reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-101 — 43-3-111) › Section 43-3-101 - Mississippi Industries for the Blind; general powers

(1)
There is hereby created and established an agency of the State of Mississippi known as the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, hereinafter referred to as the "MIB." The MIB shall be a body politic and corporate, may acquire and hold real and personal property, may receive, hold and disperse monies appropriated to it by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi received from the federal government, received from the sale of products which it produces, and received from any other sources whatsoever, and may sue and be sued in its name. The MIB is authorized and empowered to establish nonprofit entities for the purpose of defraying costs incurred in the performance of the MIB's purpose and responsibilities.
(2)
The MIB may enter into agreements with federal, state, public or private agencies, departments, institutions, firms, corporations or persons that the MIB determines are in its best interests. The MIB may enter into any contracts and other agreements necessary for those purposes, and in doing so, the MIB may agree to terms of indemnification, the law of another state or jurisdiction or other necessary terms when, in the judgment of the MIB, that decision is in its best interest.
Laws, 1983, ch. 422, § 1; Laws, 2010, ch. 309, § 1, eff. 3/3/2010.
Amended by Laws, 2022, ch. 367, HB 1328,§ 1, eff. 3/22/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-101 — 43-3-111) › Section 43-3-105 - Duties of executive director

The executive director of the MIB shall:
(a)
Employ all necessary employees at MIB and dismiss them as is necessary;
(b)
Administer the daily operations at MIB;
(c)
Execute any contracts on behalf of MIB; and
(d)
Take any further actions which are necessary and proper toward the achievement of MIB's purposes.
Laws, 1983, ch. 422, § 3, eff. 7/1/1983.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-101 — 43-3-111) › Section 43-3-107 - Purpose

The purposes of MIB are as follows:
(a)
To establish industries, businesses, shops and workshops primarily for the employment of blind persons and other persons;
(b)
To employ blind persons whose training is not otherwise provided for and to market their products; and
(c)
To furnish materials, tools and books for use in rehabilitating blind persons for employment, and to do any and all other things for blind persons as it deems advisable.
Laws, 1983, ch. 422, § 4, eff. 7/1/1983.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-101 — 43-3-111) › Section 43-3-109 - Current operating funds

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the executive director of the MIB is hereby empowered to maintain sufficient funds to cover disbursements for current operations. The executive director shall deposit any excess funds with any official depository of the state and invest such excess funds as he deems appropriate.
Laws, 1983, ch. 422, § 5, eff. 7/1/1983.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-101 — 43-3-111) › Section 43-3-111 - Funds generated by sale of goods

Any funds obtained by MIB as a result of a sale of goods manufactured by it shall be accounted for separate and apart from any funds received by MIB through appropriation from the state legislature. All nonappropriated funds generated by MIB shall not be subject to appropriation by the state legislature.
Laws, 1983, ch. 422, § 6, eff. 7/1/1983.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-1 - State Board of Education to be Board of Trustees of Mississippi School for the Deaf and Mississippi School for the Blind; no consolidation of schools required

(1)
The State Board of Education shall be the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Mississippi School for the Blind and shall retain all powers and duties granted by law to the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Mississippi School for the Blind. Wherever the term Board of Trustees of the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Mississippi School for the Blind appears in any law the same shall mean the State Board of Education.
(2)
The provisions of this section shall not be construed to require any consolidation or combination of the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Mississippi School for the Blind other than where economies can be realized through the common utilization of maintenance personnel and equipment, physical facilities, vehicles and administrative personnel, where the same can be done without impairment of the effectiveness of the educational programs of the two (2) institutions or the welfare of the students.
(3)
The provisions of this section shall not be construed to require any consolidation of services involving curriculum or instructional programs of the two (2) institutions.
(4)
The State Board of Education, on behalf of each of these institutions, shall have the power to receive and hold property, real and personal, and to accept and use as provided by law, separate from the needs of the other institutions, all bequests, devices and donations made or which may in the future be made to or for it, and shall continue to enjoy the rights and privileges heretofore conferred upon it by law and such as are necessary now, or hereafter, to accomplish the purposes of its own establishment and operation and maintenance hereunder, provided that the same be not inconsistent with or in conflict with this chapter. The State Board of Education, in its discretion, may delegate any such powers and duties, as it deems appropriate, to any administrative staff of the State Department of Education, the Mississippi School for the Deaf or the Mississippi School for the Blind.
Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 9, art. 43; 1857, ch. 13, art. 2, ch. 14, art. 2; 1871, §§ 2104, 2112; 1880, §§ 669, 678; 1892, §§ 2310, 2320, 2321; 1906, §§ 2539, 2548, 2549; Hemingway's 1917, §§ 4993, 5008, 5009; 1930, §§ 7295, 7304, 7305; 1942, § 6785; Laws, 1924, ch. 309; Laws, 1924, ch. 310; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 1; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 142; Laws, 1991, ch. 534, § 15, eff. 7/1/1991.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 369, HB 667,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-2 - [Repealed]

