and appropriate staff to carry out the marketing plan developed by the commission. To the extent practical, any office shall be located at an existing public or private location which is appropriate to the blues or blues culture in Mississippi, with minimal cost to the state.

(f) To coordinate the blues marketing plan with any existing state historic preservation programs, in order to:

(i) Identify and preserve blues historic properties or sites;

(ii) Determine the eligibility of those properties or sites for listing on the National Register;

(iii) Prepare nominations of those properties or sites for inclusion on the National Register;

(iv) Maintain blues historical and archaeological data bases; and

(v) Evaluate those properties and sites for eligibility for state and federal preservation incentives.

(g) To raise and expend grant funds to provide assistance to any blues musicians in need.

(4) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Director of the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(b) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or his designee;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his designee;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, or his designee;

(e) The Director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi;

(f) Until April 10, 2008, the Director of the University Center for Economic Development at Mississippi Valley State University, and after April 10, 2008, a person designated by the President of Mississippi Valley State University;

(g) The Director of the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University;

(h) The President of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center;

(i) The State Director of the USDA Rural Development Agency;

(j) Two (2) members of the Mississippi Senate designated by the Lieutenant Governor, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(k) Two (2) members of the Mississippi House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(l) Two (2) members appointed by the Governor, who shall have experience in cultural affairs or tourism development in the Mississippi Delta; and

(m) Four (4) members appointed by the Governor from the state at large, who shall have demonstrated a commitment to the understanding and promotion of the blues.

(5) The Governor shall designate one (1) commission member to serve as chairman for a term concurrent with that of the Governor. The commission shall meet upon the call of the chairman not later than August 1, 2004, and shall organize for business by adopting internal organizational procedures necessary for efficient operation of the commission, including officers, quorum requirements and policies for any commission staff. Each member of the commission shall designate necessary staff of his or her respective agency, department, university or business entity, as the case may be, to provide administrative support to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. The commission shall meet and conduct business at least quarterly each year. Meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and opportunity for public comment shall be made available.

(6) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

(7) The commission shall submit a report, including any proposed legislation, to the Governor and to the Legislature before the convening of the 2009 Regular Session. The report shall include a comprehensive state plan for marketing the blues as specifically provided above.

(8) All departments, boards, agencies, officers and institutions of the state, and all subdivisions thereof, shall cooperate with the commission in carrying out its purposes under this chapter.

(9) Any funds or donations received by the commission shall be deposited into a special fund which is created in the State Treasury. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. Unexpended amounts remaining in the special fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund.

Monies in the fund shall be expended by the Department of Finance and Administration after receipt of requisitions submitted by the appropriate person designated by the commission. Monies in the special fund may be used by the commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the “Antiquities Law of Mississippi.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-41-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 41-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-41-1
Status: repealed

(1) The Legislature finds that:

(a) Public Law 114-196 established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit partner, the America250 Foundation, to collaborate with affiliates at the local, territorial, state, tribal, regional, national and international levels to educate, engage and unite Americans throughout a commemorative period beginning in 2020 to officially conclude in 2027, culminating in the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America;

(b) As of December 1, 2021, eighteen (18) states have established organizations to support the America250 initiative by planning and implementing programs that honor the history and culture of the United States, including special events, public art displays, museum exhibitions and educational curriculums, and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission expects the widest participation to occur through state and local projects and events; and

(c) It is altogether appropriate during this commemorative period to participate in a celebration of this magnitude and salute our state heroes, groups, artists, industries, agriculture, historic sites and other contributions to the fabric and history of our nation.

(2) There is hereby created a Mississippi USA Semiquincentennial Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission,” to plan, promote and implement appropriate public celebrations and official events, programs and commemorations.

(3) The commission is authorized to cooperate with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and the America250 Foundation and other national and state organizations engaged in commemoration and celebration of the semiquincentennial, and other national, regional, state and local public and private organizations with compatible purposes.

(4) The commission shall designate and coordinate events and programs with respect to the formal semiquincentennial celebration and commemoration and promote and encourage through those events, programs, digital and printed media, symposia, and educational outreach all of the following:

(a) Awareness and understanding of the principles of the Declaration of Independence, of the winning of American independence in the American Revolutionary War, and of the establishment of America's system of constitutional self-government;

(b) Teaching students and increasing public knowledge and appreciation of the breadth of American history and the centuries-long quest for “liberty and justice for all,” to include sharing the stories and contributions of the various people who have populated the land, from indigenous peoples, explorers, British colonists, seekers of religious freedom, enslaved African Americans and many others who are part of America's stories;

(c) Advancing the cause of liberty and American self-government and of the meaning of “ E Pluribus Unum ” (“from many, one”) through promoting civic knowledge and practice, including America's “ Charters of Freedom ” (the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and the constitutional features of self-government emphasizing the roles of active and engaged good citizens;

(d) Emphasizing the service and sacrifices of veterans of all generations who have secured and preserved American independence and freedom and encouraging Mississippians to honor them; and

(e) Celebratory and commemorative events and activities throughout the State of Mississippi and its eighty-two (82) counties and its two hundred ninety-nine (299) incorporated municipalities celebrating our state's arts, culture, sports, entertainment, innovation, science, entrepreneurism, parks, preservation and youth.

(5) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Governor's First Lady, or her designee;

(b) The Lieutenant Governor, or his designee;

(c) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or his designee;

(d) Three (3) members appointed by the Governor, one (1) of whom shall be an indigenous person, to serve terms concurrent with that of the Governor;

(e) Two (2) members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to serve terms concurrent with that of the Lieutenant Governor;

(f) One (1) member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to serve a term concurrent with that of the Speaker;

(g) The Director of the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, or his designee;

(h) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Tourism Association, or her designee;

(i) The Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or her designee; and

(j) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his designee.

(6) Appointments shall be made within thirty (30) days after July 1, 2023 by the Legislature, and the First Lady shall serve as chairwoman for a term concurrent with the gubernatorial term. Within fifteen (15) days thereafter, on a day to be designated by the First Lady, the commission shall meet and organize for business by adopting internal organizational procedures necessary for the commission's efficient operation, including officers, committees and subcommittees, quorum requirements, and policies for any commission staff. Each member of the commission shall designate necessary staff of his or her respective agency, department or business entity, as the case may be, to provide administrative support to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. In the selection of its officers and the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, an affirmative vote of a majority of the commission shall be required. All members shall be notified in writing of all meetings, such notices to be transmitted as appropriate at least five (5) days before the date on which a meeting is to be held. The commission shall meet and conduct business at least quarterly each year. Commission meetings shall be open to the public, and opportunity for public comment shall be made available.

(7) Commission members shall receive no compensation for their services. No commission member may incur per diem, travel or other expenses unless previously authorized by vote at a meeting of the commission, which action shall be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting. Legislative members of the commission shall be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same manner as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem or expense for attending meetings of the commission will be paid while the Legislature is in session. Nonlegislative members shall be paid from any funds made available for that purpose to the commission or their respective agencies, departments or business entities.

(8) No elected public official or public employee serving on the commission shall be involved in soliciting any private funds or gifts for the commission.

(9) The First Lady, with concurrence of the commission, may designate the chief executive officer of an agency or nonprofit organization created or chartered by legislative act, or another qualified individual, to serve as the executive officer and secretary of the commission. The executive officer shall serve without additional compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses as provided for state employees. He or she shall exercise such powers delegated by the commission, including the right to apply for, receive, accept, deposit and administer pursuant to commission authorization any federal, state or local public or private funds given for express use by the commission for semiquincentennial purposes.

(10) The First Lady, with the concurrence of the commission, shall constitute one or more advisory committees to advise the commission. The committees may include such representatives as the respective executive officer, or his or her designee, of the Mississippi Department of Education, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Community College Board, the Mississippi Military Department or the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, or representatives of presidents of Mississippi's public colleges and universities, historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, associations and organizations of city or county officials, or state historical, educational, patriotic, civic, religious, military, veterans, community improvement and other organizations.

(11) To effectuate the purposes of this section, any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or of any political subdivision thereof shall, at the request of the chair of the commission or her designee, provide to the commission such facilities, assistance and data as will enable the committee properly to carry out its task. All departments, boards, agencies, officers and institutions of the state and of all subdivisions thereof shall cooperate with the commission in carrying out its purposes under this section. The commission shall encourage various state agencies and organizations to work cooperatively to promote the semiquincentennial.

(12) The commission is authorized and empowered to accept and expend grants and private donations from any source, including federal, state, public and private entities, and may create a supporting nonprofit organization, supervised and controlled by the commission through majority board control and representation, to accept and expend on behalf of the commission such grants and private donations, to encourage the broadest volunteer participation of public and private partners and organizations, and to assist the commission to carry out its functions. Any expenditures by the commission shall be authorized by a majority vote of the nonlegislative members of the commission.

(13) There is hereby created in the State Treasury the Mississippi Semiquincentennial Celebration Fund. Any appropriations, funds or donations received by the commission shall be deposited into this special fund. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a special fund, separate and apart from the State General Fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in this special fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund. Monies in the fund shall be expended by the Department of Finance and Administration after receipt of requisitions submitted by the appropriate person designated by the commission. Monies in the special fund may be used by the commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this section.

(14) The commission shall make an annual written report and make any recommendations to the Governor and Legislature at least thirty (30) days prior to the convening of each Regular Session of the Legislature, beginning in 2024 and continuing through its final report in 2027. The commission shall consider and recommend ways for the state to commemorate the semiquincentennial through state and local legacy projects for the state at large and for counties and municipalities, as well as ways to enhance educational programs and extended learning offered by local boards of education, the Department of Education, relevant state agencies and departments, and two-year and four-year institutions of higher education, including historically black colleges and universities.

(15) This section shall stand repealed on June 30, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-33 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-33
Status: in_force

The Department of Archives and History is hereby authorized to extinguish, abandon and nullify any conservation easement granted to it by The Friends of the Siege and Battle of Corinth, Inc., its successors and similar organizations, whenever the department determines, in its discretion, that such action would be necessary or convenient for the use or ownership of such lands by the United States National Park Service.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 21 / Section 25-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-3
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Finance and Administration may renegotiate any and all costs included in the lease provided for by Section 39-25-1 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-127 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 17-127
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-127
Status: in_force

Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall be deemed to be full and complete authority for the exercise of the powers granted, but Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall not be deemed to repeal or to be in derogation of any existing law of this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-9 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-9
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Arts Commission is authorized and empowered to hold public hearings, to enter into contracts within the limit of funds available therefor, with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the commission's programs; to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available therefor, with local and regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the objectives of the commission's programs; to accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the commission's programs; to make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The commission may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state such assistance and data as will enable it properly to carry out its powers and duties hereunder.

(2) A special fund to be designated as the Mississippi Fund for the Arts is hereby created in the State Treasury. All funds deposited in this fund shall be used exclusively for the objectives of the commission as herein provided. Donations, bequests and grants deposited into the Mississippi Fund for the Arts may be disbursed by the Mississippi Arts Commission in accordance with the terms of the bequest or grant and in compliance with the purposes and policies of the Mississippi Arts Commission. Any disbursements made from the fund shall be authorized by both the chairman and the executive director of the commission and shall be supported by official actions and votes spread upon the minutes of the commission at an open public meeting. Any unexpended balance in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund and may be expended by the commissioner in subsequent fiscal years. Any interest earned on the fund may remain in the fund for disbursement by the commission in compliance with its purposes and policies. All transactions of the fund shall be reported annually to appropriate state agencies and subject to audit by the State Auditor and by auditors of donors. The Mississippi Fund for the Arts shall not be used for grants from federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the National Endowment for the Arts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-33 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-33
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, not being the owner thereof, and without lawful authority, to wilfully injure, disfigure, remove or destroy any historical structure, monument, marker, medallion, or artifact.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-32-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-32-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created the Mississippi Country and Western Music Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission.” The commission may accept and expend grants and private donations from any source, including federal, state, public and private entities, to assist it to carry out its functions.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, the term “ country and western music ” shall mean country and western, blue grass and related music genre and the culture that created it.

(3) The powers, functions and duties of the commission shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) To study, deliberate and report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2012, on the best method to market and foster an appreciation of country and western music, to include tourism, academic study and country and western music archives, country and western music historical preservation, country and western music cultural education and the support of performing artists. Such marketing plan shall be designed to attract tourists, conferences, music performances, filmmakers and others for the purpose of economic development of all geographic areas of the state through the promotion of country and western music and the heritage and culture that produced such, and to analyze the tourism potential of the country and western music for Mississippi.

(b) To make an inventory of country and western music “assets” that make up country and western music and its culture that could be developed into a program for domestic and international tourism, and opportunities for investment.

(c) Coordination with the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, the Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, the state institutions of higher learning, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and similar organizations to share resources and information in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to marketing the country and western music culture in Mississippi.

(d) To make recommendations regarding the establishment of, and budgeting for, a permanent Mississippi office of country and western music as an agency of state government with an executive director and appropriate staff to carry out the marketing plan developed by the commission. To the extent practical, any office shall be located at an existing public or private location which is appropriate to the country and western music culture in Mississippi, with minimal cost to the state.

(e) Coordination of the country and western music marketing plan with any existing state historic preservation programs, in order to:

(i) Identify and preserve country and western music historic properties;

(ii) Determine the eligibility of such properties for listing on the National Register;

(iii) Prepare nominations of such sites for inclusion on the National Register;

(iv) Maintenance of country and western music historical and archaeological data bases; and

(v) Evaluation of such sites for eligibility for state and federal preservation incentives.

(f) To implement and continue the development and creation of the Mississippi Country Music Trail as outlined in Section 39-33-1 , provide oversight of the trail and its infrastructure, and explore funding opportunities to support continued implementation.

