MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Representative Holland

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 69-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI FAIR COMMISSION TO ALLOW CERTAIN ENTITIES TO USE, PUBLISH AND ADVERTISE IN CONNECTION WITH ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED ON THE STATE FAIRGROUNDS FOR A MONETARY CONSIDERATION; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE MONETARY CONSIDERATION SHALL BE USED FOR AWARDS IN LIVESTOCK SHOWS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 69-5-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

69-5-3. (1) The Mississippi Fair Commission shall set up rules and regulations consistent with the law governing the distribution of state monies for premiums or awards. It will be the duty of the commission to meet at the call of the chairman, at least twice each year, to approve premium lists or awards, and give out rules governing participants in state premium money in Mississippi. Said commission may invite the presidents of the various district livestock shows before said commission when determining policies affecting district livestock shows.

(2) The Mississippi Fair Commission is hereby authorized to accept money or funds donated to or to be awarded as prizes under regulations promulgated by the commission.

(3) The Mississippi Fair Commission shall have charge of designated state lands and buildings, and have full power and authority in perfecting plans and causing to be held an agricultural and industrial exposition annually, and other events from time to time on said lands and located for the promotion of Mississippi agriculture and industry.

(4) The Mississippi Fair Commission is hereby authorized to employ an attorney as prescribed in Section 69-1-14.

(5) The Mississippi Fair Commission may take any action authorized in Section 1 of Laws 2000, Chapter 306.

(6) The Mississippi Fair Commission may allow a commercial, charitable or governmental concern to use, publish and advertise such concern's name in connection with the State Fair or the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo in return for a monetary consideration paid to the commission, which funds shall be retained by the commission for capital improvements to the fairgrounds, except that not less than ten percent (10%) of such consideration shall be distributed annually to the Livestock Shows Fund that, by this subsection, is created in the State Treasury for premiums or awards in county, district and state livestock shows. Provided, however, the commission shall not enter into any such agreement with any vendor whose products are illegal for participation in or use by persons eighteen (18) years of age and under.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.