Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-127 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / 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. § 39-35-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 33 / 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. § 39-5-24 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-24
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-24
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the “Mississippi History Trust Fund.” The Mississippi Department of Archives and History may solicit and accept donations, bequests, devises, gifts and grants of money from individuals, organizations, and corporations to be deposited in the Mississippi History Trust Fund. All funds deposited in the Mississippi History Trust Fund shall be expended upon appropriation by the Legislature, solely for the purpose of collecting, preserving, protecting, researching and interpreting the State of Mississippi's historic resources and for promoting the appreciation of those resources.

(2) The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, with the advice of the Office of the State Treasurer, is authorized to establish a comprehensive investment plan for the purposes of the Mississippi History Trust Fund and to invest any funds in the trust fund in any instrument, obligation, security or property that constitutes legal investments and holdings. The comprehensive investment plan shall specify the investment policies to be used by the department in its administration of the funds in the trust fund. The department may authorize investments in any investment vehicle authorized for the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) Program under Section 37-155-9 . However, the restrictions in Section 37-155-9 as to percentages of the total fund that may be invested in any category of authorized investment shall not apply to the Mississippi History Trust Fund. The funds in the trust fund also may be invested in obligations of the state or any political subdivision of the state.

(3) Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, the department shall invest or cause to be invested the funds in the trust fund in a manner reasonable and appropriate to achieve the objectives of the trust fund, exercising the discretion and care of a prudent investor in similar circumstances with similar objectives. The department shall give due consideration to the risk, expected rate of return, term or maturity, diversification of total investments, liquidity and anticipated investments in and withdrawals from the trust fund. The department shall acquire all investments at prices not exceeding the prevailing market values for those securities.

(4) Any limitations set forth in this section shall be applicable only at the time of purchase and shall not require the liquidation of any investment at any time. All investments shall be marked clearly to indicate ownership by the trust fund and, to the extent possible, shall be registered in the name of the trust fund.

(5) Subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions set forth in this section, the department may sell, assign, transfer and dispose of any of the securities and investments of the trust fund if the sale, assignment or transfer has the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The department may employ or contract with investment managers, evaluation services, or other such services as determined by the department to be necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the trust fund.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no trustee or employee of the department may have any direct or indirect interest in the income, gains or profits of any investments made by the department. No trustee or employee of the department may become an endorser or surety or in any manner an obligor for money loaned by or borrowed from the trust fund.

(7) The department, with the advice of the Office of the State Treasurer, may establish criteria for investment managers, mutual funds or other such entities to act as contractors or consultants to the department. The department may contract, either directly or through those contractors or consultants, to provide such services as may be a part of the comprehensive investment plan or as may be deemed necessary or proper by the department, including, but not limited to, providing consolidated billing, individual and collective record keeping and accounting, and asset purchase, control and safekeeping.

(8) Unexpended amounts remaining in the trust fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings on the unexpended amounts in the trust fund shall be deposited to the credit of the trust fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-353 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-353
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-353
Status: in_force

For purposes of this article:

(a) “Administrative board” shall mean that board of trustees within a public library system designated pursuant to Section 39-3-13(4), Mississippi Code of 1972 , with the administrative responsibilities prescribed under Section 39-3-17, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(b) “Commission” means the Mississippi Library Commission established under Section 39-3-101, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(c) “Cooperative” means any joint effort by two (2) or more library systems to improve library service.

(d) “Development system” means the statewide library development system, a network of public and nonpublic libraries cooperating in communities, districts and statewide to provide better library service.

(e) “Public library” means a library which provides customary services, without charge, to all the residents of a county, city or region and is supported whole or in part by public funds.

(f) “Public library system” means an affiliation of one or more public libraries that (i) is a minimum of one (1) county unit; (ii) has one (1) library administrative board of trustees; (iii) has one (1) library system director; (iv) is established according to Section 39-3-8 , 39-3-9 , 39-3-11 or 39-3-13, Mississippi Code of 1972; and (v) is supported whole or in part by public funds.

