MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency

By: Senator(s) Carmichael

Senate Bill 2832

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 17-3-1 AND 17-3-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ADVERTISING OF COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL RESOURCES SHALL BE LIMITED TO PUBLICATIONS OR SPONSORSHIPS OF TRADE OR BUSINESS MEETINGS HELD IN THE COUNTY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 17-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     17-3-1.  The board of supervisors of any county in Mississippi, and the mayor and board of aldermen or board of commissioners of any municipality in the State of Mississippi, may in their discretion, set aside, appropriate and expend * * *moneys monies, not to exceed one (1) mill of their respective valuation and assessment for the purpose of advertising and bringing into favorable notice the opportunities, possibilities and resources of such municipality or county.  Such advertising shall be limited to publications or sponsorships of trade or business meetings held in the county.

     SECTION 2.  Section 17-3-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     17-3-3.  Advertising pursuant to Section 17-3-1 shall include publications, such as newspaper and magazine advertising and literature, * * *publicity, expositions, public entertainment or other form of advertising or publicity, of trade or business meetings, or paid sponsorships of such trade or business meetings, which in the judgment of such board or boards will be helpful toward advancing the moral, financial and other interests of such municipality or county; however, such advertising shall not include advertisements in publications sponsored by political parties, political committees or affiliated organizations, as such terms are defined in Section 23-15-801.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after October 1, 2019.