(4) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Director of the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(b) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or his designee;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his designee;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, or his designee;

(e) The Chairman of the Board of the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center, or his designee;

(f) The Director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi;

(g) The State Director of the USDA Rural Development Agency;

(h) Two (2) members of the Mississippi Senate designated by the Lieutenant Governor, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(i) Two (2) members of the Mississippi House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(j) Two (2) members appointed by the Governor, who shall have experience in cultural affairs or tourism development in East Central Mississippi; and

(k) Four (4) members appointed by the Governor from the state at large, who shall have demonstrated a commitment to the understanding and promotion of country and western music.

(5) The Governor shall designate one (1) commission member to serve as chairman for a term concurrent with that of the Governor. The commission shall meet upon the call of the chairman not later than July 1, 2011, and shall organize for business by adopting internal organizational procedures necessary for efficient operation of the commission, including officers, quorum requirements and policies for any commission staff. Each member of the commission shall designate necessary staff of their departments to provide administrative support to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. The commission shall meet and conduct business at least quarterly. Meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and opportunity for public comment shall be made available.

(6) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

(7) The commission shall submit a report, including any proposed legislation, to the Governor and to the Legislature before the convening of the 2012 Regular Session. The report shall include a comprehensive state plan for marketing country and western music history as specifically provided above.

(8) All departments, boards, agencies, officers and institutions of the state and all subdivisions thereof shall cooperate with the commission in carrying out its purposes under this chapter.

(9) Any funds or donations received by the commission shall be deposited into a special fund which is hereby created in the State Treasury, and disbursement therefrom shall be made upon warrants by the Department of Finance and Administration after receipt of requisitions submitted by the appropriate person designated by the commission. Monies in the special fund may be used by the commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 13-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-13
Status: in_force

A local historic preservation commission, if so empowered by a local ordinance or a local government acting upon the advice of a local historic preservation commission, may approve an application and issue a certificate of appropriateness if it finds that a proposed construction, alteration, demolition, subdivision or relocation is consistent with the design review guidelines established by the commission, would be compatible with the character of a historic district or landmark or landmark site and does not compromise the historic and architectural integrity of the historic district, landmark or landmark site. A governing authority may require that a property owner post a bond to guarantee satisfactory completion of a relocation project. Any local historic preservation ordinance shall specify whether partial demolition shall be considered an alteration or demolition, as it may not be both.

Whenever a local historic preservation commission shall deny or recommend denial of a certificate of appropriateness, the commission must state the reasons for such denial in writing. Thereafter, an applicant may resubmit a new application at any time, except that an applicant must wait six (6) months whenever an application for a certificate of appropriateness is denied for a landmark property of statewide or national significance and notice of any second or subsequent application must be sent to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History as well as to the local historic preservation commission.

A governing authority may require that denial of a certificate of appropriateness shall be binding upon a local building inspector or the agency responsible for issuing building permits and shall prevent the issuance of other building permits for the same parcel until a certificate of appropriateness is approved. A certificate of appropriateness may be required for work which does not require a building permit. A certificate of appropriateness may be evidenced by either a written and dated letter to an owner or applicant or such a letter accompanied by a signed and dated stamp on the face of any and all architectural or project drawings prepared for a project. A governing authority may provide by ordinance that a certificate of appropriateness shall expire at the end of a specified time period if work has not begun.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-11 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-11
Status: in_force

From and after March 26, 1997, a museum acquires title to unclaimed property, under any of the following circumstances:

(a) If a lender of property does not contact the museum in writing within ninety (90) days after the date notice was received for property for which a museum provides actual notice to a lender in accordance to Section 39-19-9 and for which a signed receipt has been received.

(b) If a lender or anyone claiming a legal interest in that property does not contact the museum in writing within ninety (90) days after the date of the second publication, and notice by publication has been made pursuant to Section 39-19-9 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-39-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 33 / Section 39-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-39-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby established a Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Advisory Commission (commission) which shall be comprised of the following members:

(a) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History;

(b) The Director of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(c) The President of Tougaloo College, or his or her designee;

(d) The President of Alcorn State University, or his or her designee;

(e) The President of Jackson State University, or his or her designee;

(f) The President of Mississippi Valley State University, or his or her designee;

(g) The President of Rust College, or his or her designee;

(h) The President of Mississippi University for Women, or his or her designee;

(i) The President of Delta State University, or his or her designee;

(j) The Chancellor of the University of Mississippi, or his or her designee;

(k) The President of Mississippi State University, or his or her designee;

(l) The President of the University of Southern Mississippi, or his or her designee;

(m) Two (2) representatives of the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, Inc.;

(n) One (1) representative of the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute;

(o) The Director of the William F. Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation;

(p) Four (4) appointees of the Governor, one (1) from each Mississippi Congressional District;

(q) Two (2) appointees of the Lieutenant Governor from the state at large; and

(r) Two (2) appointees of the Speaker of the House of Representatives from the state at large.

(2) The chairman of the commission shall be appointed by the Governor. The commission shall meet on a date announced by the Governor and shall organize for business by adopting rules of procedure. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History shall provide administrative support to the commission and serve as fiscal agent for the commission. Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for attending meetings of the commission; however, members who are not public employees may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in attending meetings of the commission from any funds available for that purpose.

(3) The commission shall advise the Mississippi Department of Archives and History regarding matters relating to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-9 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-9
Status: in_force

A museum may terminate a loan for unclaimed property in its possession as follows:

(a) The museum shall make a good faith and reasonable search for the identity and last known address of the lender from the museum records and other records reasonably available to museum staff. If the museum identifies the lender and the lender's last known address, the museum shall give actual notice to the lender that the loan is terminated pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. If the identify or the last known address of the lender remains unknown after the search, the museum shall give notice by publication pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

(b) Actual notice of termination of a loan of unclaimed property shall take substantially the following form. The museum shall send a letter by restricted certified mail to the lender at the lender's last known address giving a notice of termination of the loan, which shall include the following information:

(i) Date of notice of termination;

(ii) Name of lender;

(iii) Description of property in sufficient detail for ready identification;

(iv) Approximate beginning date of the loan (and termination date, if applicable), if known;

(v) The name and address of the appropriate museum official to be contacted regarding the loan; and

(vi) A statement that within ninety (90) days of the date of the notice of termination, the lender is required to remove the property from the museum or contact the designated official in the museum in writing to preserve the lender's interests in the property and that failure to do so will result in the loss of all rights in the property pursuant to Section 39-19-11 .

(c) If the museum is unable to identify sufficient information to send actual notice pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, or if a signed return receipt of a notice sent by restricted certified mail under subsection (b) of this section is not received by the museum within thirty (30) days after the notice is mailed, the museum shall publish the notice of termination of loan containing all the information available to the museum as provided in subsection (b)(i) through (v) of this section at least twice, sixty (60) or more days apart, in a publication of general circulation in the county in which the museum is located, and the county of the lender's last known address, if known.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-37-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 37-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-37-1
Status: in_force

Section 1. The Division of Tourism Development of the Mississippi Development Authority is authorized and directed to do the following:

(a) To develop a marketing plan designed to attract tourists, conferences, music and theatrical performances, filmmakers and others for the purpose of the economic development of all geographic areas of the state through the promotion of projects related to Mississippi's heritage, history and culture.

(b) To make an inventory of assets related to Mississippi's heritage, history and culture.

(c) To establish a statewide infrastructure to offer tourists and targeted audiences a structured tour of sites and venues related to Mississippi's heritage, history and culture.

(d) To designate specific sites for the erection of trail markers for the sites and venues related to Mississippi's heritage, history and culture. The division is authorized to approve the texts for the markers and to purchase appropriate markers from any available funds. The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall cooperate with the division by erecting and maintaining the markers that have been approved by the division.

(e) To coordinate the trail program described in paragraph (d) of this section with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television, and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and similar organizations to share resources and information in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to marketing the story of Mississippi's heritage, history and culture.

(f) To coordinate the trail program described in paragraph (d) of this section with any existing state historic preservation program, in order to identify and preserve historic properties, and determine the eligibility of those properties for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and prepare nominations of those sites.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-9 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 11-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-9
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Arts Commission is authorized and empowered to hold public hearings, to enter into contracts within the limit of funds available therefor, with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the commission's programs; to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available therefor, with local and regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the objectives of the commission's programs; to accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the commission's programs; to make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The commission may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state such assistance and data as will enable it properly to carry out its powers and duties hereunder.

(2) A special fund to be designated as the Mississippi Fund for the Arts is hereby created in the State Treasury. All funds deposited in this fund shall be used exclusively for the objectives of the commission as herein provided. Donations, bequests and grants deposited into the Mississippi Fund for the Arts may be disbursed by the Mississippi Arts Commission in accordance with the terms of the bequest or grant and in compliance with the purposes and policies of the Mississippi Arts Commission. Any disbursements made from the fund shall be authorized by both the chairman and the executive director of the commission and shall be supported by official actions and votes spread upon the minutes of the commission at an open public meeting. Any unexpended balance in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund and may be expended by the commissioner in subsequent fiscal years. Any interest earned on the fund may remain in the fund for disbursement by the commission in compliance with its purposes and policies. All transactions of the fund shall be reported annually to appropriate state agencies and subject to audit by the State Auditor and by auditors of donors. The Mississippi Fund for the Arts shall not be used for grants from federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the National Endowment for the Arts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-145 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-145
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-145
Status: in_force

(1) A special fund, to be designated the “Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund,” is created within the State Treasury. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. The fund shall consist of any monies designated for deposit therein from any source, including proceeds of any state general obligation bonds designated for deposit therein. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited into the fund. The expenditure of monies deposited into the fund shall be under the direction of the Department of Finance and Administration, based upon recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, and such funds shall be paid by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Department of Finance and Administration. Monies deposited into such fund shall be allocated and disbursed according to the provisions of this section. If any monies in the special fund are derived from proceeds of state general obligation bonds and are not used within four (4) years after the date such bond proceeds are deposited into the special fund, then the Department of Finance and Administration shall provide an accounting of such unused monies to the State Bond Commission.

(2) Monies deposited into the fund shall be allocated and disbursed as follows:

(a)(i) Sixty-one Million Fifty Thousand Dollars ($61,050,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grants on a reimbursable basis through the Department of Finance and Administration, based upon the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, to assist county governments, municipal governments, school districts, universities, community colleges, state agencies and nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service in helping pay the costs incurred in preserving, restoring, rehabilitating, repairing or interpreting 1. historic county courthouses, 2. historic school buildings, and/or 3. other historic properties identified by certified local governments or owned by the State of Mississippi. Where possible, expenditures from the fund shall be used to match federal grants or other grants that may be accessed by the Department of Archives and History, other state agencies, county governments or municipal governments, school districts or nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service. Any properties, except those described in paragraphs (b) and (d) of this subsection, receiving monies pursuant to this section must be designated as “Mississippi Landmark” properties prior to selection as projects for funding under the provisions of this section.

(ii) One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grants through the Department of Finance and Administration, based upon the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, to assist county governments in helping pay the costs of historically appropriate restoration, repair and renovation of historically significant county courthouses. Grants to individual courthouses under this paragraph (a)(ii) shall not exceed Eight Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($875,000.00).

(b) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Amory Regional Museum in Amory, Mississippi, to pay the costs of capital improvements, repair, renovation, furnishing and/or equipping of the museum. The Department of Finance and Administration is directed to transfer Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) from the fund to the city on or before December 31, 2004, and the city shall place the funds into an escrow account. The city may expend the funds from the account only in an amount equal to matching funds that are provided from any source other than the state for the project. As the funds are withdrawn from the escrow account, the city shall certify to the Department of Finance and Administration the amount of the funds that have been withdrawn and that the funds withdrawn are in an amount equal to matching funds required by this paragraph.

(c) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Jacinto Foundation, Inc., to pay the costs of capital improvements, repairing, renovating, restoring, rehabilitating, preserving, furnishing and/or equipping the courthouse and related facilities in Jacinto, Mississippi, and to pay the costs of capital improvements, repairing, renovating, restoring, rehabilitating, preserving, furnishing and/or equipping other buildings and facilities near the courthouse.

(d) Four Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($425,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation to pay the costs of capital improvements, repairing, renovating, restoring, rehabilitating, preserving, furnishing, equipping and/or acquiring the L.Q.C. Lamar Home in Oxford, Mississippi.

(e) One Million Four Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($1,425,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the City of Columbus, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with repair, renovation and restoration of the Columbus City Hall building and related facilities.

(f) One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Town of Wesson, Mississippi, to pay the costs of restoration and renovation of the Old Wesson School.

(g) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Town of Shubuta, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with construction, reconstruction, refurbishing, repair, renovation and restoration of the Shubuta Town Hall building and related facilities.

(h) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the City of Okolona, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with the purchase, repair, renovation, furnishing and equipping of a building and related facilities on Main Street in the City of Okolona, for the purpose of establishing a welcome center in which historical information relating to the City of Okolona will be displayed, including, but not limited to, information relating to the furniture, banking, retail and farming industries; education; historical collections owned by individuals and organizations; genealogy; Okolona College; and the Battle of Okolona and the War Between the States.

(i) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with repair, renovation and restoration of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse.

(j) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Wayne County, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with repair, renovation and restoration of the Wayne County Courthouse.

(k) Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to assist in paying the cost of rehabilitation and restoration of Winterville Indian Mounds in Washington County, Mississippi.

(l) Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the City of Kosciusko, to assist the City of Kosciusko, Mississippi, in paying costs associated with (i) repair, renovation, furnishing, equipping, additions to and expansion of the Kosciusko Natchez Trace Visitor Center in the City of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and (ii) repair, renovation, furnishing, equipping, additions to and expansion of the historic Strand Theater in the City of Kosciusko, Mississippi.

