MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 Regular Session
To: Public Property; Appropriations
By: Representative Reeves
AN ACT TO CREATE A MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM STUDY COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE STUDY COMMISSION AND PRESCRIBE ITS RESPONSIBILITIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) There is created a Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and National Black Sports Hall of Fame Study Commission to conduct a preliminary study regarding the development of a Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in the City of Jackson, Mississippi. Creation of this museum would create a repository for the historical documentation and accurate portrayal of contributions made by the State of Mississippi in the area of civil rights and provide an avenue for educational research and economic growth for Mississippi. The study commission shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the Mississippi State Legislature by December 1, 2006, including any recommended legislation.
(2) The study commission shall be composed of the following ten (10) members:
(a) Three (3) members of the Mississippi House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, two (2) being members of the Hinds County delegation;
(b) Three (3) members of the Mississippi Senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Mississippi, two (2) being members of the Hinds County delegation;
(c) Three (3) members appointed by the Governor of the State of Mississippi, two (2) being citizens of Hinds County; and
(d) One (1) historian appointed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
(3) Appointments shall be made within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this act, and, within fifteen (15) days thereafter on a day to be designated jointly by the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor, the study commission shall meet and organize by selecting from its membership a chairman and a vice chairman. The vice chairman shall also serve as secretary and shall be responsible for keeping all records of the study commission. A majority of the members of the study commission shall constitute a quorum. In the selection of its officers and the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, an affirmative vote of a majority of the study commission shall be required. All members shall be notified in writing of all meetings, such notices to be mailed at least fifteen (15) days before the date on which a meeting is to be held.
(4) The study commission shall conduct a preliminary study regarding the development of a Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, and the potential benefits to the State of Mississippi fostered by its development. The study commission, in coordination with various state agencies, shall establish working relationships with the City of Jackson, nongovernment organizations and private organizations to better effectuate the study.
(5) Nonlegislative members shall serve without salary or per diem compensation. However, all members shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section 25-3-41 for mileage and actual travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Legislative members of the study 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 study commission will be paid to legislative members of the study commission while the Legislature is in session. No study commission member may incur per diem, travel or other expenses unless previously authorized by vote, at a meeting of the study commission, which action shall be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting. Nonlegislative members shall be paid from any funds made available to the study commission for that purpose.
(6) The study commission shall use any staff assistance made available to it. 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 chairman of the study commission, provide to the study commission such facilities, assistance and data as will enable the study commission to properly carry out its task.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.