MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency
By: Senator(s) Branning, Jackson (11th)
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY MAY NOT PROHIBIT AN INDIVIDUAL FROM WEARING TRADITIONAL TRIBAL REGALIA OR OBJECTS OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AT A PUBLIC EVENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The Legislature recognizes that the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized Indian tribe in the State of Mississippi, and the purpose of this section is to help further the state's recognition of the unique cultural heritage of federally recognized Indian tribes and the state's commitment to preserving the cultural integrity of federally recognized Indian tribes.
(2) A governmental entity may not prohibit an individual from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at a public event.
(3) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Individual" means a human being, regardless of age, who is a member or descendant of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(b) "Governmental entity" means any branch, department, agency or instrumentality of state government, or any official or other person acting under color of state law, or any political subdivision of this state.
(c) "Political subdivision" has the meaning provided in Section 11-46-1.
(d) "Public event" means an event held or sponsored by a governmental entity, including, but not limited to, an award ceremony, a graduation ceremony or public meeting.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.