(m) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Jefferson County, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with repair, renovation, upgrades and improvements to the confederate cemetery and related properties and facilities in the county.

(n) Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Tate County, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with painting, refurbishment and historical restoration and renovation of the Tate County Courthouse.

(o) Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Humphreys County, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with repair and renovation of and upgrades and improvements to the Humphreys County Courthouse.

(p) One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) of any monies deposited into the fund during Fiscal Year 2023 shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to assist in paying the costs associated with relocation, repair, renovation and restoration of a one-room school building and related facilities including costs incurred before July 1, 2022, and such grant funds shall not be subject to any requirement for matching funds.

(q) Monies in the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund which are derived from proceeds of state general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in providing assistance directly related to a project described in paragraph (a) of this subsection for which funding is provided under this section. Reimbursement may be made only until such time as the project is completed. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained for each project by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs for a project shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued for such project. Monies authorized for a particular project may not be used to reimburse administrative costs for unrelated projects.

(3)(a) The Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History shall receive and consider proposals from county governments, municipal governments, school districts, universities, community colleges, state agencies and nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service for projects associated with the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, repair or interpretation of (i) historic courthouses, (ii) historic school buildings, and/or (iii) other historic properties identified by certified local governments. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of procedures, criteria and standards developed by the board. The board shall determine those projects to be funded and may require matching funds from any applicant seeking assistance under this section. This subsection shall not apply to projects described in subsection (2)(a)(ii), (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e), (2)(f), (2)(g), (2)(h) and (2)(j) of this section.

(b) The Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History shall receive and consider proposals from county governments for projects associated with historically appropriate restoration, repair and renovation of historically significant county courthouses. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of procedures, criteria and standards developed by the board. The board shall determine those projects to be funded and may require matching funds from any applicant seeking assistance under this section. This subsection shall not apply to projects described in subsection (2)(a)(i), (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e) and (2)(f) of this section.

(4) The Department of Archives and History shall publicize the Community Heritage Preservation Grant Program described in this section on a statewide basis, including the publication of the criteria and standards used by the department in selecting projects for funding. The selection of a project for funding under the provisions of this section shall be made solely upon the deliberate consideration of each proposed project on its merits. The board shall make every effort to award the grants in a manner that will fairly distribute the funds in regard to the geography and cultural diversity of the state. This subsection shall not apply to projects described in subsection (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e) and (2)(f) of this section.

(5) With regard to any project awarded funding under this section, any consultant, planner, architect, engineer, exhibit contracting firm, historic preservation specialist or other professional hired by a grant recipient to work on any such project shall be approved by the board before their employment by the grant recipient.

(6) Plans and specifications for all projects initiated under the provisions of this section shall be approved by the board before the awarding of any contracts. The plans and specifications for any work involving “Mississippi Landmark” properties shall be developed in accordance with “The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-107 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 17-107
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-107
Status: in_force

All bonds and interest coupons issued under the provisions of Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 have all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the provisions of the Mississippi Uniform Commercial Code, and in exercising the powers granted by Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 , the State Bond Commission shall not be required to and need not comply with the provisions of the Mississippi Uniform Commercial Code.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 11-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-5
Status: in_force

The chairman shall employ, with the approval of the commission, an executive director as administrative officer. The executive director shall employ other officers, experts and employees as may be needed and shall fix their compensation within the amounts made available for such purposes. Employment of staff members is subject to the approval of the commission. The commission may also, at its discretion, form advisory panels from qualified persons within the state to obtain their advice and counsel on matters pertaining to the arts. Members of these panels shall serve at the will and pleasure of the commission and will receive no compensation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 21-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-5
Status: in_force

The Department of Finance and Administration shall proceed with the purchase of necessary property, and constructing, furnishing and equipping a facility to house the Mississippi Craft Center as soon as practicable.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-23 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-23
Status: in_force

Nothing in Laws, 2001, ch. 443 shall require the dissolution of any local historic preservation commission created in Mississippi before July 1, 2001. Any local historic preservation commission created by ordinance before July 1, 2001 shall continue in existence and continue to have all of the purposes, powers and authority set out in the ordinance creating such commission. Any such previously created commission may be given the powers set forth in this chapter if a governing authority reenacts a local ordinance in conformity with this chapter.

No designation of a historic district or landmark or landmark site shall be invalidated because the designation was made under a valid ordinance before July 1, 2001.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-111 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-111
Status: in_force

The bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 are general obligations of the State of Mississippi, and for the payment thereof the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi is irrevocably pledged. If the funds appropriated by the Legislature are insufficient to pay the principal of and the interest on such bonds as they become due, then the deficiency shall be paid by the State Treasurer from any funds in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated. All such bonds shall contain recitals on their faces substantially covering the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-369 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-369
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-369
Status: in_force

No provision of this article shall be construed to prohibit any library, or any business operating jointly with a library, from disclosing information for the purpose of collecting overdue books, documents, films or other items or materials owned or otherwise belonging to such library. No provision of this article shall be construed to prohibit or hinder any such library or business office from collecting fines on such overdue books, documents, films or other items or materials.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 13-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-7
Status: in_force

No historic district or districts shall be designated until the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has been notified by certified letter by the governing authority of a municipality or county and invited to make recommendations concerning the proposed district boundaries. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History may comment by letter, telephone, e-mail or in person through designated staff. The boundary of a historic district or landmark or landmark site may follow the formal legal description of a tax parcel or parcels or, because of historical justification or topographical conditions, may deviate from such formal legal descriptions. When a boundary deviates from formal legal descriptions, there must be written justification for such a deviation in any local designating ordinance.

When a municipality or county has already created by ordinance a local historic preservation commission, that commission shall jointly notify both the governing authority of the municipality or county and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History that a historic district is being proposed and recommended and shall provide to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History the dates of the next two (2) public meetings of the governing authority at which action on the designation of such a district might be taken so that the Mississippi Department of Archives and History may comment in a timely manner. Failure of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to comment by the date of the second such meeting shall relieve the municipality or county of any responsibility for awaiting and responding to such analysis, and the body may at any time thereafter take any necessary action to create the proposed historic district.

When a municipality or county has not previously created by ordinance a local historic preservation commission and the governing authority proposes to create such a commission, the governing authority must give the Mississippi Department of Archives and History an opportunity to comment on the proposed provisions for such an ordinance, unless such ordinance is substantially identical to any model local historic preservation ordinance which has been recommended and promulgated by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Whenever the Mississippi Department of Archives and History is invited to comment on the terms of a proposed local historic preservation ordinance, failure of the department to comment within forty-five (45) days after a written request for comments has been received shall relieve the governing authority of any responsibility to wait further for such comments.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-7
Status: in_force

(1) Any municipality which supports a public library or public library system may, by order of the governing authorities of such municipality, in their discretion, levy a three (3) mill tax on all taxable property within the municipality to be used for the support, upkeep and maintenance of any public library or public library system located in said municipality.

(2) The taxes levied under this section shall be excluded from the revenue increase limitation imposed pursuant to Section 27-39-321 .

(3) In addition to the levy herein authorized, the governing authorities of any municipality may, in their discretion, make contributions from any available funds for the support, upkeep and maintenance of any public library or public library system located in such municipality.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-205 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-205
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-205
Status: in_force

As used in the compact, “state library agency” with reference to this state, means the Mississippi Library Commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 23-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-3
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Children's Museum may be located:

(a) At the old National Guard Armory located on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi, after the repair, renovation, furnishing and equipping of such facility by the Department of Finance and Administration as provided for in Sections 16 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended;

(b) In such structure and at such location as shall be submitted by the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Children's Museum, a Mississippi nonprofit corporation, to and approved as an appropriate structure and location by the Department of Finance and Administration, after the repair, renovation, furnishing and equipping of such facility by the Department of Finance and Administration as provided in Sections 16 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended; or

(c) In the building, formerly known as the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, on land located adjacent to the State Fairgrounds in the City of Jackson, County of Hinds, Mississippi, described more specifically as follows:

Starting at the point of intersection of the North line of Pearl Street and the West line of Jefferson Street, run Northerly along the West line of Jefferson Street a distance of 240 feet to the point of beginning, an iron pin. Continue Northerly along the West line of Jefferson Street for a distance of 257.9 feet to an iron pin; turn left through an angle of 89 degrees--57 minutes--14 seconds and run Westerly for a distance of 278.9 feet to an iron pin on the east right-of-way line of the G.M. & O. Railroad; turn left through an angle of 79 degrees--29 minutes--30 seconds and run Southerly along the East right-of-way of the G.M. & O. Railroad (Said line being a curve to the left with a radius of 2814.93 feet, chord definition) for a distance of 260.4 feet to an iron pipe; turn left through an angle of 95 degrees--12 minutes--26 seconds and run Easterly and parallel with the North line of this tract for a distance of 314.7 feet to the point of beginning.

(d) On certain real property owned by the State of Mississippi and held by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, more particularly described as follows:

39 acres lying in the northeast corner of the intersection of Mississippi 25 and Interstate 55.

(e) At any location in Hinds County as shall be submitted by the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Children's Museum, a Mississippi nonprofit corporation, to the Department of Finance and Administration and approved as an appropriate location by the Department of Finance and Administration.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-3
Status: in_force

The governing authority of each municipality and county, either independently or jointly with the governing authority of an adjacent municipality or county, or both, is hereby empowered, in its discretion, to enact ordinances providing for the creation of one or more local historic preservation commissions to advise on the establishment and location of potential historic districts and the designation of potential historic landmarks and landmark sites within the jurisdictional area of the governing authority. The governing authorities of each municipality and county, either independently or jointly with the governing authorities of an adjacent municipality, may enact ordinances for the establishment of such local historic districts, historic landmarks and landmark sites within the jurisdictional area of the governing authorities as these authorities shall choose to designate. Each such ordinance shall be adopted after investigation of the historical, architectural, archaeological and cultural significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites and surroundings of such districts, landmarks or landmark sites and after having held public hearing thereon. Notice of such public hearing, specifying the boundaries of any proposed historic district and the location of proposed historic landmarks and landmark sites shall be published once a week for at least three (3) consecutive weeks in at least one (1) newspaper published in such municipality or county. The first publication of such resolution shall be made not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date fixed in such resolution for the public hearing and the last publication shall be made not more than seven (7) days prior to such date. If no newspaper be published in such municipality or county, then such notice shall be given by publishing the resolution for the required time in some newspaper having a general circulation in such municipality or county.

An ordinance to establish a local historic preservation commission may precede an ordinance to designate one or more local historic districts and one or more landmarks or landmark sites. Whenever governing authorities enact such an ordinance creating a historic preservation commission before an ordinance or ordinances designating one or more local historic districts and one or more landmarks or landmark sites, the local historic preservation commission shall review such potential local historic districts or potential landmarks or landmark sites and make a recommendation to the governing authorities before such designation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-19 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-19
Status: in_force

Upon the official certificate of the trustees of the state department of archives and history that any abandoned cemetery is of historical significance and should be repaired, rehabilitated, or maintained as a historical monument, the boards of supervisors of the respective counties in this state are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to repair, rehabilitate, and maintain any such cemetery within the borders of the county over which such board has jurisdiction.

Subject to like certificate from the said trustees, the board of supervisors in adjoining counties may, in their discretion, jointly accomplish such repairs, rehabilitation, or maintenance in those instances where the cemetery in question occupies territory which at one time or another was located as a part of said adjoining counties.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 21-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-3
Status: in_force

(1) A facility to house the Mississippi Craft Center may be located within the corporate limits of Ridgeland, Mississippi.

(2) Consideration for the purchase of the property described in subsection (1) of this section necessary for the construction of the facility to house the Mississippi Craft Center shall not exceed the average of the fair market price for such real property as determined by two (2) professional property appraisers selected by the Department of Finance and Administration and certified and licensed by the Mississippi Real Estate Appraisal Board. Appraisal fees shall be paid by the Department of Finance and Administration from the proceeds of the bonds issued pursuant to Chapter 501, Laws of 1997.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-41-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 41-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-41-1
Status: repealed

(1) The Legislature finds that:

(a) Public Law 114-196 established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit partner, the America250 Foundation, to collaborate with affiliates at the local, territorial, state, tribal, regional, national and international levels to educate, engage and unite Americans throughout a commemorative period beginning in 2020 to officially conclude in 2027, culminating in the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America;

(b) As of December 1, 2021, eighteen (18) states have established organizations to support the America250 initiative by planning and implementing programs that honor the history and culture of the United States, including special events, public art displays, museum exhibitions and educational curriculums, and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission expects the widest participation to occur through state and local projects and events; and

(c) It is altogether appropriate during this commemorative period to participate in a celebration of this magnitude and salute our state heroes, groups, artists, industries, agriculture, historic sites and other contributions to the fabric and history of our nation.

(2) There is hereby created a Mississippi USA Semiquincentennial Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission,” to plan, promote and implement appropriate public celebrations and official events, programs and commemorations.

(3) The commission is authorized to cooperate with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and the America250 Foundation and other national and state organizations engaged in commemoration and celebration of the semiquincentennial, and other national, regional, state and local public and private organizations with compatible purposes.