Repealed by its own terms eff.7/1/1991.
Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 144.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-3 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 143, eff. 7/1/1989.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-01; Laws, 1936, ch. 180; 1944, ch. 163, § 2; 1968, ch. 415, § 1; 1974, ch. 529; 1985, ch. 448.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-4 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1989, ch. 544 § 145, eff. 7/1/1991.
Laws, 1989, ch. 544 § 145.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-5 - Powers and duties of Board

The State Board of Education shall adopt all needful rules and regulations for the government of the schools. The State Board of Education shall have authority and control over the pupils and over the properties of each school except where otherwise prescribed by law. The State Board of Education shall provide and maintain libraries for each school, and shall provide for proper and needful recreational facilities for the pupils of the separate schools, and encourage their physical and hygienic and religious advancement, including facilities for church attendances on the Sabbath.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-02; Laws, 1936, ch. 180; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 3; Laws, 1968, ch. 416, § 1; Laws, 1977, ch. 338; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 146; Laws, 1992, ch. 338, § 1, eff. 7/1/1992.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-7 - Powers and duties of State Superintendent of Schools

The State Superintendent of Education, or his designee, shall make regular and frequent inspections of each of the two (2) schools, and shall personally visit each school at least once a month during every school session, and shall prescribe when and where and by whom and in what quantities all supplies and sustenance of every kind shall be purchased. As far as practicable the purchases for each school shall be on basis of wholesale rather than at retail prices. The State Superintendent of Education shall prepare in writing, monthly, the status of the schools and needs, and the physical and moral conditions of the pupils, and they shall require that the records of each school are preserved, and shall assume such duties as may through legislative enactment hereafter be placed upon the State Superintendent of Education.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-03; Laws, 1936, ch. 180; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 4; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 147, eff. 7/1/1989.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-9 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 148, eff. 7/1/1989.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-04; Laws, 1936, ch. 180; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 5; Laws, 1977, ch. 416.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-11 - Annual report of Board

The State Board of Education shall make a report to every annual term of the Legislature, showing the needs and condition and status of the School for the Blind and the School for the Deaf. Such report to the Legislature shall show how the money appropriated to the schools has been expended during the preceding year, beginning and ending with the fiscal year of each school. Such report shall exhibit the salaries paid to teachers, officers and employees and each and every item of receipt and expenditure. Each report shall be balanced and shall begin with the balance at the end of the preceding fiscal year. If any property belonging to the state or either school is used for profit such report shall show the expenses incurred in managing the property and the amount received from the same. Such report shall also show a summary of the gross receipts and gross disbursements for each fiscal year and shall show the money on hand at the beginning of the fiscal period of each school preceding each session of the Legislature and the necessary amount of expenses to be incurred from said date to January 1 next following.
Codes, 1892, § 4454; 1906, § 5031; Hemingway's 1917, § 7930; 1930, § 7317; 1942, §§ 6785-02, 6800; Laws, 1936, ch. 180; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 3; Laws, 1968, ch. 416, § 1; Laws, 1970, ch. 391, § 7; Laws, 1970, ch. 392, § 1; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 150, eff. 7/1/1989.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-13 - Braille and lip-reading to be taught

