MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Holland

AN ACT CREATING A NEW SECTION 3-3-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, DESIGNATING THE TEDDY BEAR AS THE STATE TOY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.  

WHEREAS, the Teddy Bear has remained one of America's all time favorite toys for nearly a century; and

WHEREAS, the origin of the Teddy Bear dates back to a hunting trip in Smedes, Mississippi, on November 14, 1902; and

WHEREAS, during that particular hunting expedition, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a small, exhausted black bear; and

WHEREAS, the shot not fired at the cuddly creature in the Mississippi Delta was soon heard around the land as a great credit to the heroic and sportsmanlike conduct of President Roosevelt; and

WHEREAS, because of this journey by the President to Mississippi, the stuffed bear toy, appropriately named the "Teddy Bear," evolved and continues to be a universal symbol of love, comfort and joy for children of all ages; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 3-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972:

3-3-41. The Teddy Bear is designated the state toy of Mississippi.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.