(4) The commission shall designate and coordinate events and programs with respect to the formal semiquincentennial celebration and commemoration and promote and encourage through those events, programs, digital and printed media, symposia, and educational outreach all of the following:

(a) Awareness and understanding of the principles of the Declaration of Independence, of the winning of American independence in the American Revolutionary War, and of the establishment of America's system of constitutional self-government;

(b) Teaching students and increasing public knowledge and appreciation of the breadth of American history and the centuries-long quest for “liberty and justice for all,” to include sharing the stories and contributions of the various people who have populated the land, from indigenous peoples, explorers, British colonists, seekers of religious freedom, enslaved African Americans and many others who are part of America's stories;

(c) Advancing the cause of liberty and American self-government and of the meaning of “ E Pluribus Unum ” (“from many, one”) through promoting civic knowledge and practice, including America's “ Charters of Freedom ” (the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and the constitutional features of self-government emphasizing the roles of active and engaged good citizens;

(d) Emphasizing the service and sacrifices of veterans of all generations who have secured and preserved American independence and freedom and encouraging Mississippians to honor them; and

(e) Celebratory and commemorative events and activities throughout the State of Mississippi and its eighty-two (82) counties and its two hundred ninety-nine (299) incorporated municipalities celebrating our state's arts, culture, sports, entertainment, innovation, science, entrepreneurism, parks, preservation and youth.

(5) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Governor's First Lady, or her designee;

(b) The Lieutenant Governor, or his designee;

(c) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or his designee;

(d) Three (3) members appointed by the Governor, one (1) of whom shall be an indigenous person, to serve terms concurrent with that of the Governor;

(e) Two (2) members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to serve terms concurrent with that of the Lieutenant Governor;

(f) One (1) member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to serve a term concurrent with that of the Speaker;

(g) The Director of the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, or his designee;

(h) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Tourism Association, or her designee;

(i) The Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or her designee; and

(j) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his designee.

(6) Appointments shall be made within thirty (30) days after July 1, 2023 by the Legislature, and the First Lady shall serve as chairwoman for a term concurrent with the gubernatorial term. Within fifteen (15) days thereafter, on a day to be designated by the First Lady, the commission shall meet and organize for business by adopting internal organizational procedures necessary for the commission's efficient operation, including officers, committees and subcommittees, quorum requirements, and policies for any commission staff. Each member of the commission shall designate necessary staff of his or her respective agency, department or business entity, as the case may be, to provide administrative support to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. In the selection of its officers and the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, an affirmative vote of a majority of the commission shall be required. All members shall be notified in writing of all meetings, such notices to be transmitted as appropriate at least five (5) days before the date on which a meeting is to be held. The commission shall meet and conduct business at least quarterly each year. Commission meetings shall be open to the public, and opportunity for public comment shall be made available.

(7) Commission members shall receive no compensation for their services. No commission member may incur per diem, travel or other expenses unless previously authorized by vote at a meeting of the commission, which action shall be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting. Legislative members of the commission shall be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same manner as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem or expense for attending meetings of the commission will be paid while the Legislature is in session. Nonlegislative members shall be paid from any funds made available for that purpose to the commission or their respective agencies, departments or business entities.

(8) No elected public official or public employee serving on the commission shall be involved in soliciting any private funds or gifts for the commission.

(9) The First Lady, with concurrence of the commission, may designate the chief executive officer of an agency or nonprofit organization created or chartered by legislative act, or another qualified individual, to serve as the executive officer and secretary of the commission. The executive officer shall serve without additional compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses as provided for state employees. He or she shall exercise such powers delegated by the commission, including the right to apply for, receive, accept, deposit and administer pursuant to commission authorization any federal, state or local public or private funds given for express use by the commission for semiquincentennial purposes.

(10) The First Lady, with the concurrence of the commission, shall constitute one or more advisory committees to advise the commission. The committees may include such representatives as the respective executive officer, or his or her designee, of the Mississippi Department of Education, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Community College Board, the Mississippi Military Department or the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, or representatives of presidents of Mississippi's public colleges and universities, historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, associations and organizations of city or county officials, or state historical, educational, patriotic, civic, religious, military, veterans, community improvement and other organizations.

(11) To effectuate the purposes of this section, any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or of any political subdivision thereof shall, at the request of the chair of the commission or her designee, provide to the commission such facilities, assistance and data as will enable the committee properly to carry out its task. All departments, boards, agencies, officers and institutions of the state and of all subdivisions thereof shall cooperate with the commission in carrying out its purposes under this section. The commission shall encourage various state agencies and organizations to work cooperatively to promote the semiquincentennial.

(12) The commission is authorized and empowered to accept and expend grants and private donations from any source, including federal, state, public and private entities, and may create a supporting nonprofit organization, supervised and controlled by the commission through majority board control and representation, to accept and expend on behalf of the commission such grants and private donations, to encourage the broadest volunteer participation of public and private partners and organizations, and to assist the commission to carry out its functions. Any expenditures by the commission shall be authorized by a majority vote of the nonlegislative members of the commission.

(13) There is hereby created in the State Treasury the Mississippi Semiquincentennial Celebration Fund. Any appropriations, funds or donations received by the commission shall be deposited into this special fund. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a special fund, separate and apart from the State General Fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in this special fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund. Monies in the fund shall be expended by the Department of Finance and Administration after receipt of requisitions submitted by the appropriate person designated by the commission. Monies in the special fund may be used by the commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this section.

(14) The commission shall make an annual written report and make any recommendations to the Governor and Legislature at least thirty (30) days prior to the convening of each Regular Session of the Legislature, beginning in 2024 and continuing through its final report in 2027. The commission shall consider and recommend ways for the state to commemorate the semiquincentennial through state and local legacy projects for the state at large and for counties and municipalities, as well as ways to enhance educational programs and extended learning offered by local boards of education, the Department of Education, relevant state agencies and departments, and two-year and four-year institutions of higher education, including historically black colleges and universities.

(15) This section shall stand repealed on June 30, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-113 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 17-113
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-113
Status: in_force

The State Treasurer is authorized to certify to the State Fiscal Officer the necessity for warrants, and the State Fiscal Officer is authorized and directed to issue such warrants, in such amounts as may be necessary to pay when due the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, or the accredited value of, all bonds issued under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 ; and the State Treasurer shall forward the necessary amount to the designated place or places of payment of such bonds in ample time to discharge such bonds, or the interest on the bonds, on their due dates.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 27-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the Mississippi Blues Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission.” The commission may accept and expend grants and private donations from any source, including federal, state, public and private entities, to assist it to carry out its functions.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, the term “ blues ” shall mean African-American roots music and the culture that created it.

(3) The powers, functions and duties of the commission shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) To study, deliberate and report to the Governor and the Legislature on the best method or plan to market and foster an appreciation of the blues, to include tourism, academic study and blues archives, blues historical preservation, blues cultural education and the support of performing artists. The marketing plan shall be designed to attract tourists, conferences, music performances, filmmakers and others for the purpose of economic development of all geographic areas of the state, through the promotion of the blues and the heritage and culture that produced the blues, and to analyze the tourism potential of the blues for Mississippi.

(b) To make an inventory of blues “assets” that make up the blues and blues culture that could be developed into a program for domestic and international tourism, and opportunities for investment.

(c) To establish a statewide Mississippi “Blues Trail” infrastructure to offer to tourists and targeted groups a structured tour of Mississippi blues historical sites and performance venues.

(d) To coordinate with the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, the Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, the State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, the University Center for Economic Development at Mississippi Valley State University, the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University, the Delta Blues Museum, the Delta Music Institute, the Mississippi Arts Commission and similar organizations in the sharing of resources and information in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to marketing the blues and blues culture in Mississippi.

(e) To make recommendations regarding the establishment of, and budgeting for, a permanent Mississippi Office of the Blues as an agency of state government with an executive director and appropriate staff to carry out the marketing plan developed by the commission. To the extent practical, any office shall be located at an existing public or private location which is appropriate to the blues or blues culture in Mississippi, with minimal cost to the state.

(f) To coordinate the blues marketing plan with any existing state historic preservation programs, in order to:

(i) Identify and preserve blues historic properties or sites;

(ii) Determine the eligibility of those properties or sites for listing on the National Register;

(iii) Prepare nominations of those properties or sites for inclusion on the National Register;

(iv) Maintain blues historical and archaeological data bases; and

(v) Evaluate those properties and sites for eligibility for state and federal preservation incentives.

(g) To raise and expend grant funds to provide assistance to any blues musicians in need.

(4) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Director of the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(b) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or his designee;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his designee;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, or his designee;

(e) The Director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi;

(f) Until April 10, 2008, the Director of the University Center for Economic Development at Mississippi Valley State University, and after April 10, 2008, a person designated by the President of Mississippi Valley State University;

(g) The Director of the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University;

(h) The President of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center;

(i) The State Director of the USDA Rural Development Agency;

(j) Two (2) members of the Mississippi Senate designated by the Lieutenant Governor, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(k) Two (2) members of the Mississippi House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(l) Two (2) members appointed by the Governor, who shall have experience in cultural affairs or tourism development in the Mississippi Delta; and

(m) Four (4) members appointed by the Governor from the state at large, who shall have demonstrated a commitment to the understanding and promotion of the blues.

(5) The Governor shall designate one (1) commission member to serve as chairman for a term concurrent with that of the Governor. The commission shall meet upon the call of the chairman not later than August 1, 2004, and shall organize for business by adopting internal organizational procedures necessary for efficient operation of the commission, including officers, quorum requirements and policies for any commission staff. Each member of the commission shall designate necessary staff of his or her respective agency, department, university or business entity, as the case may be, to provide administrative support to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. The commission shall meet and conduct business at least quarterly each year. Meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and opportunity for public comment shall be made available.

(6) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

(7) The commission shall submit a report, including any proposed legislation, to the Governor and to the Legislature before the convening of the 2009 Regular Session. The report shall include a comprehensive state plan for marketing the blues as specifically provided above.

(8) All departments, boards, agencies, officers and institutions of the state, and all subdivisions thereof, shall cooperate with the commission in carrying out its purposes under this chapter.

(9) Any funds or donations received by the commission shall be deposited into a special fund which is created in the State Treasury. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. Unexpended amounts remaining in the special fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund.

Monies in the fund shall be expended by the Department of Finance and Administration after receipt of requisitions submitted by the appropriate person designated by the commission. Monies in the special fund may be used by the commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / Section 21-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-5
Status: in_force

The Department of Finance and Administration shall proceed with the purchase of necessary property, and constructing, furnishing and equipping a facility to house the Mississippi Craft Center as soon as practicable.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 23-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-1
Status: in_force

The Legislature recognizes the need for a children's museum in Mississippi to promote the educational and social development, well-being and joy of children. The Legislature further recognizes that a children's museum would be of great economic and cultural importance to Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-107 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 17-107
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-107
Status: in_force

All bonds and interest coupons issued under the provisions of Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 have all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the provisions of the Mississippi Uniform Commercial Code, and in exercising the powers granted by Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 , the State Bond Commission shall not be required to and need not comply with the provisions of the Mississippi Uniform Commercial Code.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 11-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-1
Status: in_force

There is hereby created and established a state commission to be known as the Mississippi Arts Commission, to consist of fifteen members broadly representative of all fields of the performing, visual, literary arts, and the business community, and who are to be appointed by the governor from among citizens of the state who have demonstrated a vital interest in the performing, visual, or literary arts. These members shall also be representative of the different geographical areas of the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 25-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center (“Center”) to be housed in a state-owned facility or facilities located within the corporate limits of Meridian, Mississippi. The purpose of the Center shall be to provide an educational, entertaining and interactive facility to capture the essence of Mississippi's legacy in the arts and celebrate the richness and depth of that legacy and the Mississippians who created it with the world; and to provide family-oriented attractions in the delivery of an educational experience to citizens of, and visitors to, Mississippi.

(2) The Center shall be a state-of-the-art facility which may include, but not be limited to, MAEC exhibits, a state-sanctioned Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame inducting icons in all genres of arts and entertainment, Walk of Fame, auditorium, outdoor performance plaza, and broadcast/recording facility. The Center will provide a vast educational resource for individuals and educators offering unparalleled insight into the lives and stories of Mississippi arts and entertainment treasures through seminars, workshops and demonstrations by guest professionals and/or amateur artists. The Center may promote, advertise and market its efforts under the name of the Center itself, as “the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience,” or in such other manner as calculated to best further the goals and objectives of the Center.

(3) The duties and objectives of the Center shall be:

(a) To stimulate and encourage throughout the state the study and presentation of the performing, visual, and literary arts and public interest and participation therein;

(b) To encourage participation in, appreciation of, and education in the arts to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state;

(c) To take such steps as may be necessary and appropriate to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Mississippi and the south to expand the state's cultural resources, and to promote the use of art in state government's activities and facilities; and

(d) To encourage excellence and assist freedom of artistic expression essential for the well-being of the arts.

(4) The Department of Finance and Administration shall have the authority to lease or contract with, for a period not to exceed fifty (50) years, a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support, improvement, administration and operation of the Center as provided for in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. The Department of Finance and Administration may establish the terms of the agreement. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of this lease or contractual agreement shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease or contract shall require the nonprofit corporation to pay for any and all utility costs incurred by the Center and, therefore, the construction of the Center shall not be subject to the energy performance requirements for major facility projects contained in Section 31-11-35 . The nonprofit corporation is authorized to hold public hearings, to enter into contracts within the limit of funds available therefor, with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the Center's programs; to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available therefor, with local and regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the objectives of the Center's programs; to make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(5) The Department of Finance and Administration may enter into any agreement with a nonprofit corporation necessary for the construction, operation and administration of the Center and may establish the terms of the agreement. For the construction, operation and administration of the Center, such nonprofit corporation may receive and expend any funds made available in any manner by public or private sources and may receive contributions and donations of land or other property and other forms of financial assistance and property, equipment, materials or manpower from persons, foundations, trust funds, corporations, organizations, and other public or private sources to be expended and used in carrying out the mission of the Center. Any real property purchased or received by donation for the Center shall be titled in the name of the State of Mississippi for the benefit and use of the Department of Finance and Administration.