(g) “Nonpublic library” means a school, college or university, medical, business, law or other special library.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-9-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 9-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-9-13
Status: in_force

Any grant made under the provisions of this chapter may be executed, acknowledged and recorded in the same manner as is now provided by law for the execution, acknowledging, and recording of grants of real property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-19 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / 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.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-117 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-117
Status: in_force

Once restored, the Assembly Hall will be operated by the Department of Archives and History in conjunction with the Jefferson College Property in Washington, Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-55 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-55
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-55
Status: in_force

The control and management of Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Shrine, at Biloxi, Mississippi, shall be vested in the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees as provided for in the charter of incorporation of the Mississippi Division of the United Sons of Confederate Veterans as recorded by the Secretary of State on July 2, 1954, which charter being in accordance with the terms of the deed of Mrs. Varina Davis, dated October 10, 1902, whereby all title and control of Beauvoir is vested in the Mississippi Division of the United Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / 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. § 39-7-39 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-39
Status: in_force

The chief administrative officers of all state agencies and of all state and local governments are authorized and directed to cooperate with and assist the board and the attorney general in carrying out the intent of this chapter. All law enforcement agencies and officers, state and local, are authorized and directed to assist in enforcing and in carrying out the intent of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-113 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / 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. § 39-17-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 17-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-1
Status: in_force

The Legislature recognizes the need for a Sports Hall of Fame to honor Mississippians who have made significant contributions to Mississippi through sports. The Legislature further recognizes that a Sports Hall of Fame would be of great economic and cultural importance to Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-21-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / 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. § 39-13-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 7 / Section 13-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be cited as the “Mississippi Local Government Historic Preservation Law of 1978.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-41 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-41
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is hereby authorized and empowered to transfer title to the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty property to the Department of Archives and History.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / 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. § 39-3-305 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-305
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-305
Status: in_force

As used in this article the term:

(a) “Without authorization” means contrary to rules which set forth policies governing access to library materials and include eligibility for library patronage and lending procedures.

(b) “Library materials” means books, manuscripts, letters, newspapers, court records, films, microfilms, tape recordings, phonograph records, lithographs, prints, photographs or any other written or printed document, graphic material of any nature and other personal property which is the property or in the custody of or entrusted to a public or private library, museum, archives or other depository.

(c) “Mutilate” means, in addition to its commonly accepted definition, the willful removal or separation of constituent parts of an item of library materials causing library materials to be exposed to damage; or duplication without authorization.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-17 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-17
Status: in_force

(1) The trustees of the administrative board designated pursuant to Section 39-3-13(4) , immediately after their appointment or election, shall meet and organize by the election of such officers as they deem necessary. They shall (a) adopt such bylaws, rules and regulations for their own guidance and for the government of the library as they deem expedient; (b) meet at least once in each quarter; (c) have the supervision, care and custody of all property of the library, including the rooms or buildings constructed, leased or set apart therefor; (d) employ a library system director, prescribe his/her duties, fix his/her compensation, and remove him/her for cause; (e) employ, upon the recommendation of the library system director, such other staff as may be necessary and fix their compensation; (f) submit annually to the governing body a budget containing estimates for the ensuing year; (g) have exclusive control of the finances of the library system; (h) accept such gifts of money or property for library purposes as they deem expedient; (i) on recommendation of library system director purchase books, periodicals, maps, equipment, insurance and supplies for the library system; (j) dispose of equipment and discarded library materials as provided in Section 19-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972; and (k) do all other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient management and control of the library system. But no expenditure made or contracted by the trustees shall be binding on any county or municipality so as to require any payment in excess of funds made available for library purposes under this article.

(2) There shall be one (1) library director for each library system. Said library system director shall have such educational qualifications as are prescribed by the Mississippi Library Commission. The library system director shall administer and establish procedures according to policies established by the administrative board of trustees. His or her duties shall include: (a) employment of staff with the approval of the board of trustees; (b) prescription of staff duties; (c) removal of staff for cause; (d) preparation of the budget; (e) financial and statistical management; (f) reporting to board of trustees; and (g) other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient administration of the library system.

(3) In the event that a determination is made by the library system director to remove a staff member for cause, written notice of such decision shall be given to such staff member. A staff member who has received such notice shall be entitled to:

(a) Written notice of the reasons for such action, together with a summary of the factual basis therefor, which notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to any hearing;

(b) An opportunity for a hearing before the board of trustees at which to present matters relevant to the reasons given for the decision, including any reasons alleged by the employee to be the reason for such action;

(c) Receive a fair and impartial hearing before the board;

(d) Be represented by legal counsel, at his own expense.

