Senate Bill 2424

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO CREATE THE "ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE" TO EXAMINE METHODS TO GROW THE STATE'S CREATIVE ECONOMY AND INCREASE REVENUE FOR AND FROM THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY; TO REQUIRE THE TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE ON CHANGES TO POLICY AND DESIGNATED APPROPRIATIONS THAT WOULD DEVELOP THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND WORKFORCE WITHIN THE STATE; TO SET THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TASK FORCE; TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING PER DIEM AND VOTING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is hereby established the "Entertainment Industry and Workforce Development Task Force" created to examine methods to grow the state's creative economy and increase revenue for and from the entertainment industry. The task force shall develop recommendations for the Legislature on changes to policy and designated appropriations that would develop, grow and increase revenue for and from the entertainment industry and workforce within the state.

(2) The members of the task force shall be as follows:

(a) The Director of Visit Mississippi, or his or her designee;

(b) A representative from the Mississippi Tourism Association;

(d) Two (2) senators appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and

(e) Two (2) representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(3) The task force shall meet within forty-five (45) days of the effective date of this act and shall evaluate the current data, resources, laws, policies and practices of the State of Mississippi that are impacting the Mississippi entertainment industry and workforce. The task force shall discuss any information deemed related and necessary to accomplishing the task of developing, growing and increasing the revenue for and from the entertainment industry and workforce within the state.

(4) To effectuate the purposes of this act, any department, division, board, bureau, committee, institution or agency of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, shall, at the request of the task force, provide the facilities, assistance, information and data needed to enable the task force to carry out its duties.

(5) Appointments to the task force shall be made within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this act. At the first meeting, the members of the task force shall elect a chairman, a vice chairman, and any other officers determined to be necessary, from among the members, and shall adopt rules for transacting business and keeping records. The task force shall develop and report its findings and recommendations to the Mississippi Legislature on or before December 1, 2025. A majority of the membership shall be required to approve any final report and recommendation. Meetings of the task force shall be held at the State Capitol; however, if it is not feasible for the task force to hold an in-person meeting, the task force may convene utilizing an online meeting platform that is accessible for viewing by the public.

(6) Members of the Legislature shall be reimbursed in the same manner as for attending out-of-session committee meetings.

(7) The Legislature shall provide necessary clerical support for the meetings of the task force and the preparation of the report.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.