(6) For any lease or contractual arrangement to which the Department of Finance and Administration and a nonprofit corporation are a party to as provided in subsection (5), the nonprofit corporation shall, along with the possessory and leasehold interests and/or real and personal property of the corporation, be exempt from all ad valorem taxation, including, but not limited to, school, city and county ad valorem taxes, for the term or period of time stated in the lease or contractual arrangement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 23-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-7
Status: in_force

(1) If the old National Guard Armory is repaired, renovated, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Mississippi Fair Commission shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered as sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(2) If the facility at the location described in Section 39-23-3(c) is repaired, renovated, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered as sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(3) If the facility at the location described in Section 39-23-3(d) is constructed, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(4) If the facility at a location selected as provided in Section 39-23-3(e) , to include the approval of any using and/or controlling agency, board or commission of the proposed site, is constructed, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding fifty (50) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property. Upon the expiration of the fifty-year lease term, the property leased, conveyed or transferred under this section shall revert back to the controlling agency or to the State of Mississippi.

(5) The State of Mississippi shall retain all mineral rights to such property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-9-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 9-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-9-5
Status: in_force

No institution for pecuniary profit shall be founded under this chapter; nor shall any dividends be declared or paid by any institution founded under this chapter; and no trustee, officer, member or employee of any institution founded hereunder shall receive, or be entitled to receive, any pecuniary profit from the operations thereof except reasonable compensation for services in effecting or furthering any one or more of the objects or purposes of the institution. In case of a public library any requirements for the payment of fees for various privileges shall not divest such library of its public character when such requirements are usual or customary in case of public libraries throughout the state or the United States. In the case of educational institutions, requirements as to the payment of matriculation fees, laboratory fees, library fees, fees of like kind or nature, board and lodging of students, and any of the requirements customary or usually insisted upon in the public educational institutions of this state shall not divest such institutions of their public character.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-35-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 35-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-35-1
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission (commission) is hereby established to prepare for and commemorate the Sesquicentennial, or One Hundred and Fiftieth anniversary, of Mississippi's participation in the American Civil War (April 1861-April 1865).

(2) The commission shall have a total membership of fifteen (15) members, or their designees, as follows: (a) the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority; (b) the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; (c) the State Superintendent of Public Education, or his designee; (d) the Manager of the Bureau of Film and Culture of the Mississippi Development Authority, Division of Tourism; (e) the President/Chairman of the Mississippi Historical Society; (f) the Chairman of the Mississippi Civil War Battlefield Commission; (g) the Director of the Brice's Crossroads Battlefield Commission; (h) the Director of the Vicksburg National Military Park; (i) the Director of the Battle of Shiloh-Battle of Corinth National Military Park; (j) the Director of the Grand Gulf Military Monument; (k) a representative of the Mississippi Tourism Association; (l) the National Park Service Administrator of Ship Island/Fort Massachusetts; (m) a citizen of Mississippi appointed by the Governor; (n) a member of the Mississippi Senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor who shall serve in an ex officio nonvoting capacity; and (o) a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker who shall serve in an ex officio nonvoting capacity.

(3) Ex officio members and legislative members of the commission shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Citizen members shall serve a term of four (4) years. Appointments to fill vacancies occurring for a reason other than the expiration of a term shall be for the remainder of the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments, and all members may be reappointed.

(4) The commission shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from among its membership. The commission may name five (5) of its members to constitute an executive committee, which shall act for the commission pursuant to its direction.

(5) The commission may appoint and establish an advisory council composed of citizens at large who have knowledge of American Civil War and Mississippi history and interest in its Sesquicentennial celebration, to assist the commission in its work.

(6) A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the commission shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever a majority of the members so request. No recommendation of the commission shall be adopted except by majority vote of the commission.

(7) Nonlegislative members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but may receive expense reimbursement and mileage for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided by law. Legislative members of the commission shall receive compensation applicable to committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session.

(8) The commission shall hire an executive director, and relevant support staff, to guide and support the actions of the commission. Employment shall not extend beyond the date of expiration of the commission and shall be subject to an annual review by the executive committee of the commission.

(9) The commission may solicit, accept, use and dispose of public or nonpublic funds, gifts, grants, donations, bequests or other funds or real or personal property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the commission. The commission may procure services, enter into contracts, leases or other legal agreements as it may deem necessary to carry out its duties as set forth in this section, but no contract or other legal agreement shall be entered into by the commission that extends beyond the date of expiration of the commission.

(10) The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) Plan, develop and carry out educational, informational, new media/web-based programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, with emphasis on the military operations which occurred in the State of Mississippi;

(b) Encourage interdisciplinary examination of the American Civil War;

(c) Facilitate activities related to the American Civil War throughout Mississippi;

(d) Encourage civic, historical, educational, economic and other organizations throughout Mississippi to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of the American Civil War;

(e) Provide technical and financial assistance to localities and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War;

(f) Develop programs and facilities to ensure that the Sesquicentennial commemoration of the American Civil War results in a positive legacy and long-term public benefit;

(g) Facilitate the development and conduct of programs designed to involve all citizens in activities that commemorate the American Civil War; and

(h) Submit to the Legislature and the Governor an annual report for publication of the work and activity of the commission no later than the first day of each regular session of the Legislature.

(11) The commission shall direct the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to enhance and expand Civil War markers across the state, along with all relevant educational and informational documentation necessary for the creation of a Civil War Trail, in advance of the initial celebration of the Sesquicentennial in Mississippi.

(12) All state agencies and universities shall provide technical assistance to the commission upon request.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-2 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-2
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-2
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Alteration ” means any change in the exterior appearance or materials of a landmark or a structure within a historic district or on a landmark site.

(b) “ Certificate of appropriateness ” means an official signed and dated governmental document issued by either a local historic preservation commission or a governing authority to permit specific work in a historic district or at a landmark site or landmark which has been reviewed and approved.

(c) “ Construction ” means work which is neither alteration nor demolition. Essentially, it is the erection of a new structure which did not previously exist, even if such a structure is partially joined to an existing structure.

(d) “ Demolition ” means the intentional removal of a structure within a local historic district or on a landmark site or which has been designated as a landmark.

(e) “ Demolition by neglect ” means substantial deterioration of a historic structure that results from improper maintenance or a lack of maintenance.

(f) “Design review guidelines,” if adopted by a local historic preservation commission, shall be in a written form designed to inform local property owners about historical architectural styles prevalent in a community and to recommend preferred treatments and discourage treatments that would compromise the architectural integrity of structures in a historic district or on a landmark site or individually designated as landmarks.

(g) “ Historic landmark ” means a structure of exceptional individual significance and typically is a structure which could not be included within a local historic district.

(h) “ Historic preservation commission ” means a municipal or county body established to advise a local government on matters relating to historic preservation, including the designation of historic districts, landmarks and landmark sites, and which may be empowered to review applications for permits for alteration, construction, demolition, relocation or subdivision for structures in historic districts or on landmark sites or designated as landmarks.

(i) “ Historic district ” means a group of two (2) or more tax parcels and their structures, and may be an entire neighborhood of structures linked by historical association or historical development. It is not necessary that all structures within a historic district share the same primary architectural style or be from the same primary historical period. A historic district may also include both commercial and residential structures, and may include structures covered by two (2) or more zoning classifications. A historic district may include both contributing and noncontributing structures.

(j) “ Landmark site ” means a location where a primary architectural or historical resource formerly stood or a significant historic event took place or an important archeological resource remains.

(k) “ Period of greatest historic significance for a landmark ” means the time period during which the landmark had been essentially completed but not yet altered. It is also the period during which the style of architecture of the landmark was commonplace or typical. If a landmark also achieved historical importance in part because of designed landscape features, the period of greatest historic significance includes the time period during which such landscape features were maintained.

(l) “ Relocation ” means the moving of a structure to a new location on its tax parcel or the relocation of such a structure to a new tax parcel.

(m) “ Structure ” means a man-made object and typically will be visible because of portions which exist above grade. Structures built during the historic period, 1700 forward, may in some instances not be visible above grade if they are cellars, cisterns, icehouses or similar objects which by their nature are intended to be built into the ground. A structure includes both interior components and visible exterior surfaces, as well as attached elements such as signs and related features such as walks, walls, fences and other nearby secondary structures or landmark features.

(n) “ Subdistricts ” means discrete areas within a larger historic district within which separate design guidelines are appropriate and that may be created to recognize different zoning classifications or historic development patterns which have caused adjacent historic areas to develop at different times.

(o) “ Subdivision ” includes any change in the boundaries of a single tax parcel, whether the change results in expansion or reduction or a boundary relocation.

(p) “ Substantial deterioration ” means structural degradation of such a nature that water penetration into a historic structure can no longer be prevented, or structural degradation that causes stress or strain on structural members when supports collapse or warp, evidence of which includes defective roofing materials, broken window coverings and visible interior decay.

(q) “ Survey of resources ” means the documentation, by historical research or a photographic record, of structures of historical interest within a specified area or jurisdiction or of existing structures within a proposed historic district.

(r) “ Unauthorized demolition ” means the deliberate demolition of a historic structure without prior review and approval by a local historic preservation commission or a governing authority to which such a commission has made a recommendation.

(s) “ Unreasonable economic hardship ” means the definition under constitutional standards used to determine whether a “taking” exists.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-22 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-22
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-22
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the “Mississippi Historic Site Preservation Fund,” hereafter referred to as “the Fund.” The Fund shall be included in the budget of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and implemented by the Historic Preservation Division of the department. The Fund shall consist of general funds appropriated by the Legislature and funds received as grants, endowments or gifts from the federal government, its agencies and instrumentalities and funds from any other available sources, public or private. All such funds shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on monies in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any monies remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not lapse to the State General Fund but shall remain in the Fund.

(2) Monies in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Archives and History, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, solely for the purpose of making grants to nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, hereafter referred to as “organizations” or local governmental entities, to match federal and other matching funds. All such grants shall be made solely for the fee simple purchase of, or purchase of protective interests in (a) any Native American archeology site, (b) any endangered Mississippi battlefield property, and/or (c) any endangered Mississippi Civil Rights Movement historic site. To be eligible for a grant, a site must be determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places by the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Archives and History, identified as nationally significant in a National Park Service Special Resource Study, or listed in the Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields by the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission, National Park Service, as amended, and such sites shall be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer upon written request of the Director of the Department of Archives and History.

(3) The Director of the Department of Archives and History shall establish, administer, manage, and make expenditures and allocations from the Fund.

(4) Organizations seeking grant funding from the Fund shall be required to provide at least One Dollar ($1.00) in matching funds for each One Dollar ($1.00) received from the Fund for the proposed project. As used in this subsection, the term “ matching funds ” shall include both cash and the value of any contribution due to a bargain sale or the donation of land or interest therein made by the landowner as part of the proposed project. No state funds may be included in determining the amount of the match.

(5) Eligible costs for which monies from the Fund may be allocated to include acquisition of land and any improvements thereon (collectively referred to in this section as “land”) or permanent protective interests, such as perpetual conservation easements, and costs associated with such acquisitions, including the cost of appraisals, environmental reports, any survey, title searches and title insurance, and other closing costs.

(6) Grants from the Fund shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the appraised value of the land or permanent protective interest therein.

(7) Grants from the Fund may be awarded for prospective purchases or for acquisitions on which the applicant has closed. In the latter case the applicant shall demonstrate:

(a) The closing occurred no more than twelve (12) months prior to the date of application for the grant; and

(b) An identifiable threat to the resource or compelling need for preservation existed at the time of the purchase.

(8) Any eligible organization making an acquisition of land or interest therein pursuant to this section shall grant to the Department of Archives and History or other holder a perpetual easement placing restrictions on the use or development of the land. In cases where the easement is granted to a holder other than the Department of Archives and History, all terms and conditions of the easement shall be reviewed by and found by the department to accomplish the perpetual preservation of the property. Such other holder shall demonstrate to the department that it has the capacity and expertise to manage and enforce the terms of the easement.

(9) Nothing in this section shall preclude the subsequent transfer or assignment by a state agency or other owner or holder of any property interest acquired pursuant to this section to the United States of America to be incorporated into a national park, national forest, national wildlife refuge, or other national conservation area in accordance with 54 USC Section 100101 , 16 USC Section 551 , the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 ( 16 USC Section 742a et seq. ), or 16 USC Section 1131 , as amended and applicable. The Department of Archives and History shall facilitate transfers and assignments of any such interests held by the department. The United States of America shall be considered a “public body” for the purposes of any transfer or assignment to the United States of America of any easement granted under this section.

(10) The Director of Archives and History shall establish, administer, manage, and make expenditures and allocations from the Fund and shall establish guidelines for applications, evaluation, and award of grants from the Fund in consultation with appropriate preservation interests.

(11) Eligible costs for which monies from the Fund may be allocated include:

(a) Acquisition of land and any improvements thereon;

(b) Permanent protective interests;

(c) Conservation easements;

(d) Costs of appraisals;

(e) Environmental reports;

(f) Surveys;

(g) Title searches and title insurance; and

(h) Any other closing costs.

(12) The Department of Archives and History shall prioritize and award grants of monies from the Fund and consider in relation to the sites identified:

(a) The significance of the site;

(b) The location of the proposed project;

(c) The proximity to other protected lands;

(d) The threat to and integrity of the features associated with the historic significance of the site; and

(e) The financial and administrative capacity of the applicant to complete the project and to maintain and manage the property consistent with the public investment and public interest, including:

(i) Education;

(ii) Recreation;

(iii) Research;

(iv) Heritage tourism promotion; or

(v) Orderly community development.

(13) To carry out this section, the Department of Archives and History may enter into cooperative agreements with entities in the public and private sectors, including:

(a) Colleges and universities;

(b) Historical societies;

(c) State and local agencies; and

(d) Nonprofit organizations.