If the staff member does not request a hearing, the decision of the director shall be final.

(4) On at least a bi-monthly basis, the board of supervisors of each county and the governing authority of each municipality supporting a public library system shall transmit its warrant or warrants constituting one-sixth ( 1 / 6 ) of the annual appropriation for the support and maintenance thereof to the library director of such system. All such warrants shall be deposited in one or more public depositories previously selected by the board of trustees of the library system. The said board of trustees shall, by appropriate order spread upon its minutes, authorize the library director to expend such funds for lawful purposes only and in accordance with its annual budget previously adopted. All such funds shall be placed in the depository or depositories selected by the administrative library board of trustees in the same manner as provided in Section 27-105-305 for the selection of county depositories, provided that the selection shall be effective on July 1 of each year. Such depository shall place on deposit with the library director the same securities as required in Section 27-105-315 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-5 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / 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. § 39-17-103 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 17-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-103
Status: in_force

The principal of and interest on the bonds authorized under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall be payable in the manner provided in this section. Such bonds shall bear such date or dates, be in such denomination or denominations, bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding the limits set forth in Section 75-17-101 , be payable at such place or places within or without the State of Mississippi, shall mature absolutely at such time or times not to exceed twenty (20) years from date of issue, be redeemable before maturity at such time or times and upon such terms, with or without premium, shall bear such registration privileges, and shall be substantially in such form, all as determined by resolution of the State Bond Commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-4 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-4
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-4
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Historical significance” means that quality or qualities associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of state, local or national history, or that quality or qualities associated with the lives of persons significant in local, state or national history.

(b) “Architectural significance” means the qualities which embody the distinctive characteristics of type, period or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic value.

(c) “Archeological significance” means possessing the quality or qualities which have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in Mississippi prehistory or history.

(d) “Department” means the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

(e) “Board” means the board of trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

(f) “Agency” means any administrative division of the State of Mississippi, its counties, cities or political subdivisions thereof.

(g) “Restoration” means the returning of an object, building, structure or site to a prior condition or to an original historic appearance.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-101 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / 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. § 39-5-53 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 5-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-53
Status: in_force

There is hereby declared to be a cessation of further need for that portion of Beauvoir known as the Veterans Home and the same is hereby transferred to the United Sons of Confederate Veterans in accordance with the deed of Mrs. Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis, conveying Beauvoir to the Mississippi Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-9 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / 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. § 39-29-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / 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. § 39-3-207 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-207
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-207
Status: in_force

An interstate library district lying partly within this state may claim and be entitled to receive state aid in support of any of its functions to the same extent and in the same manner as such functions are eligible for support when carried on by entities wholly within this state. For the purposes of computing and apportioning state aid to an interstate library district, this state will consider that portion of the area which lies within this state as an independent entity for the performance of the aided function or functions and compute and apportion the aid accordingly. Subject to any applicable laws of this state, such a district also may apply for and be entitled to receive any federal aid for which it may be eligible.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-105 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / Section 17-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-105
Status: in_force

The bonds authorized under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall be signed by the Chairman of the State Bond Commission, or by his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the State Bond Commission shall be affixed thereto, attested by the Secretary of the State Bond Commission. The interest coupons, if any, to be attached to such bonds may be executed by the facsimile signatures of such officers. Whenever any such bonds shall have been signed by the officials designated to sign the bonds who were in office at the time of such signing but who may have ceased to be such officers before the sale and delivery of such bonds, or who may not have been in office on the date such bonds may bear, the signatures of such officers upon such bonds and coupons shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes and have the same effect as if the person so officially signing such bonds had remained in office until their delivery to the purchaser, or had been in office on the date such bonds may bear. However, notwithstanding anything in Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 to the contrary, such bonds may be issued as provided in the Registered Bond Act of the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-17 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-17
Status: in_force