Braille print, designated commonly as revised Braille Grade Two, shall be taught in the School for the Blind. The use of this print shall be included in the high school literary courses of students in such school. Every teacher or instructor in the School for the Deaf, whose duties include oral instruction of pupils, shall become acquainted with the most efficient and advanced methods of lipreading, but every teacher shall also master the manual alphabet in order to be able to communicate with pupils who cannot read lips and in order to aid and participate in student activities outside the classrooms. Every pupil entering the school shall be given oral instruction until it is clearly determined whether he can master lipreading to an extent enabling him to progress satisfactorily in his studies, but manual instruction shall be provided in all subjects for all pupils unable to progress satisfactorily under oral instruction alone. The State Board of Education may set and determine the additional requirements necessary for each teacher or instructor. Complete courses in shorthand and typewriting are to be offered at the School for the Deaf.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-05; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 6; Laws, 1990, ch. 535, § 15, eff. 7/1/1990.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 369, HB 667,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-15 - Pupils; classification; course of training

Each of the two (2) schools shall be open to receive all pupils eligible to attend it, and shall provide for the proper lodging, maintenance, care and education while in attendance. A student shall not be admitted to or continue as a pupil in the School for the Blind whose acuity of vision is, or becomes, habitually greater than fifty percent (50%) of normal vision, and a pupil shall not be admitted or remain as a pupil in the school for the deaf whose ability to hear is customarily sufficient for him or her to attend the public schools provided for normal children. The board, in its discretion, shall establish the age of eligibility for students seeking admission to the schools. No person shall be admitted to either institution as a pupil who is not a bona fide resident of this state or who is not of good moral character.
The State Board of Education shall fix the amount to be paid, and the terms of payment, by pupils in each school for board, and the conditions of admission, subject to the provisions of this chapter; and shall admit free of charges, upon the certificate of the county superintendent of education of any county in the state, all pupils eligible to attend the school, provided the amount appropriated by the Legislature is sufficient properly to care for the same. Each school shall provide requisite facilities for every pupil therein to acquire as complete a literary and musical education as practicable; and shall provide and maintain an industrial department in which expert instruction shall be given in such trades and crafts as may be suited to render the pupil therein self-sustaining in after life.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-06; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 7; Laws, 1958, ch. 295; Laws, 1974, ch. 325; Laws, 1990, ch. 535, § 16, eff. 7/1/1990.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-17 - Diplomas and certificates of proficiency

The State Board of Education shall maintain the two (2) schools at as high a grade of work and education as may be practicable, and shall endeavor to give the pupils the same extent and scope of education that the pupils would receive if attending the public schools of this state; and shall have diplomas or certificates granted unto those pupils who have successfully finished the prescribed courses taught.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-07; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 8; Laws, 1990, ch. 535, § 17, eff. 7/1/1990.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-19 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1977, ch. 354, eff.3/14/1977.
Codes, Hemingway's 1917, § 5002; 1930, § 7303; 1942, § 6785-08; Laws, 1910, ch. 131; Laws, 1944, ch. 163, § 9.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-21) › Section 43-5-21 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1992, ch. 338, § 3, eff. 7/1/1992.
Codes, 1942, § 6785-11; Laws, 1956, ch. 286; Laws, 1958, ch. 304, §§ 1-3; Am, Laws, 1990, ch. 535, § 18.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 43-5-31 — 43-5-39) › Section 43-5-31 - Annual conference of representatives of state and other agencies

The Department of Education, hereinafter called "department," shall annually call a conference of representatives of state agencies, other governmental and private agencies, and institutions in the manner set forth by Sections
43-5-31
through
43-5-39
for the general purpose of the coordination of programs relating to the training, education and assistance of blind and deaf citizens of the State of Mississippi.
Laws, 1974, ch. 333, § 1; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 151, eff. 7/1/1989.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 43-5-31 — 43-5-39) › Section 43-5-33 - Appointment of director of conference

The State Superintendent of Education shall appoint a director for this conference who may be an employee of the department or an employee of either the School for the Deaf or the School for the Blind.
Laws, 1974, ch. 333, § 2; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 152, eff. 7/1/1989.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 43-5-31 — 43-5-39) › Section 43-5-35 - Notice of conference