(14) To develop cooperative land-use strategies and conduct activities that facilitate the conservation of the historic, cultural, natural and scenic resources, the Department of Archives and History may provide technical assistance, to the extent that a recipient of technical assistance is engaged in the protection, interpretation or commemoration of historically significant resources in the area in and around the historic site.

(15)(a) The Department of Archives and History shall submit an annual report to the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and the Legislative Budget Office. The department shall submit the first report on December 1, 2024.

(b) At a minimum, the report shall contain a listing of the grant applications received, the name of the historic sites, the amount of grant funds requested and awarded from the received grant applications.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-33 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-33
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, not being the owner thereof, and without lawful authority, to wilfully injure, disfigure, remove or destroy any historical structure, monument, marker, medallion, or artifact.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-121 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-121
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-121
Status: in_force

Any holder of bonds issued under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 or of any of the interest coupons pertaining to the bonds may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceeding, protect and enforce all rights granted under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 , or under such resolution, and may enforce and compel performance of all duties required by Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 to be performed, in order to provide for the payment of bonds and interest on the bonds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 19 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-1
Status: in_force

The Legislature recognizes the need for a craft center in Mississippi to enable Mississippi craft persons to demonstrate their skills and display their creations to Mississippians and tourists from other states. The Legislature further recognizes that a craft center would be of great economic and cultural importance to Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 23 / Section 25-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-3
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Finance and Administration may renegotiate any and all costs included in the lease provided for by Section 39-25-1 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-11 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-11
Status: in_force

(1) All other sites, objects, buildings, artifacts, implements, and locations of archaeological significance, including, but expressly not limited to, those pertaining to prehistoric and historical American Indian or aboriginal campsites, dwellings, and habitation sites, their artifacts and implements of culture, as well as archaeological sites of every character that are located in, on or under the surface of any lands belonging to the State of Mississippi or to any county, city, or political subdivision of the state, are hereby declared to be Mississippi landmarks and are the sole property of the State of Mississippi. Such sites may not be taken, altered, destroyed, salvaged or excavated without a permit from the board or in violation of the terms of such permit.

(2) All other sites, objects, buildings, artifacts, implements, structures and locations of historical or architectural significance located in or under the surface of any lands belonging to the State of Mississippi or to any county, city or political subdivision of the state may be declared to be Mississippi landmarks by majority vote of the board. Every Mississippi landmark shall be so designated based upon its significance within the historical or architectural patterns of a community, a county, the State of Mississippi, or the United States of America. Upon such action by the board, the designation of the Mississippi landmark shall be recorded in the deed records of the county in which the landmark is located. All such designated sites or items located on public lands within the State of Mississippi may not be taken, altered, damaged, destroyed, salvaged, restored, renovated or excavated without a permit from, the board or in violation of the terms of such permit.

(3) All such sites or items located on private lands within the State of Mississippi that have been designated as Mississippi landmarks as hereinafter provided, may not be taken, altered, damaged, destroyed, salvaged, restored, renovated or excavated without a permit from the board or in violation of the terms of such permit. Such designation shall be reduced to recordable form sufficiently describing the site so that it may be located and shall be recorded in the deed records of the county in which the landmark is located.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-113 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-113
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-113
Status: in_force

The commission shall cooperate and work with the citizens and elected officials in the various counties where the trail is located and shall promote and publicize the De Soto Trail in this state and abroad. The commission will strive to reconcile local interests with the results of bona fide scholarly research.

The commission shall encourage and support Mississippi's participation in the regional De Soto Trail Commission that is comprised of representatives from the states through which the De Soto Expedition traveled. The commission shall cooperate with the Regional De Soto Trail Commission and the National Park Service in their efforts to establish a National De Soto Trail as part of the National Trails System.

The commission shall support and encourage scholarly research in archaeology and history related to the De Soto Expedition. The Department of Archives and History shall undertake to publish the results of such research in The Journal of Mississippi History or Mississippi Archaeology in order to make the results of the research available to the citizens of Mississippi.

The commission shall plan, promote, and coordinate a statewide commemoration or festival which shall be held in May, 1991 in recognition of the 450th anniversary of Hernando de Soto's Expedition in our state, and may schedule other appropriate ceremonies to commemorate the De Soto Expedition.

The commission shall file with the Legislature and Governor a complete report of its activities by August 30 of each year. The commission's minutes and other permanent records shall be deposited in the Department of Archives and History.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-13
Status: in_force

(1) The governing body of any municipality may contract with the board of trustees of any established public library or public library system to receive the services of that established public library or public library system.

(2) The board of supervisors of any county in the state may, with the consent of the board of trustees of an established public library system, contract for library service from any established public library system.

(3) The board of trustees of any regional public library system may contract for such region to receive library service from any established public library system.

(4) There shall be one (1) board of trustees in each public library system with the administrative powers and responsibilities prescribed in Section 39-3-17, Mississippi Code of 1972 . Any other board of trustees within such library system shall serve in a purely advisory capacity to said administrative board. The administrative board shall be designated by contract among all such boards of trustees within the system. Advisory boards may contract with administrative boards to provide local services and policies as may be mutually agreed on. In the event an agreement cannot be reached among all such boards of trustees, the matter shall be submitted to a negotiating committee comprised of the following: two (2) persons selected by each of the boards of trustees involved in the matter plus two (2) persons selected by the Mississippi Library Commission.

(5) Contracts for library services shall include, but not limited to: (a) name of library system; (b) definition of library service area; (c) name of all parties and responsibilities regarding participation in the library system, including but not limited to funding of the library system and maintenance of facilities; (d) appointment of board of trustees with the naming of the administrative board and the stated responsibilities of said boards; (e) eligibility and criteria for participation of new libraries in the library system; and (f) a stated contract review and renewal process. The contract shall provide for the dissolution of such library system including, but not limited to, the definition of assets and the procedure for the distribution of such assets.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-32-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 21 / Section 32-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-32-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created the Mississippi Country and Western Music Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission.” The commission may accept and expend grants and private donations from any source, including federal, state, public and private entities, to assist it to carry out its functions.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, the term “ country and western music ” shall mean country and western, blue grass and related music genre and the culture that created it.

(3) The powers, functions and duties of the commission shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) To study, deliberate and report to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2012, on the best method to market and foster an appreciation of country and western music, to include tourism, academic study and country and western music archives, country and western music historical preservation, country and western music cultural education and the support of performing artists. Such marketing plan shall be designed to attract tourists, conferences, music performances, filmmakers and others for the purpose of economic development of all geographic areas of the state through the promotion of country and western music and the heritage and culture that produced such, and to analyze the tourism potential of the country and western music for Mississippi.

(b) To make an inventory of country and western music “assets” that make up country and western music and its culture that could be developed into a program for domestic and international tourism, and opportunities for investment.

(c) Coordination with the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, the Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, the state institutions of higher learning, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and similar organizations to share resources and information in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to marketing the country and western music culture in Mississippi.

(d) To make recommendations regarding the establishment of, and budgeting for, a permanent Mississippi office of country and western music as an agency of state government with an executive director and appropriate staff to carry out the marketing plan developed by the commission. To the extent practical, any office shall be located at an existing public or private location which is appropriate to the country and western music culture in Mississippi, with minimal cost to the state.

(e) Coordination of the country and western music marketing plan with any existing state historic preservation programs, in order to:

(i) Identify and preserve country and western music historic properties;

(ii) Determine the eligibility of such properties for listing on the National Register;

(iii) Prepare nominations of such sites for inclusion on the National Register;

(iv) Maintenance of country and western music historical and archaeological data bases; and

(v) Evaluation of such sites for eligibility for state and federal preservation incentives.

(f) To implement and continue the development and creation of the Mississippi Country Music Trail as outlined in Section 39-33-1 , provide oversight of the trail and its infrastructure, and explore funding opportunities to support continued implementation.

(4) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Director of the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(b) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or his designee;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his designee;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, or his designee;

(e) The Chairman of the Board of the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center, or his designee;

(f) The Director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi;

(g) The State Director of the USDA Rural Development Agency;

(h) Two (2) members of the Mississippi Senate designated by the Lieutenant Governor, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(i) Two (2) members of the Mississippi House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House, who shall serve on a nonvoting basis;

(j) Two (2) members appointed by the Governor, who shall have experience in cultural affairs or tourism development in East Central Mississippi; and

(k) Four (4) members appointed by the Governor from the state at large, who shall have demonstrated a commitment to the understanding and promotion of country and western music.

(5) The Governor shall designate one (1) commission member to serve as chairman for a term concurrent with that of the Governor. The commission shall meet upon the call of the chairman not later than July 1, 2011, and shall organize for business by adopting internal organizational procedures necessary for efficient operation of the commission, including officers, quorum requirements and policies for any commission staff. Each member of the commission shall designate necessary staff of their departments to provide administrative support to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. The commission shall meet and conduct business at least quarterly. Meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and opportunity for public comment shall be made available.

(6) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

(7) The commission shall submit a report, including any proposed legislation, to the Governor and to the Legislature before the convening of the 2012 Regular Session. The report shall include a comprehensive state plan for marketing country and western music history as specifically provided above.

(8) All departments, boards, agencies, officers and institutions of the state and all subdivisions thereof shall cooperate with the commission in carrying out its purposes under this chapter.

(9) Any funds or donations received by the commission shall be deposited into a special fund which is hereby created in the State Treasury, and disbursement therefrom shall be made upon warrants by the Department of Finance and Administration after receipt of requisitions submitted by the appropriate person designated by the commission. Monies in the special fund may be used by the commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-27 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-27
Status: in_force

No person shall intentionally reproduce, replicate, retouch, rework, or forge any archeological or other object which derives value from its antiquity, with intent to represent the same to be original or genuine and with intent to deceive or offer any such object for sale or exchange.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-357 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-357
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-357
Status: in_force

Each accredited public library system shall receive an annual allocation of state funds to supplement the local appropriation and other income. Library cooperatives which include accredited public library systems may receive state aid. The state aid shall be used only to support library services in accredited public library systems and in cooperatives including accredited public library systems. The amount of the minimum allocation for each public library system shall be based on specific local service levels of the public library system and as identified by accreditation category.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-101 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-101
Status: in_force

The Department of Finance and Administration, at one time or from time to time, may declare by resolution the necessity for issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Mississippi to provide funds for construction, repairing, remodeling, equipping, furnishing, adding to or improving the capital facility of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Dizzy Dean Museum authorized under Sections 39-17-1 through 39-17-9 . Upon the adoption of a resolution by the Department of Finance and Administration, declaring the necessity for the issuance of any part or all of the general obligation bonds authorized by this section, the department shall deliver a certified copy of its resolution or resolutions to the State Bond Commission. Upon receipt of such resolution, the State Bond Commission, in its discretion, may act as the issuing agent, prescribe the form of the bonds, advertise for and accept bids, issue and sell the bonds so authorized to be sold, and do any and all other things necessary and advisable in connection with the issuance and sale of such bonds. The amount of bonds issued under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall not exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-21 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 19-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-21
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, a lender and museum can bind themselves to different loan provisions by written contract.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-35-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 35-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-35-1
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission (commission) is hereby established to prepare for and commemorate the Sesquicentennial, or One Hundred and Fiftieth anniversary, of Mississippi's participation in the American Civil War (April 1861-April 1865).

(2) The commission shall have a total membership of fifteen (15) members, or their designees, as follows: (a) the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority; (b) the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; (c) the State Superintendent of Public Education, or his designee; (d) the Manager of the Bureau of Film and Culture of the Mississippi Development Authority, Division of Tourism; (e) the President/Chairman of the Mississippi Historical Society; (f) the Chairman of the Mississippi Civil War Battlefield Commission; (g) the Director of the Brice's Crossroads Battlefield Commission; (h) the Director of the Vicksburg National Military Park; (i) the Director of the Battle of Shiloh-Battle of Corinth National Military Park; (j) the Director of the Grand Gulf Military Monument; (k) a representative of the Mississippi Tourism Association; (l) the National Park Service Administrator of Ship Island/Fort Massachusetts; (m) a citizen of Mississippi appointed by the Governor; (n) a member of the Mississippi Senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor who shall serve in an ex officio nonvoting capacity; and (o) a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker who shall serve in an ex officio nonvoting capacity.

(3) Ex officio members and legislative members of the commission shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Citizen members shall serve a term of four (4) years. Appointments to fill vacancies occurring for a reason other than the expiration of a term shall be for the remainder of the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments, and all members may be reappointed.

(4) The commission shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from among its membership. The commission may name five (5) of its members to constitute an executive committee, which shall act for the commission pursuant to its direction.

(5) The commission may appoint and establish an advisory council composed of citizens at large who have knowledge of American Civil War and Mississippi history and interest in its Sesquicentennial celebration, to assist the commission in its work.

(6) A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the commission shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever a majority of the members so request. No recommendation of the commission shall be adopted except by majority vote of the commission.

(7) Nonlegislative members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but may receive expense reimbursement and mileage for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided by law. Legislative members of the commission shall receive compensation applicable to committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session.

(8) The commission shall hire an executive director, and relevant support staff, to guide and support the actions of the commission. Employment shall not extend beyond the date of expiration of the commission and shall be subject to an annual review by the executive committee of the commission.

(9) The commission may solicit, accept, use and dispose of public or nonpublic funds, gifts, grants, donations, bequests or other funds or real or personal property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the commission. The commission may procure services, enter into contracts, leases or other legal agreements as it may deem necessary to carry out its duties as set forth in this section, but no contract or other legal agreement shall be entered into by the commission that extends beyond the date of expiration of the commission.