(1) The trustees of the administrative board designated pursuant to Section 39-3-13(4) , immediately after their appointment or election, shall meet and organize by the election of such officers as they deem necessary. They shall (a) adopt such bylaws, rules and regulations for their own guidance and for the government of the library as they deem expedient; (b) meet at least once in each quarter; (c) have the supervision, care and custody of all property of the library, including the rooms or buildings constructed, leased or set apart therefor; (d) employ a library system director, prescribe his/her duties, fix his/her compensation, and remove him/her for cause; (e) employ, upon the recommendation of the library system director, such other staff as may be necessary and fix their compensation; (f) submit annually to the governing body a budget containing estimates for the ensuing year; (g) have exclusive control of the finances of the library system; (h) accept such gifts of money or property for library purposes as they deem expedient; (i) on recommendation of library system director purchase books, periodicals, maps, equipment, insurance and supplies for the library system; (j) dispose of equipment and discarded library materials as provided in Section 19-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972; and (k) do all other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient management and control of the library system. But no expenditure made or contracted by the trustees shall be binding on any county or municipality so as to require any payment in excess of funds made available for library purposes under this article.

(2) There shall be one (1) library director for each library system. Said library system director shall have such educational qualifications as are prescribed by the Mississippi Library Commission. The library system director shall administer and establish procedures according to policies established by the administrative board of trustees. His or her duties shall include: (a) employment of staff with the approval of the board of trustees; (b) prescription of staff duties; (c) removal of staff for cause; (d) preparation of the budget; (e) financial and statistical management; (f) reporting to board of trustees; and (g) other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient administration of the library system.

(3) In the event that a determination is made by the library system director to remove a staff member for cause, written notice of such decision shall be given to such staff member. A staff member who has received such notice shall be entitled to:

(a) Written notice of the reasons for such action, together with a summary of the factual basis therefor, which notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to any hearing;

(b) An opportunity for a hearing before the board of trustees at which to present matters relevant to the reasons given for the decision, including any reasons alleged by the employee to be the reason for such action;

(c) Receive a fair and impartial hearing before the board;

(d) Be represented by legal counsel, at his own expense.

If the staff member does not request a hearing, the decision of the director shall be final.

(4) On at least a bi-monthly basis, the board of supervisors of each county and the governing authority of each municipality supporting a public library system shall transmit its warrant or warrants constituting one-sixth ( 1 / 6 ) of the annual appropriation for the support and maintenance thereof to the library director of such system. All such warrants shall be deposited in one or more public depositories previously selected by the board of trustees of the library system. The said board of trustees shall, by appropriate order spread upon its minutes, authorize the library director to expend such funds for lawful purposes only and in accordance with its annual budget previously adopted. All such funds shall be placed in the depository or depositories selected by the administrative library board of trustees in the same manner as provided in Section 27-105-305 for the selection of county depositories, provided that the selection shall be effective on July 1 of each year. Such depository shall place on deposit with the library director the same securities as required in Section 27-105-315 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-131 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-131
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-131
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is authorized to secure, preserve, restore, develop, interpret, operate, and maintain the historic Coker House and accompanying land on the Champion Hill Battlefield as an official state historic site.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-39 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-39
Status: in_force

The chief administrative officers of all state agencies and of all state and local governments are authorized and directed to cooperate with and assist the board and the attorney general in carrying out the intent of this chapter. All law enforcement agencies and officers, state and local, are authorized and directed to assist in enforcing and in carrying out the intent of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / 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. § 39-41-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 21 / 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. § 39-17-103 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 17-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-103
Status: in_force

The principal of and interest on the bonds authorized under Sections 39-17-101 through 39-17-127 shall be payable in the manner provided in this section. Such bonds shall bear such date or dates, be in such denomination or denominations, bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding the limits set forth in Section 75-17-101 , be payable at such place or places within or without the State of Mississippi, shall mature absolutely at such time or times not to exceed twenty (20) years from date of issue, be redeemable before maturity at such time or times and upon such terms, with or without premium, shall bear such registration privileges, and shall be substantially in such form, all as determined by resolution of the State Bond Commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 19-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-13
Status: in_force

(1) Property on loan to a museum shall not escheat to the state under any state escheat law, but shall pass to the museum under the provisions of Section 39-19-11 .