The director shall publish notification of the conference in the following manner:
(a)
Not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the conference the director shall mail notices of this meeting to the executive officer of any agency or institution of the State of Mississippi which, in the opinion of the board, is charged with or can contribute to the education, training or assistance of blind or deaf citizens of the State of Mississippi. It shall be the duty of such executive officer upon receipt of such notification to attend or appoint an officer or employee of his agency to attend and participate in the conference.
The notice required by this subsection shall include time and place of the conference and reference to Sections
43-5-31
through
43-5-39
regarding the required attendance of a representative from a designated agency.
(b)
The director shall cause notice to be published in a newspaper or newspapers having general circulation throughout the state. Such notice shall appear at least three (3) times with the first publication appearing not less than twenty-five (25) days prior to the date of the conference and the last publication appearing not more than five (5) days prior to the date of the conference.
(c)
The director is directed and authorized to utilize any mass communication media that may be available at no cost to the board to publicize the conference.
(d)
The director shall notify private organizations and persons known to have an interest in the education, training and assistance of the deaf and blind of the meeting and to invite their attendance and participation.
Laws, 1974, ch. 333, § 3, eff. 1/1/1975.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 43-5-31 — 43-5-39) › Section 43-5-37 - Duties of conference director

The director shall arrange and organize the conference and is charged specifically with the following duties regarding the conference:
(a)
The director shall arrange for a meeting hall, seating, public address systems and appurtenant equipment and supplies.
(b)
The director shall organize the program and set an agenda for the conference.
(c)
The director is authorized to arrange meetings of groups who are concerned with the problems of the blind or the deaf. Such meeting may be held before or during the conference; however, there shall be at least one (1) general session of all participants during the conference.
Laws, 1974, ch. 333, § 4, eff. 1/1/1975.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 5 - SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF (§§ 43-5-1 — 43-5-39) › ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 43-5-31 — 43-5-39) › Section 43-5-39 - Report of activities and findings of conference

The board shall include a report of the activities and findings of the conference in the annual report of the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Mississippi School for the Blind.
Laws, 1974, ch. 333, § 5, eff. 1/1/1975.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-1 - Definitions

As used in this article, "blind," "totally blind," "visually handicapped," and "partially blind" mean having central visual acuity not to exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with corrected lenses as measured by the Snellen test, or having visual acuity greater than 20/200, but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle not greater than twenty (20) degrees.
As used in this article, "deaf person" means a person who cannot readily understand spoken language through hearing alone with or without a hearing aid, and who may also have a speech defect which renders his speech unintelligible to most people with normal hearing.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-25; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 5; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 1, eff. 3/23/1978.
Brought forward without change by Laws, 2018, ch. 341, HB 944,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-3 - Right to use public facilities

Blind persons, visually handicapped persons, deaf persons and other physically disabled persons shall have the same right as the able-bodied to the full and free use of the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, and other public places.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-21; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 1; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 2, eff. 3/23/1978.
Brought forward without change by Laws, 2018, ch. 341, HB 944,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-5 - Right of access to public conveyances and accommodations

Blind persons, visually handicapped persons, deaf persons and other physically disabled persons shall be entitled to full and equal access, as are other members of the general public, to accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of all common carriers, airplanes, motor vehicles, railroad trains, motorbuses, streetcars, boats or any other public conveyances or modes of transportation, hotels, lodging places, places of public accommodation, amusement or resort, and other places to which the general public is invited, subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law, or state or federal regulation, and applicable alike to all persons.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-22; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 2; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 3, eff. 3/23/1978.
Brought forward without change by Laws, 2018, ch. 341, HB 944,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-7 - Right to be accompanied by guide dog or hearing ear dog

Every totally or partially blind person and every deaf person shall have the right to be accompanied by a guide dog or hearing ear dog on a blaze orange leash, especially trained for the purpose, in any of the places specified in Section
43-6-5
without being required to pay an extra charge for the guide dog or hearing ear dog on a blaze orange leash. However, such person shall be liable for any damage done to the premises or facilities by such dog.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-23; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 3; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 4, eff. 3/23/1978.
Brought forward without change by Laws, 2018, ch. 341, HB 944,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-9 - Blind and deaf pedestrians

A totally or partially blind pedestrian or deaf person shall have all the rights and privileges conferred by law upon other persons in any of the places, accommodations, or conveyances specified in Sections
43-6-3
and
43-6-5
, notwithstanding the fact that such person is not carrying a predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip), or using a guide dog or hearing ear dog on a blaze orange leash. The failure of a totally or partially blind person or deaf person to carry such a cane or to use such a guide dog or hearing ear dog on a blaze orange leash shall not constitute negligence per se.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-24; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 4; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 5, eff. 3/23/1978.
Brought forward without change by Laws, 2018, ch. 341, HB 944,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-11 - Penalties