(10) The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) Plan, develop and carry out educational, informational, new media/web-based programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, with emphasis on the military operations which occurred in the State of Mississippi;

(b) Encourage interdisciplinary examination of the American Civil War;

(c) Facilitate activities related to the American Civil War throughout Mississippi;

(d) Encourage civic, historical, educational, economic and other organizations throughout Mississippi to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of the American Civil War;

(e) Provide technical and financial assistance to localities and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War;

(f) Develop programs and facilities to ensure that the Sesquicentennial commemoration of the American Civil War results in a positive legacy and long-term public benefit;

(g) Facilitate the development and conduct of programs designed to involve all citizens in activities that commemorate the American Civil War; and

(h) Submit to the Legislature and the Governor an annual report for publication of the work and activity of the commission no later than the first day of each regular session of the Legislature.

(11) The commission shall direct the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to enhance and expand Civil War markers across the state, along with all relevant educational and informational documentation necessary for the creation of a Civil War Trail, in advance of the initial celebration of the Sesquicentennial in Mississippi.

(12) All state agencies and universities shall provide technical assistance to the commission upon request.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-15 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 19-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-15
Status: in_force

A museum which acquires title to property under this chapter passes good title to another when transferring the property with the intent to pass title.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-5
Status: in_force

Before it may designate one or more historic districts, or simultaneously with such designation, the governing body of any county or municipality, individually or jointly, shall establish a historic preservation commission to preserve, promote and develop the historical resources of such county or municipality in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The historic preservation commission shall have the following powers:

(a) The commission shall conduct or cause to be conducted a continuing study and survey of resources within the county or municipality or combination thereof.

(b) The commission shall recommend to the county or municipality or combination thereof the adoption of ordinances designating historic districts, landmarks and landmark sites.

(c) The commission may recommend that the county or municipality or combination thereof recognize subdistricts within any historic district in order that the commission may adopt specific guidelines for the regulation of properties within such a subdistrict.

(d) The commission shall review applications proposing construction, alteration, demolition or relocation of any resource or subdivision of tax parcels designated as landmarks or landmark sites contained within a historic district. The document granting such an application shall be known as a certificate of appropriateness. No commission may deny a certificate of appropriateness for demolition if denial of such a certificate would cause unreasonable economic hardship to an owner.

(e) The commission shall use as a basis for its decisions on applications for certificates of appropriateness the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings as well as any more specific design review guidelines adopted by the commission or the governing authority of the county or municipality or combination thereof.

(f) The commission, at the discretion of the governing authority, may grant or deny the certificates of appropriateness in whole or in part and may grant certificates of appropriateness contingent upon the acceptance by the applicant of specified conditions.

(g) The commission shall not consider interior arrangements of buildings and structures except that it may when requested by the Department of Archives and History to advise the department on questions relating to the interiors of publicly owned historic buildings. Interior arrangements not to be considered by the commission shall include floor plans, architectural details and finishes, but the commission may consider interior structural elements visible through doors or windows if they become deteriorated because of demolition by neglect. Such interior structural elements may include walls, floors and ceilings, as well as other supporting elements of a composite structure.

(h) The commission may, by local ordinance, review proposed governmental actions affecting governmentally owned structures included within local historic districts, located on landmark sites or designated as landmarks.

(i) The commission, subject to the consent of and requirements of the county or municipality or combination thereof, may apply for, receive, hold and spend funds from private and public sources in addition to appropriations made by the county or municipality or combination thereof for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the commission.

(j) The commission, subject to the consent of and the requirements of the county or municipality or combination thereof, may employ such staff or contract with technical experts or other persons as may be required for the performance of its duties and may obtain the equipment, supplies and other materials necessary for its effective operation.

(k) The commission, solely in the performance of its official duties and only at reasonable times, may enter upon private land for the examination or survey thereof. No member, employee or agent of the commission shall enter any private dwelling or structure without the express consent of the owner of record or occupant thereof.

(l) A municipality, by ordinance, may specify that color changes are outside the jurisdiction of the commission.

Such commission shall consist of not fewer than five (5) nor more than nine (9) residents of the county or municipality, or combination thereof, establishing the commission who shall be appointed by the governing authority with due regard to proper representation in such fields as history, architecture, urban planning, archaeology and law. All members of the commission shall serve at the will and pleasure of the governing authority appointing them and shall serve staggered terms. The precise method of appointment, and general terms of appointment, shall be specified in a local ordinance. If a documented good faith effort has been made unsuccessfully by the governing authority to locate residents of the county or municipality to serve on the commission, the governing authority may appoint individuals who own property within the boundary of the county or municipality, or both, or are in the service of an employer located within the boundary of the county or municipality, or both. The commission annually shall elect from its membership a chairman and a vice chairman and may employ such qualified staff personnel and counsel as it deems necessary. The commission shall retain as evidence of its discussions and decisions a complete set of minutes and may additionally create tape recordings or transcripts of its meetings. In addition, the commission shall retain copies of all applications filed with it including supporting documentation that may be added during open public meetings to supplement an original application or comment thereon. The commission shall advise the governing authority as to the designation of historic districts and the designation of historic landmarks and landmark sites. If any governing authority, in its discretion, chooses to divide the duties and responsibilities of the commission into no more than two (2) commissions or boards, each commission or board shall be established as directed in this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 19 / Section 25-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center (“Center”) to be housed in a state-owned facility or facilities located within the corporate limits of Meridian, Mississippi. The purpose of the Center shall be to provide an educational, entertaining and interactive facility to capture the essence of Mississippi's legacy in the arts and celebrate the richness and depth of that legacy and the Mississippians who created it with the world; and to provide family-oriented attractions in the delivery of an educational experience to citizens of, and visitors to, Mississippi.

(2) The Center shall be a state-of-the-art facility which may include, but not be limited to, MAEC exhibits, a state-sanctioned Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame inducting icons in all genres of arts and entertainment, Walk of Fame, auditorium, outdoor performance plaza, and broadcast/recording facility. The Center will provide a vast educational resource for individuals and educators offering unparalleled insight into the lives and stories of Mississippi arts and entertainment treasures through seminars, workshops and demonstrations by guest professionals and/or amateur artists. The Center may promote, advertise and market its efforts under the name of the Center itself, as “the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience,” or in such other manner as calculated to best further the goals and objectives of the Center.

(3) The duties and objectives of the Center shall be:

(a) To stimulate and encourage throughout the state the study and presentation of the performing, visual, and literary arts and public interest and participation therein;

(b) To encourage participation in, appreciation of, and education in the arts to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state;

(c) To take such steps as may be necessary and appropriate to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Mississippi and the south to expand the state's cultural resources, and to promote the use of art in state government's activities and facilities; and

(d) To encourage excellence and assist freedom of artistic expression essential for the well-being of the arts.

(4) The Department of Finance and Administration shall have the authority to lease or contract with, for a period not to exceed fifty (50) years, a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support, improvement, administration and operation of the Center as provided for in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. The Department of Finance and Administration may establish the terms of the agreement. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of this lease or contractual agreement shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease or contract shall require the nonprofit corporation to pay for any and all utility costs incurred by the Center and, therefore, the construction of the Center shall not be subject to the energy performance requirements for major facility projects contained in Section 31-11-35 . The nonprofit corporation is authorized to hold public hearings, to enter into contracts within the limit of funds available therefor, with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the Center's programs; to enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available therefor, with local and regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the objectives of the Center's programs; to make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(5) The Department of Finance and Administration may enter into any agreement with a nonprofit corporation necessary for the construction, operation and administration of the Center and may establish the terms of the agreement. For the construction, operation and administration of the Center, such nonprofit corporation may receive and expend any funds made available in any manner by public or private sources and may receive contributions and donations of land or other property and other forms of financial assistance and property, equipment, materials or manpower from persons, foundations, trust funds, corporations, organizations, and other public or private sources to be expended and used in carrying out the mission of the Center. Any real property purchased or received by donation for the Center shall be titled in the name of the State of Mississippi for the benefit and use of the Department of Finance and Administration.

(6) For any lease or contractual arrangement to which the Department of Finance and Administration and a nonprofit corporation are a party to as provided in subsection (5), the nonprofit corporation shall, along with the possessory and leasehold interests and/or real and personal property of the corporation, be exempt from all ad valorem taxation, including, but not limited to, school, city and county ad valorem taxes, for the term or period of time stated in the lease or contractual arrangement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 23-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-7
Status: in_force

(1) If the old National Guard Armory is repaired, renovated, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Mississippi Fair Commission shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered as sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(2) If the facility at the location described in Section 39-23-3(c) is repaired, renovated, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered as sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(3) If the facility at the location described in Section 39-23-3(d) is constructed, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(4) If the facility at a location selected as provided in Section 39-23-3(e) , to include the approval of any using and/or controlling agency, board or commission of the proposed site, is constructed, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding fifty (50) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property. Upon the expiration of the fifty-year lease term, the property leased, conveyed or transferred under this section shall revert back to the controlling agency or to the State of Mississippi.

(5) The State of Mississippi shall retain all mineral rights to such property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-101 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / Section 17-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-101
Status: in_force

The Department of Finance and Administration, at one time or from time to time, may declare by resolution the necessity for issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Mississippi to provide funds for construction, repairing, remodeling, equipping, furnishing, adding to or improving the capital facility of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Dizzy Dean Museum authorized under Sections 39-17-1 through 39-17-9 . Upon the adoption of a resolution by the Department of Finance and Administration, declaring the necessity for the issuance of any part or all of the general obligation bonds authorized by this section, the department shall deliver a certified copy of its resolution or resolutions to the State Bond Commission. Upon receipt of such resolution, the State Bond Commission, in its discretion, may act as the issuing agent, prescribe the form of the bonds, advertise for and accept bids, issue and sell the bonds so authorized to be sold, and do any and all other things necessary and advisable in connection with the issuance and sale of such bonds. The amount of bonds issued under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall not exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-71 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-71
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-71
Status: in_force

(1) The Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training, in cooperation with the Department of Archives and History and the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management, is hereby authorized, subject to funds being made available, to cause to be constructed and maintained on state-owned lands at some suitable and appropriate place in or near the City of Jackson, a monument containing the names and paying tribute to all state, county and municipal law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the performance of their official duties. This shall include any federal law enforcement officer employed and residing in Mississippi at the time of death.

It is the intent of the Legislature that adequate space be left on the monument to be available to add names of law enforcement officers in the future who give their lives in the performance of their official duties.

(2) The Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training is hereby authorized to accept gifts, grants and donations from individuals and organizations, to be deposited in the Law Enforcement Officers Monument Fund which is hereby created as a special fund in the State Treasury. The State Treasurer shall invest all monies in the fund and any interest earned shall be deposited into the fund. All funds deposited in the fund, including interest earned thereon, shall be used for the purpose of fund-raising, erecting and maintaining the monument as provided in subsection (1) of this section. The funds may be used for any fund-raising activity the board deems necessary for the construction and maintenance of the monument. Any monies remaining unexpended or unencumbered in the fund upon completion of the monument shall revert to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training for maintenance of the monument.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 23-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-7
Status: in_force

(1) If the old National Guard Armory is repaired, renovated, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Mississippi Fair Commission shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered as sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(2) If the facility at the location described in Section 39-23-3(c) is repaired, renovated, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered as sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(3) If the facility at the location described in Section 39-23-3(d) is constructed, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property.

(4) If the facility at a location selected as provided in Section 39-23-3(e) , to include the approval of any using and/or controlling agency, board or commission of the proposed site, is constructed, furnished and equipped as provided for in Sections 39-23-1 through 39-23-7 and Sections 20 through 33 of Chapter 535, Laws of 1997, as amended, the Department of Finance and Administration shall lease the facility for a period not exceeding fifty (50) years to a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose for incorporation is the support and improvement of a children's museum in Mississippi. The benefit to Mississippi from the operation of such lease shall be considered a sufficient consideration. The lease shall be executed for a nominal fee and it shall be presumed that such lease shall not amount to a donation of state property. Upon the expiration of the fifty-year lease term, the property leased, conveyed or transferred under this section shall revert back to the controlling agency or to the State of Mississippi.

(5) The State of Mississippi shall retain all mineral rights to such property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-105 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-105
Status: in_force

(1) The board of library commissioners shall elect a director whose term of office shall be for a period of four years, unless, for good cause shown, the board of library commissioners removes said director.

(2) The director shall be chosen outside the membership of the board of library commissioners, and shall be a trained, experienced librarian holding a degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The director shall have completed the required course covered in a school of library service accredited by the American Library Association and shall have had at least two years' experience as an administrative librarian or director of a state or public library. The director shall keep an accurate record of all accounts and financial transactions of the board, shall have charge of organizing new libraries and directing library development in the state, so as to give and furnish every citizen and resident of the state free library service of the highest quality consistent with modern methods and as may be justified by financial and economic conditions, and shall have all general administrative duties incident to carrying on the work of the Mississippi Library Commission. All necessary and actual traveling expense incurred by the members of the Mississippi Library Commission, and by the director or any member of the staff, acting under the authority and direction of the board of commissioners, while on business for the Mississippi Library Commission, shall be paid from the funds appropriated and made available for use, maintenance and operation of the Mississippi Library Commission. In addition to the director, the board of library commissioners may employ, upon recommendations of the director, such other persons as may be deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-1
Status: in_force

The Legislature recognizes the need for a craft center in Mississippi to enable Mississippi craft persons to demonstrate their skills and display their creations to Mississippians and tourists from other states. The Legislature further recognizes that a craft center would be of great economic and cultural importance to Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-145 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-145
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-145
Status: in_force

(1) A special fund, to be designated the “Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund,” is created within the State Treasury. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. The fund shall consist of any monies designated for deposit therein from any source, including proceeds of any state general obligation bonds designated for deposit therein. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited into the fund. The expenditure of monies deposited into the fund shall be under the direction of the Department of Finance and Administration, based upon recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, and such funds shall be paid by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Department of Finance and Administration. Monies deposited into such fund shall be allocated and disbursed according to the provisions of this section. If any monies in the special fund are derived from proceeds of state general obligation bonds and are not used within four (4) years after the date such bond proceeds are deposited into the special fund, then the Department of Finance and Administration shall provide an accounting of such unused monies to the State Bond Commission.