(2) Property interests other than those specifically addressed in this chapter are not affected by this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-17-113 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / 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. § 39-25-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / 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. § 39-41-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 19 / 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. § 39-7-37 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-37
Status: in_force

In addition to, and without limiting the other powers of the attorney general of the state of Mississippi and without altering or waiving any criminal penalty provision of this chapter, the attorney general shall have the power to bring an action in the name of the State of Mississippi in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin violations or threatened violations of this chapter, and for the return of items taken in violations of the provisions hereof, and for the restoration of alterations made in violation of the provisions hereof. The venue of such actions shall lie in the county in which the activity sought to be enjoined is alleged to be taking place, or in the county from which the items were taken. Any citizen in the State of Mississippi shall have the power to bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin violations or threatened violations of this chapter, and for the return of items taken in violation of the provisions hereof. The venue of such actions shall lie in the county in which the activity sought to be enjoined is alleged to be taking place, or in the county from which the items were taken.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-9 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-9
Status: in_force

All sunken or abandoned ships and wrecks of the sea, and any part or the contents thereof, and all treasure imbedded in the earth, located in, on or under the surface of lands belonging to the State of Mississippi, including its tidelands, submerged lands and the beds of its rivers and the sea within the jurisdiction of the State of Mississippi are hereby declared to be Mississippi landmarks and are the sole property of the State of Mississippi and may not be taken, altered, damaged, destroyed, salvaged or excavated without a contract or permit of the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-13
Status: repealed

(1)(a) A special fund, to be designated as the “Building Fund for the Arts,” 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 money designated for deposit therein from any source, including, but not limited to, any state general obligation bonds issued for the purposes described in this section. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited into such fund.

(b) Money deposited into the fund shall be disbursed, in the discretion of the Mississippi Arts Commission, to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that are qualified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and units of local government to pay the costs of:

(i) Repair, upgrading, expansion, renovation or enhancement of existing buildings and facilities for the presentation, teaching or exhibition of the arts in any and all of its forms and furniture, equipment and/or technology for such buildings or facilities;

(ii) Construction of new buildings and facilities for the presentation, teaching or exhibition of the arts in any and all of its forms and furniture, equipment and/or technology for such buildings or facilities; or

(iii) The development, construction, equipping and furnishing of an entertainment and film center and museum and completion of a sound stage project.

Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) of any monies deposited into the fund during Fiscal Year 2023 shall be used to provide grant funds for the establishment of a band and music program for a nonprofit organization in this state that is qualified as exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code .

(c) The entity to which such grants are made shall provide matching funds from local, federal or private sources equal to forty percent (40%) of the proposed project cost in order to be eligible for a grant under this section.

(d) The maximum aggregate amount of monies in the special fund that may be used to provide grant funds to an entity or combination of entities under paragraph (b)(iii) of this subsection shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), and no monies in the special fund may be used to provide grant funds under paragraph (b)(iii) of this subsection after July 1, 2003. The maximum aggregate amount of grant funds that may be provided to an entity or combination of entities under paragraph (b)(iii) of this subsection during a fiscal year shall not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).

(2)(a) Amounts deposited into such special fund shall be disbursed to pay the costs of projects described in subsection (1) of this section. If any monies in the special fund are derived from proceeds of bonds issued under Sections 3 through 18 of Chapter 541, Laws of 2001, as amended by Chapter 540, Laws of 2002, as amended by Chapter 519, Laws of 2003, as amended by Chapter 1, Laws of 2004 Third Extraordinary Session, as amended by Chapter 538, Laws of 2006, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 607, Laws of 2007, and are not used within four (4) years after the date such bond proceeds are deposited into the special fund, then the Mississippi Arts Commission shall provide an accounting of such unused monies to the State Bond Commission.

(b) [Repealed]

(3) The Mississippi Arts Commission is expressly authorized and empowered to receive and expend any local or other source funds in connection with the expenditure of funds provided for in this section. The expenditure of money deposited into the special fund shall be under the direction of the Mississippi Arts Commission, and such funds shall be paid by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Department of Finance and Administration upon request of the Mississippi Arts Commission, which warrants shall be issued upon requisitions signed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, or his or her designee. The Mississippi Arts Commission may retain an amount not to exceed one percent (1%) of the monies in the fund to defray administrative costs associated with administering the grant program under this section.

