Senate Bill 2217

AN ACT ADOPTING "MY HOME MISSISSIPPI" BY DELMA FURNISS AS THE OFFICIAL STATE SONG; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, Mississippi presently has one official state song, "Go, Mississippi" by Houston Davis, which was adopted by the Legislature in House Concurrent Resolution No. 67 (1962 Regular Session), which is a great song for special occasions and specific events; however, it is not a song with lyrics and melody that lend themselves for Mississippians to sing at informal gatherings and by Mississippians individually as they go about their daily lives; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature desires to provide Mississippians with an official state song whereby Mississippians will have a song appropriate for all occasions, events and daily activities; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature further desires to recognize the words and music of "My Home Mississippi" as the official song of the State of Mississippi; NOW, THEREFORE,

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

SECTION 1. (1) The lyrics and music in the song entitled "My Home Mississippi" by Delma Furniss, set to the music of a 19th Century American folk song, are hereby designated as the official song of the State of Mississippi.

(2) The Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, all other agencies of the state and all persons, firms or organizations interested in promoting the welfare of the State of Mississippi are hereby encouraged to make use of the state song "My Home Mississippi" in promoting and advancing the State of Mississippi and its citizens.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.