Senate Bill 2043

AN ACT ADOPTING "MISSISSIPPI SONG" BY JIM WEATHERLY AS THE OFFICIAL STATE SONG; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the promotion of the best interests of the State of Mississippi requires that the state have an officially recognized state song which will instill pride in all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, the present official song, "Go, Mississippi," which was adopted by the Legislature in House Concurrent Resolution No. 67 (1962 Regular Session), has served its purpose but is not now representative of the quickening pace of the development of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature desires to recognize the words and music of "Mississippi Song" 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 "Mississippi Song" by Jim Weatherly is hereby designated as the official song of the State of Mississippi.

(2) The Division of Tourism of the Department of Economic and Community Development, all other agencies of the state and all persons, firms or organizations interested in promoting the welfare of the State of Mississippi are specifically authorized and empowered to make use of the state song, "Mississippi Song," 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, 2004.