(4) The Mississippi Arts Commission shall adopt necessary rules and regulations to govern the administration of the program described in subsection (1) of this section, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations governing applications for grants and rules and regulations providing for the distribution of grant funds. The Mississippi Arts Commission shall comply with the provisions of the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Museum Unclaimed Property Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-41-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 41 / 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. § 39-11-15 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-15
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Arts Commission Challenge Initiative Fund. The fund shall consist of legislative appropriations, federal funds, contributions, donations, gifts and monies from any other source that are made available for deposit into the fund.

(2) Monies in the fund shall be used by the Arts Commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to award grants to arts organizations. Recipients of grants from the fund will be required to provide matching funds for the grants in an amount of not less than two (2) times the amount of the grant.

(3) Monies remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-351 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-351
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-351
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Statewide Library Development System Act of 1988.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-23-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / 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. § 39-17-109 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / 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 15 / 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. § 39-19-9 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / 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. § 39-3-205 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / 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. § 39-7-41 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-7-41
Status: in_force

Records in the possession of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History or any other public body as defined in paragraph (a) of Section 25-61-3 which contain information about the location of any specific archaeological site and which in the opinion of any such agency possessing such records would, upon the disclosure thereof, create a substantial risk of damage or destruction to the historical value of such archaeological site or create a substantial risk of damage or destruction to private property rights, shall be exempt from the provisions of the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 19-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-19-13
Status: in_force

(1) Property on loan to a museum shall not escheat to the state under any state escheat law, but shall pass to the museum under the provisions of Section 39-19-11 .

(2) Property interests other than those specifically addressed in this chapter are not affected by this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-11-7
Status: in_force

The duties and objectives of the commission shall be:

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

(2) 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;

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

(4) To encourage excellence and assist freedom of artistic expression essential for the well-being of the arts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-367 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-367
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-367
Status: in_force

Aggregate statistics shown from registration and circulation records, with all personal identification removed, may be released or used by a library for research, planning and reporting purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-15 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-3-15
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The management and control of a county or municipal public library shall be vested in a board of five (5) trustees, who shall be appointed by the governing authorities of the county or municipality. The first appointments shall be for the terms of one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4) and five (5) years respectively, and thereafter, a trustee shall be appointed to serve five (5) years.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1)(a) of this section, the board of supervisors of any county that borders on the Gulf of Mexico, in which Interstate 10 intersects U.S. Highway 49 and that operates a county library system may appoint, in its discretion, six (6) trustees to the county public library board. If the board of supervisors of any such county elects to appoint six (6) members to the board of trustees, the first appointments shall be for the terms of one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5) and six (6) years respectively, and thereafter a trustee shall be appointed to serve six (6) years.

(2) When five (5) counties support a regional public library system, the management and control of the regional public library system shall be vested in a board of five (5) trustees. The trustees shall be appointed by the governing authorities of the counties that support the regional public library system.

(3) In a regional public library system supported by less than five (5) counties, the distribution of the membership on the board of trustees shall be determined by agreement among the counties that support the regional public library system.

(4) In a regional public library system of more than five (5) counties, one (1) member of the board of trustees shall be appointed by the governing authority of each county supporting the regional public library system. In the first appointments to the regional public library system board of trustees, five (5) members shall be appointed for terms of one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4) and five (5) years respectively, and any number of trustees above five (5) shall be appointed for terms of one (1) year. Thereafter, all trustees shall be appointed annually to serve five (5) years.

(5) The management and control of a city-county public library system shall be vested in a board of trustees, the number of which shall be agreed upon by the board of trustees of the governing body of the municipality, or municipalities, and with the consent of the board of supervisors which have contracted with each other or among themselves, to create, maintain and support a joint city-county library system. The term of each trustee shall be for a period of five (5) years. Initial appointments to the city-county board shall be made in a manner determined by the counties and municipalities involved so that terms expire on a staggered basis.