(2) Monies deposited into the fund shall be allocated and disbursed as follows:

(a)(i) Sixty-one Million Fifty Thousand Dollars ($61,050,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grants on a reimbursable basis through the Department of Finance and Administration, based upon the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, to assist county governments, municipal governments, school districts, universities, community colleges, state agencies and nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service in helping pay the costs incurred in preserving, restoring, rehabilitating, repairing or interpreting 1. historic county courthouses, 2. historic school buildings, and/or 3. other historic properties identified by certified local governments or owned by the State of Mississippi. Where possible, expenditures from the fund shall be used to match federal grants or other grants that may be accessed by the Department of Archives and History, other state agencies, county governments or municipal governments, school districts or nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service. Any properties, except those described in paragraphs (b) and (d) of this subsection, receiving monies pursuant to this section must be designated as “Mississippi Landmark” properties prior to selection as projects for funding under the provisions of this section.

(ii) One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grants through the Department of Finance and Administration, based upon the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, to assist county governments in helping pay the costs of historically appropriate restoration, repair and renovation of historically significant county courthouses. Grants to individual courthouses under this paragraph (a)(ii) shall not exceed Eight Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($875,000.00).

(b) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Amory Regional Museum in Amory, Mississippi, to pay the costs of capital improvements, repair, renovation, furnishing and/or equipping of the museum. The Department of Finance and Administration is directed to transfer Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) from the fund to the city on or before December 31, 2004, and the city shall place the funds into an escrow account. The city may expend the funds from the account only in an amount equal to matching funds that are provided from any source other than the state for the project. As the funds are withdrawn from the escrow account, the city shall certify to the Department of Finance and Administration the amount of the funds that have been withdrawn and that the funds withdrawn are in an amount equal to matching funds required by this paragraph.

(c) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Jacinto Foundation, Inc., to pay the costs of capital improvements, repairing, renovating, restoring, rehabilitating, preserving, furnishing and/or equipping the courthouse and related facilities in Jacinto, Mississippi, and to pay the costs of capital improvements, repairing, renovating, restoring, rehabilitating, preserving, furnishing and/or equipping other buildings and facilities near the courthouse.

(d) Four Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($425,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation to pay the costs of capital improvements, repairing, renovating, restoring, rehabilitating, preserving, furnishing, equipping and/or acquiring the L.Q.C. Lamar Home in Oxford, Mississippi.

(e) One Million Four Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($1,425,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the City of Columbus, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with repair, renovation and restoration of the Columbus City Hall building and related facilities.

(f) One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Town of Wesson, Mississippi, to pay the costs of restoration and renovation of the Old Wesson School.

(g) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the Town of Shubuta, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with construction, reconstruction, refurbishing, repair, renovation and restoration of the Shubuta Town Hall building and related facilities.

(h) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the City of Okolona, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with the purchase, repair, renovation, furnishing and equipping of a building and related facilities on Main Street in the City of Okolona, for the purpose of establishing a welcome center in which historical information relating to the City of Okolona will be displayed, including, but not limited to, information relating to the furniture, banking, retail and farming industries; education; historical collections owned by individuals and organizations; genealogy; Okolona College; and the Battle of Okolona and the War Between the States.

(i) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with repair, renovation and restoration of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse.

(j) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Wayne County, Mississippi, to assist in paying the costs associated with repair, renovation and restoration of the Wayne County Courthouse.

(k) Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to assist in paying the cost of rehabilitation and restoration of Winterville Indian Mounds in Washington County, Mississippi.

(l) Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to the City of Kosciusko, to assist the City of Kosciusko, Mississippi, in paying costs associated with (i) repair, renovation, furnishing, equipping, additions to and expansion of the Kosciusko Natchez Trace Visitor Center in the City of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and (ii) repair, renovation, furnishing, equipping, additions to and expansion of the historic Strand Theater in the City of Kosciusko, Mississippi.

(m) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Jefferson County, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with repair, renovation, upgrades and improvements to the confederate cemetery and related properties and facilities in the county.

(n) Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Tate County, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with painting, refurbishment and historical restoration and renovation of the Tate County Courthouse.

(o) Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to Humphreys County, Mississippi, to assist in paying costs associated with repair and renovation of and upgrades and improvements to the Humphreys County Courthouse.

(p) One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) of any monies deposited into the fund during Fiscal Year 2023 shall be allocated and disbursed as grant funds to assist in paying the costs associated with relocation, repair, renovation and restoration of a one-room school building and related facilities including costs incurred before July 1, 2022, and such grant funds shall not be subject to any requirement for matching funds.

(q) Monies in the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund which are derived from proceeds of state general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in providing assistance directly related to a project described in paragraph (a) of this subsection for which funding is provided under this section. Reimbursement may be made only until such time as the project is completed. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained for each project by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs for a project shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued for such project. Monies authorized for a particular project may not be used to reimburse administrative costs for unrelated projects.

(3)(a) The Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History shall receive and consider proposals from county governments, municipal governments, school districts, universities, community colleges, state agencies and nonprofit organizations that have obtained Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service for projects associated with the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, repair or interpretation of (i) historic courthouses, (ii) historic school buildings, and/or (iii) other historic properties identified by certified local governments. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of procedures, criteria and standards developed by the board. The board shall determine those projects to be funded and may require matching funds from any applicant seeking assistance under this section. This subsection shall not apply to projects described in subsection (2)(a)(ii), (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e), (2)(f), (2)(g), (2)(h) and (2)(j) of this section.

(b) The Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History shall receive and consider proposals from county governments for projects associated with historically appropriate restoration, repair and renovation of historically significant county courthouses. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of procedures, criteria and standards developed by the board. The board shall determine those projects to be funded and may require matching funds from any applicant seeking assistance under this section. This subsection shall not apply to projects described in subsection (2)(a)(i), (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e) and (2)(f) of this section.

(4) The Department of Archives and History shall publicize the Community Heritage Preservation Grant Program described in this section on a statewide basis, including the publication of the criteria and standards used by the department in selecting projects for funding. The selection of a project for funding under the provisions of this section shall be made solely upon the deliberate consideration of each proposed project on its merits. The board shall make every effort to award the grants in a manner that will fairly distribute the funds in regard to the geography and cultural diversity of the state. This subsection shall not apply to projects described in subsection (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (2)(e) and (2)(f) of this section.

(5) With regard to any project awarded funding under this section, any consultant, planner, architect, engineer, exhibit contracting firm, historic preservation specialist or other professional hired by a grant recipient to work on any such project shall be approved by the board before their employment by the grant recipient.

(6) Plans and specifications for all projects initiated under the provisions of this section shall be approved by the board before the awarding of any contracts. The plans and specifications for any work involving “Mississippi Landmark” properties shall be developed in accordance with “The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-29-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 29-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-29-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the Mississippi Commission on the Holocaust in the executive branch of state government. The commission shall be assigned to the Office of the Secretary of State for administrative purposes only.

(2) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(a) Ex officio members as follows:

(i) The State Superintendent of Public Education or his or her designee;

(ii) Commissioner of Institutions of Higher Learning or his or her designee;

(b) Public members as follows:

(i) Seven (7) public members, at least one (1) from each of the congressional districts, to be appointed by the Governor;

(ii) Five (5) public members, at least one (1) from each of the congressional districts, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(iii) Five (5) public members, at least one (1) from each of the congressional districts, to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

(c) The public members of the commission shall be residents of this state and shall be appointed with due regard for broad geographic representation. The public members should include, but are not be limited to, the following:

(i) Individuals who have served prominently as spokespersons for or as leaders of organizations or corporations that serve members of religious, ethnic, national heritage, or social groups that were subjected to genocide, torture, wrongful deprivation of liberty or property, officially imposed or sanctioned violence, and other forms of human rights violations and persecution at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators during the Nazi era;

(ii) Individuals who are experienced in the field of Holocaust education;

(iii) Individuals who represent liberators of victims of the Holocaust; or

(iv) Lay persons who have an interest in Holocaust education.

(d) Public members of the commission shall be appointed for the terms of five (5) years and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. Public members may be eligible for reappointment. The office of any member of the commission who fails to attend more than two (2) consecutive meetings of the commission without an excuse approved by a resolution of the commission shall become vacant. All vacancies shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointment, and the person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(e) The commission shall have a chairperson who shall be appointed by the Governor for a term of five (5) years and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

(f) Seven (7) members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the commission. Public members shall have the right to vote on any matter before the commission, but ex officio members and their designees shall not have the right to vote.

(g) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint a member of the House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint a member of the Senate to serve as advisors to the commission.

(3) The Mississippi Commission on the Holocaust shall adopt rules and regulations and set standards and policies for the organization, operation, management, budgeting and programs of the commission.

(a) The commission shall provide, based upon the collective knowledge and experience of its members, assistance and advice to public and private schools, colleges and universities with respect to the implementation of Holocaust education and awareness programs.

(b) The commission shall meet with appropriate education officials and other interested public and private organizations, including service organizations, for the purpose of providing information, planning, coordination, or modification of courses of study or programs dealing with the subject of the Holocaust.

(c) The commission shall survey and catalogue the extent of the Holocaust and genocide education presently being incorporated into the curricula and taught in the educational system of this state.

(d) The commission shall inventory those Holocaust memorials, exhibits and resources that could not be incorporated into courses of study or programs at various locations and other educational agencies for the development and implementation of Holocaust and genocide education programs. In furtherance of this responsibility, the commission may contact and cooperate with existing Holocaust and genocide public and private nonprofit resource organizations and may act as a liaison concerning Holocaust and genocide education or members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and other national and international Holocaust agencies.

(e) The commission shall compile a roster of individual volunteers who are willing to share their verifiable knowledge and experience in classrooms, seminars and workshops on the subject of the Holocaust. The volunteers may be survivors of the Holocaust, liberators of concentration camps, scholars, members of the clergy, community relations professionals, and other persons who, by virtue of their experience, education, or interest, have experience with the Holocaust.

(f) The commission shall coordinate events memorializing the Holocaust and seek volunteers who are willing and able to participate in commemorative events that will enhance public awareness of the significance of the Holocaust.

(g) The commission shall prepare reports for the Governor and the Legislature regarding its findings and recommendations to facilitate the inclusion of Holocaust studies and special programs memorializing the Holocaust in educational systems of this state.

(h) The commission shall appoint advisory committees to advise the commission on the fulfillment of its duties.

(4) The commission may receive gifts, grants and donations from any public or private sources. Members of the commission may not be compensated for the performance of their duties except from funds that are specifically appropriated therefor by the Legislature or from gifts, grants or donations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-123 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-123
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-123
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the National Park Service, state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and any other groups, organizations or individuals that may be interested in the preservation and development of the Shaifer House and accompanying land and the Port Gibson Battlefield.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-33-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 33-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-33-1
Status: in_force

The Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority is authorized and directed to do the following:

(a) To make an inventory of country music “assets” that make up the country music culture that could be developed into a program for domestic and international tourism, and opportunities for investment.

(b) To establish a statewide Mississippi “Country Music Trail” infrastructure to offer to tourists and target groups a structured tour of Mississippi country music historical sites and performance venues.

(c) To designate specific sites for the erection of appropriate “Mississippi Country Music Trail” markers to offer to tourists and targeted groups a structured tour of Mississippi country music historical sites and performance venues. The division shall be authorized to purchase appropriate Mississippi Country Music Trail markers from any of its available funds. The texts for the Mississippi Country Music Trail markers shall be approved by the division. The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall cooperate with the division by erecting and maintaining the markers that have been approved by the division.

(d) To coordinate the Mississippi Country Music Trail program with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Educational Television Authority, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Jimmie Rogers Museum, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University, the Mississippi Arts Commission and similar organizations to share resources and information in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to marketing the country music and country music culture in Mississippi.

(e) To coordinate the Mississippi Country Music Trail marketing plan with any existing state historic preservation program, in order to identify and preserve country music historic properties, and determine the eligibility of such properties for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and prepare nominations of such sites.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-17 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-17
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

Each day that a violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-21 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-21
Status: in_force

The governing authorities of each municipality and county may stabilize the economy of the areas within the boundary of such municipality or county through the continued use, preservation and revitalization of key historic and architectural resources. It is recognized that the protection and enhancement of such attractions help to attract tourists and visitors, and that the further development of local heritage tourism programs supports and stimulates local business and industry. This chapter permits governing authorities to strengthen civic pride and ensure cultural stability through neighborhood conservation and historic preservation activities. This chapter establishes a review process for the preservation and appropriate redevelopment of the key historic and architectural resources of a governing authority and creates procedures which ensure adequate public notice before the creation of local historic preservation commissions or the designation of local historic districts, landmarks and landmark sites.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-19 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 13-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-19
Status: in_force

If a property owner in a historic district, or the owner of a historic landmark or landmark site, is denied a certificate of appropriateness, the property owner may appeal such decision either to the governing authority of the city or county or combination thereof or may, if such venue has been made available at the discretion of the governing authority, appeal directly to the chancery court. Any such appeal shall be reviewed upon the record established before the local historic preservation commission. Any local property owner or organization aggrieved or damaged by such a decision may appeal in the same manner.