Any person or persons, firm or corporation who denies or interferes with admittance to or enjoyment of the public facilities as specified in Sections
43-6-3
and
43-6-5
, or otherwise interferes with the rights of a totally or partially blind person, deaf person or other disabled person under Sections
43-6-3
through
43-6-7
, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-27; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 7; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 6, eff. 3/23/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-13 - White Cane Safety Days

Each year the governor shall publicly proclaim October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. He shall issue a proclamation in which:
(a)
Comments shall be made upon the significance of this article.
(b)
Citizens of the state are called upon to observe the provisions of this article and to take precautions necessary to the safety of disabled persons.
(c)
Citizens of the state are reminded of the policies with respect to disabled persons declared in this article and be urged to cooperate in giving effect to them.
(d)
Emphasis shall be made on the need of the citizenry to be aware of the presence of disabled persons in the community and to keep safe and functional for the disabled the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, other public places, places of public accommodation, amusement and resort, and other places to which the public is invited, and to offer assistance to disabled persons upon appropriate occasions.
(e)
It is the policy of this state to encourage and enable blind persons, visually handicapped persons, and other physically disabled persons to participate fully in the social and economic life of the state and to engage in remunerative employment.
Codes, 1942, § 7158-26; Laws, 1972, ch. 451, § 6, eff. 5/5/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-15) › Section 43-6-15 - Employment in government service

No person shall be refused employment in state services, the service of political subdivisions of the state, in public schools, or any other employment supported in whole or in part by public funds, by reason of his being blind, visually handicapped, deaf, or otherwise physically handicapped, unless such disability shall materially affect the performance of the work required by the job for which such person applies.
Laws, 1974, ch. 381; Laws, 1978, ch. 402, § 7, eff. 3/23/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-101 - Applicability of standards

The State Building Commission, the boards of supervisors of each county, the governing authorities of each municipality and the governing authorities of all political subdivisions of this state, pursuant to an order of the state board of health, shall cause to be constructed such entrance ramps to facilitate ingress and egress in each public building under the supervision of the said governing bodies, including buildings which presently exist, which are presently under construction, or which may be constructed after July 1, 1972. The standards and specifications set forth in Sections
43-6-103
through
43-6-121
shall apply to all buildings of assembly, educational institutions, office buildings, and other public buildings which are constructed in whole or in part by the use of state, county or municipal funds, or the funds of any instrumentality of the state, except where such compliance is impractical in the opinion of the state board of health. All such buildings and facilities in this state on which design contracts are awarded after July 1, 1972, shall conform to each of the standards and specifications prescribed therein.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-101; Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 1, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-103 - Primary entrances

(1)
At least one (1) primary entrance to each building shall be accessible by individuals in wheelchairs from a point of vehicular arrival and such access shall be by means of a walk or walks at least forty-eight (48) inches wide and having a gradient not greater than five percent (5%), or eight and thirty-three one-hundredths percent (8.33%) with handrails. These walks shall be of a continuing surface, not interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level. Wherever walks cross other walks, driveways, or parking lots they shall blend to a common level. A walk shall have a level platform at the top which is at least five (5) feet by five (5) feet, if a door swings out onto the platform or toward the walk. This platform shall extend at least one (1) foot beyond each side of the doorway. A walk shall have a level platform at least three (3) feet deep and five (5) feet wide, if the door does not swing onto the platform or toward the walk. This platform shall extend at least one (1) foot beyond each side of the doorway.
(2)
Each building shall have at least one (1) primary entrance which is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. In multi-story buildings, such primary entrance shall provide access to an elevator either on a level plane or by ramp.
Doors shall have a clear opening of no less than thirty-two (32) inches when fully open and shall be operable by a single effort. The floor on the inside and outside of each doorway shall be level for a distance of five (5) feet from the door in the direction the door swings and shall extend one (1) foot beyond each side of the door. Sharp inclines and abrupt changes in level shall be avoided at doorsills. As much as practicable, thresholds shall be flush with the floor.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(a, d); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-105 - Public parking