(6) Each trustee shall be a resident and qualified elector of the municipality, county or region represented by said trustee. Trustees shall be limited to two (2) consecutive terms of office in counties of over twenty thousand (20,000) population; however, there shall be no limit on the number of terms served by a trustee. In counties of less than twenty thousand (20,000) population, there shall be no limit on the number of terms served by any trustee holding office on July 1, 1988; provided, that said limitation shall be applicable to new trustees appointed subsequent to July 1, 1988. Vacancies on the board of trustees of a county public library, municipal public library, regional public library system or city-county public library system shall be filled for unexpired terms in the same manner in which members of the board were first appointed. Any trustee who shall not attend four (4) consecutive meetings of the board shall be subject to removal by the governing authority. No trustee shall receive a salary or other compensation for his service; provided, however, that all trustees shall be reimbursed for their necessary traveling expenses and mileage incident to their attendance upon the business of the board, as provided in Section 25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-13 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / 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. § 39-27-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / 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. § 39-5-151 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-151
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-151
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is authorized to proceed with implementing the recovery and restoration of the historic shipwreck site near the eastern shore of the Bay of Biloxi designated as state site 22Ja542. The department shall implement a program to publicize the historic nature of the site and to involve the private sector to the greatest extent possible.

(2) The Department of Marine Resources, the University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Development Authority and any other agency upon request by the Department of Archives and History shall to the greatest extent practical, assist the Department of Archives in the recovery and restoration project.

(3)(a) There is created in the State Treasury a fund designated for the historic shipwreck project. The fund may receive monies from any available private or public source.

(b) Expenditures may be made from the fund upon requisition by the executive director of the department of Archives and History.

(c) The fund shall be treated as a special trust fund. Interest earned on the principal shall be credited by the Treasurer to the fund.

(4) The executive director shall file an annual report detailing the receipts and expenditures with the chairpersons of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-13-2 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 9 / 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. § 39-17-127 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / 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. § 39-23-7 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 21 / 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. § 39-41-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 25 / 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. § 39-27-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 21 / 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. § 39-19-11 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / 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. § 39-7-27 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 3 / 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. § 39-17-113 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / 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. § 39-5-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-3
Status: in_force

The department of archives and history shall be under the control of a board of nine trustees. The board shall have the power and authority to fill all vacancies occurring therein, whether by expiration of term of service or by death or resignation, but the names of all newly elected members shall be communicated to the next ensuing session of the state senate for confirmation, and in case it shall reject any of the said newly elected trustees it shall proceed forthwith to fill the vacancy or vacancies by an election. All trustees chosen to succeed the present members or their successors shall serve for a term of six years. The board of trustees shall hold at the state capitol at least one regular meeting during the year, and as many special meetings as may be necessary, and at said meetings five members shall constitute a quorum. The director of the department of archives and history, hereinafter provided, shall be secretary of the board. The trustees shall receive no compensation for their services other than the amount of their necessary expenses actually paid out while in attendance on the meetings of the board or the business of the department. The board is empowered to adopt rules for its own government and for the government of the department, to elect and fix the compensation of a director not to exceed the maximum set by the legislature, and other officials or employees, and to do and perform such other acts and things as may be necessary to carry out the true intent and purposes of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-29-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / 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. § 39-32-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / 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. § 39-5-105 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-5-105
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in this state a De Soto Trail Commission, which shall be composed of one (1) representative from each state university to be appointed by the president of that institution and one (1) member from each county through which the Hernando de Soto Expedition traveled based on the alternate routes of the Final Report of the United States De Soto Expedition Commission. The county members of the commission shall be appointed by the Governor.

Four (4) additional members from the state at large shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History. The director of the Department of Archives and History shall serve as an ex officio member of the commission. The Department of Archives and History shall provide support services for the commission's meetings.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-3 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 23 / Section 27-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-27-3
Status: in_force

The commission shall designate specific sites for erection of appropriate “Mississippi Blues Trail” markers to offer to tourists and targeted groups a structured tour of Mississippi blues historical sites and performance venues. The commission shall be authorized to purchase appropriate Mississippi Blues Trail markers from any of its available funds. The texts for the Mississippi Blues Trail markers shall be approved by the commission. The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall cooperate with the commission by erecting and maintaining the markers that have been approved by the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 39-25-1 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / 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. § 39-13-2 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / 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. § 39-17-121 — MS Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / 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.