MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Senator(s) Stogner, Jordan

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 69-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI FAIR COMMISSION TO BID FOR SPONSORSHIP FOR MAJOR EVENTS; TO AUTHORIZE THE FAIR COMMISSION TO COORDINATE COUNTY AND DISTRICT LIVESTOCK SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS; 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 is authorized to allow a commercial, charitable or governmental entity to use, publish and advertise such entity's name in connection with the state fair, the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo and any other activity conducted on the state fairgrounds in return for a monetary consideration paid to the commission. The funds shall be retained by the commission and used for its operating expenses or for capital improvements to the fairgrounds.

(7) The Mississippi Fair Commission is authorized to organize, promote and coordinate county and district livestock shows, exhibitions and fairs held in the county and district multipurpose livestock facilities and may utilize appropriated funds or funds otherwise available to the commission for such purposes.

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