House Bill 1343

AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM IN LEFLORE COUNTY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM SHALL BE UNDER THE SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY REGARDING THE MUSEUM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The Legislature recognizes a need for a civil rights museum in Leflore County to promote the educational and social development of citizens within the county and throughout the state and to honor those persons who have made significant contributions toward the advancement of civil rights in Mississippi and the United States. The Legislature further recognizes that a civil rights museum would be of great economic and cultural importance to Leflore County and Mississippi.

SECTION 2. (1) A facility to house the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shall be located in Leflore County.

(2) (a) The museum shall be under the supervision and control of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History.

(b) The duties and powers of the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History shall include, in addition to other duties and powers granted or prescribed by law, the following:

(i) To promulgate rules and regulations governing the operation of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum;

(ii) To promulgate rules and regulations governing the acquisition of furniture and furnishings, including, but not limited to, paintings and objects of art and the acquisition of documents for the Leflore County Civil Rights Museum.

(iii) To promote the donation, bequest, devise or loaning of money or property, real or personal, from any agency of the United States, state or local government, any person, firm, corporation, association or group, for the purpose of the operation, administration and maintenance of the Leflore County Civil Rights Museum;

(iv) To acquire, preserve, restore or operate any real or personal property deemed significant for historical, architectural or cultural reasons, to expend funds for such purposes, to enter into contracts or agreements with any agency of the United States or any person, firm, corporation or association for the purpose of the operation, administration and maintenance of the Leflore County Civil Rights Museum, and to do any and all things which may be necessary or desirable to carry out such purpose; and

(v) To review and approve any major changes in the architecture, furnishings, objects of art and other matters effecting the repair, preservation, operation, maintenance or protection of property of the Leflore County Civil Rights Museum.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.