Where public parking is provided, at least one (1) parking area shall be made accessible to the building by either placing it at the grade level of one (1) floor of the building or providing ramps at curbs or steps between the parking area and the building.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(b); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-107 - Ramps

Where ramps are necessary or desired, they shall conform to the following specifications:
(a)
The ramp shall not have a slope greater than one (1) foot rise in twelve (12) feet of run, or eight and thirty-three one-hundredths percent (8.33%), or four (4) degrees fifty (50) minutes.
(b)
Any such ramp shall have a handrail on at least one (1) side, and preferably two (2) sides. The top of handrails shall be thirty-two (32) inches above the surface of the ramp and shall extend one (1) foot beyond the top and bottom of the ramp.
(c)
The ramp shall be at least thirty-two (32) inches wide (inside clear measurements) and have a surface that is nonslip.
(d)
If a door swings out onto the platform or toward the ramp, the platform of the ramp shall be at least five (5) feet by five (5) feet. This platform size shall be clear of door swing.
(e)
If the door does not swing onto the platform or toward the ramp, this platform shall be at least three (3) feet deep and five (5) feet wide. This platform size shall be clear of door swing.
(f)
The bottom of the ramp shall have at least a six-foot level run.
(g)
Where the ramp exceeds thirty (30) feet in length, level platforms shall be provided at thirty-foot intervals. Level platforms shall also be provided at turns in the ramp. Platforms shall be at least thirty-two (32) inches wide by five (5) feet long.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(c); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-109 - Steps and stairs

Steps in stairs shall be designed wherever practicable so as not to have abrupt (square) nosing. Stairs shall have handrails thirty-two (32) inches high as measured from the tread at the face of the riser. Stairs shall have at least one (1) handrail that extends at least eighteen (18) inches beyond the top step and beyond the bottom step. Steps should, wherever possible, and in conformation with existing step formulas, have risers that do not exceed seven (7) inches.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(e); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-111 - Floors

Floors shall wherever practicable have a surface that is nonslip. Floors on the same story shall be of a common level throughout or be connected by a ramp in accord with Section
43-6-107
.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(f); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-113 - Toilet facilities

(1)
An appropriate number of toilet rooms shall be accessible to, and usable by, the physically handicapped and shall have space to allow traffic of individuals in wheelchairs.
(2)
Toilet rooms for each sex shall have at least one (1) toilet stall that:
(a)
is three (3) feet wide;
(b)
is at least four (4) feet eight (8) inches, preferably five (5) feet deep;
(c)
has a door (where doors are used) that is thirty-two (32) inches wide and swings out;
(d)
has handrails on each side, thirty-three (33) inches high and parallel to the floor, one and one-half (11/2) inches in outside diameter, with one and one-half (11/2) inches clearance between rail and wall, and fastened securely at ends and center; and
(e)
has a water closet with the seat twenty (20) inches from the floor.
(3)
Such toilet rooms shall have at least one (1) lavatory with a narrow apron, which when mounted at standard height is usable by individuals in wheelchairs, or shall have lavatories mounted higher, when particular designs demand, so that they are usable by individuals in wheelchairs.
(4)
Mirrors and shelves shall be provided above such lavatory at a height as low as practicable and no higher than forty (40) inches above the floor, measured from the top of the shelf and the bottom of the mirror.
(5)
Toilet rooms for men which have wall-mounted urinals shall have an appropriate number of such urinals with the opening of the basin nineteen (19) inches from the floor, or shall have floor-mounted urinals that are on level with the main floor of the toilet room.
(6)
Toilet rooms shall have an appropriate number of towel racks, towel dispensers, and other dispensers and disposal units mounted with openings of dispensers or receptacles no higher than forty (40) inches from the floor.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(g); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-115 - Water supply

An appropriate number of water fountains or other water dispensing means shall be accessible to, and usable by, the physically disabled. Water fountains or coolers shall have up-front spouts and controls. Water fountains or coolers shall be hand-operated or hand-and-foot operated.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(h); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-117 - Elevators

