MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Appropriations

By: Representative Holland, Robinson (84th), Cameron, Scott (17th), Peranich, Gadd

House Bill 951

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT CREATING A NEW SECTION 3-3-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, DESIGNATING THE TEDDY BEAR AS THE STATE TOY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     WHEREAS, the Teddy Bear has remained one of America's all-time favorite toys for nearly a century; and

     WHEREAS, the origin of the Teddy Bear dates back to a hunting trip in Smedes, Mississippi, on November 14, 1902; and

     WHEREAS, during that particular hunting expedition, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a small, exhausted black bear; and

     WHEREAS, the shot not fired at the cuddly creature in the Mississippi Delta was soon heard around the land as a great credit to the heroic and sportsmanlike conduct of President Roosevelt; and

     WHEREAS, because of this journey by the President to Mississippi, the stuffed bear toy, appropriately named the "Teddy Bear," evolved and continues to be a universal symbol of love, comfort and joy for children of all ages; NOW, THEREFORE,

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

     SECTION 1.  The following shall be codified as Section 3-3-43, Mississippi Code of 1972:

     3-3-43.  The Teddy Bear is designated the state toy of Mississippi.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.