Where elevators are to be provided, at least one (1) bank of elevators, or one (1) single elevator if installed in single units, shall be accessible to, and usable by, persons with physical disabilities at all levels normally used by the general public. Such bank of elevators or such single elevator shall be designed to allow for traffic by wheelchairs.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(i); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-119 - Switches and controls

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, draperies, elevators, fire alarms, and all similar controls of frequent or essential use shall be placed within the reach of individuals in wheelchairs, and not to exceed forty-eight (48) inches from the floor level.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(j); Laws, 1972, § 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-121 - Removal of hazards

Every effort shall be exercised to obviate all hazards to individuals with physical disabilities.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-102(k); Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-123 - Enforcement of article

The State Board of Health shall be responsible for reviewing plans and specifications of the proposed building or improvements to determine whether the buildings referred to in Section
43-6-101
will be in compliance with this article. The board shall collect a fee from the state, county, municipality or other public agency proposing to contract for the construction, to cover the cost of such review. The fee shall be one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the estimated cost, with a maximum fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00), calculated and paid on the basis of the engineering estimate or architect's estimate of the total cost of the particular work or improvement, which estimate is to be furnished to the state board of health along with the plans and specifications.
The State Board of Health shall not require that those state-funded buildings in existence or presently under construction comply with this article, except as to entrance ramps to facilitate ingress and egress; however, all buildings affected by this article on which design contracts are awarded after July 1, 1972, shall comply with such specifications. The state board of health is hereby further authorized to promulgate any rules that, in its discretion, are necessary to perform the duties delegated it by this article.
Codes, 1942, § 7015-103; Laws, 1972, ch. 516, § 3, eff. 7/1/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 3 - PUBLIC BUILDING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-101 — 43-6-125) › Section 43-6-125 - Public buildings designed or equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities to be marked by signs

All public buildings constructed or remodeled in accordance with the standards and requirements of Sections
43-6-101
through
43-6-123
, or containing facilities that are in compliance therewith, shall display a symbol which is white on a blue background. The specifications for this symbol shall be furnished by the state board of health indicating the location of such facilities designed for the physically handicapped. When a building contains an entrance other than the main entrance which is ramped or level for use by the physically handicapped persons, a sign showing its location shall be posted at or near the main entrance which shall be visible from the adjacent public sidewalk or way.
Laws, 1975, ch. 369, eff. 3/20/1975.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 5 - MISSISSIPPI SUPPORT ANIMAL ACT (§§ 43-6-151 — 43-6-155) › Section 43-6-151 - Short title

Sections
43-6-151
through
43-6-155
shall be known as and may be cited as the "Mississippi Support Animal Act."
Laws, 1989, ch. 386, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 523, § 1, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 6 - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 43-6-1 — 43-6-263) › Article 5 - MISSISSIPPI SUPPORT ANIMAL ACT (§§ 43-6-151 — 43-6-155) › Section 43-6-155 - Support animals' access to public places; limitations

(1)
Any blind person, mobility impaired person, armed services veteran diagnosed with PTSD or hearing impaired person who uses a support animal specifically trained as a guide, leader, listener or for any other necessary assistance in day-to-day activities shall be entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of all public conveyances, hotels, lodging places, businesses open to the public for the sale of any goods or services and all places of public accommodation, amusement, or resort and other places to which the general public is invited, and may take the support animal into conveyances and places, subject only to the conditions and limitations applicable to all persons not so accompanied, except that:
(a)
The support animal shall not occupy a seat in any public conveyance.
(b)
The support animal shall be upon a leash or otherwise sufficiently restrained in a manner appropriate for the animal while using the facilities of a common carrier.
(2)
Support animal trainers shall have the same rights of accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges with support animals-in-training as those provided to blind persons, mobility impaired persons, hearing impaired persons or veterans diagnosed with PTSD with support animals under this section.
(3)
No person shall deprive a blind person, mobility impaired person, hearing impaired person, veteran diagnosed with PTSD or a support animal trainer of any of the advantages, facilities or privileges provided in this section, nor charge such blind person, mobility impaired person, hearing impaired person, veteran diagnosed with PTSD or support animal trainer a fee or charge for the use of the animal.
Laws, 1989, ch. 386, § 3; Laws, 1999, ch. 478, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 523, § 2, eff. 7/1/2000.
Amended by Laws, 2018, ch. 341, HB 944,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2018.