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Mississippi Senate Bill SB2883

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2883 Compare Versions

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1-MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Tourism; Appropriations By: Senator(s) Chassaniol, Fillingane, Blackwell, Simmons (13th), Berry, Whaley Senate Bill 2883 (As Passed the Senate) AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 57-1-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH COUNTY BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE PURPOSE OF STAFFING MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS STAFF GRANT PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS STAFF GRANT FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 57-1-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 57-1-59. The Mississippi Development Authority shall have the following general powers and duties with respect to tourism: (a) To promote and advertise the image of Mississippi both within and without the boundaries of this state; (b) To promote and advertise fairs and similar activities of interest to tourists and the traveling public; (c) To promote and advertise the use of wildlife and natural areas by tourists and the traveling public; (d) To promote and advertise the use of state recreational and park facilities by tourists and the traveling public; (e) To promote and advertise all resources of the State of Mississippi as attractions to tourists and the traveling public; (f) To develop for all agencies of state government the necessary promotional and advertising materials needed to promote all facilities and programs which may be of interest to travelers and tourists; (g) To maintain an educational awareness program for the citizens of the state to constantly encourage increased development of activities of interest to tourists and the traveling public; (h) To develop and maintain an information services system to adequately guide tourists and the traveling public within the boundaries of the state; (i) To develop and maintain an extensive media program to adequately inform the national and international consumer about Mississippi; (j) To enter into contracts and other agreements with local tourism commissions or similar entities for the purpose of developing regional strategies for tourism promotion. The Mississippi Development Authority, in conjunction with the formulation of regional strategies for tourism promotion, may require that local tourism commissions or similar entities enter into agreements with the authority as a condition for receiving any state grants to promote tourism; * * * and (k) To develop programs and projects promoting the state's heritage, history, culture, literature and arts, including the positive recovery of the state after damages caused by natural disasters, and demonstrating the state's attractiveness as a tourism destination for those and other reasons * * *.; and (l) To enter into contracts and other agreements with county boards of supervisors for the purpose of employing staff members, who shall not be state service employees or members of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi, at Mississippi welcome centers located within the boundaries of the county with grant funds provided by the department. SECTION 2. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context requires otherwise: (a) "Grant program" means the Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant established in this section. (b) "MDA" means the Mississippi Development Authority. (2) (a) There is established the Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant Program, which shall be administered by the MDA for the purpose of staffing welcome centers with county employees as authorized under Section 57-1-59. (b) Subject to the provisions of this act and any other applicable state law and regulations, counties receiving a grant shall have the authority to use the funds provided in this grant program in a way that best facilitates their agreement to staff welcome centers with county employees. (3) MDA shall: (a) Inform all counties with welcome centers about the grant program; (b) Develop regulations and procedures to govern the administration of the grant program, including application requirements, within two (2) months after enactment; and (c) Subject to appropriation, award welcome centers meeting the requirements of the program a grant for expenses related to staffing the centers with certain county employees. (4) An application for an award from the grant program shall include: (a) A detailed budget of operating expenses for the welcome center, specifically as it pertains to expenses related to staffing; and (b) The number of employees needed to effectively staff the welcome center, and the weekly hours to be worked by each employee. (5) Grants awarded shall be used for expenses incurred as a result of staffing welcome centers with county employees, including, but not limited to, compensation for county employees. (6) (a) MDA shall have the authority to determine reasonable compensation for any employees hired at welcome centers under this section. (b) The amount awarded each year shall be based on the actual budget and plan submitted by the county. (c) Grants received by counties under this act shall only be used to offset staffing costs. (7) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury, to be known as the "Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant Fund," from which the grants authorized by this act shall be disbursed by MDA. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the State General Fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain in the fund and shall not lapse into the State General Fund. Any interest earned or investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. (8) By October 1, 2025, and by October 1 of each year thereafter, MDA shall provide a comprehensive report on the use of monies distributed under this grant program and its effectiveness on welcome center staffing. SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025, and shall stand repealed on June 30, 2025.
1+MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Tourism; Appropriations By: Senator(s) Chassaniol, Fillingane, Blackwell, Simmons (13th), Berry, Whaley Senate Bill 2883 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE) AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 57-1-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH COUNTY BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE PURPOSE OF STAFFING MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS STAFF GRANT PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS STAFF GRANT FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 57-1-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 57-1-59. The Mississippi Development Authority shall have the following general powers and duties with respect to tourism: (a) To promote and advertise the image of Mississippi both within and without the boundaries of this state; (b) To promote and advertise fairs and similar activities of interest to tourists and the traveling public; (c) To promote and advertise the use of wildlife and natural areas by tourists and the traveling public; (d) To promote and advertise the use of state recreational and park facilities by tourists and the traveling public; (e) To promote and advertise all resources of the State of Mississippi as attractions to tourists and the traveling public; (f) To develop for all agencies of state government the necessary promotional and advertising materials needed to promote all facilities and programs which may be of interest to travelers and tourists; (g) To maintain an educational awareness program for the citizens of the state to constantly encourage increased development of activities of interest to tourists and the traveling public; (h) To develop and maintain an information services system to adequately guide tourists and the traveling public within the boundaries of the state; (i) To develop and maintain an extensive media program to adequately inform the national and international consumer about Mississippi; (j) To enter into contracts and other agreements with local tourism commissions or similar entities for the purpose of developing regional strategies for tourism promotion. The Mississippi Development Authority, in conjunction with the formulation of regional strategies for tourism promotion, may require that local tourism commissions or similar entities enter into agreements with the authority as a condition for receiving any state grants to promote tourism; * * * and (k) To develop programs and projects promoting the state's heritage, history, culture, literature and arts, including the positive recovery of the state after damages caused by natural disasters, and demonstrating the state's attractiveness as a tourism destination for those and other reasons * * *.; and (l) To enter into contracts and other agreements with county boards of supervisors for the purpose of employing staff members, who shall not be state service employees or members of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi, at Mississippi welcome centers located within the boundaries of the county with grant funds provided by the department. SECTION 2. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context requires otherwise: (a) "Grant program" means the Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant established in this section. (b) "MDA" means the Mississippi Development Authority. (2) (a) There is established the Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant Program, which shall be administered by the MDA for the purpose of staffing welcome centers with county employees as authorized under Section 57-1-59. (b) Subject to the provisions of this act and any other applicable state law and regulations, counties receiving a grant shall have the authority to use the funds provided in this grant program in a way that best facilitates their agreement to staff welcome centers with county employees. (3) MDA shall: (a) Inform all counties with welcome centers about the grant program; (b) Develop regulations and procedures to govern the administration of the grant program, including application requirements, within two (2) months after enactment; and (c) Subject to appropriation, award welcome centers meeting the requirements of the program a grant for expenses related to staffing the centers with certain county employees. (4) An application for an award from the grant program shall include: (a) A detailed budget of operating expenses for the welcome center, specifically as it pertains to expenses related to staffing; and (b) The number of employees needed to effectively staff the welcome center, and the weekly hours to be worked by each employee. (5) Grants awarded shall be used for expenses incurred as a result of staffing welcome centers with county employees, including, but not limited to, compensation for county employees. (6) (a) MDA shall have the authority to determine reasonable compensation for any employees hired at welcome centers under this section. (b) The amount awarded each year shall be based on the actual budget and plan submitted by the county. (c) Grants received by counties under this act shall only be used to offset staffing costs. (7) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury, to be known as the "Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant Fund," from which the grants authorized by this act shall be disbursed by MDA. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the State General Fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain in the fund and shall not lapse into the State General Fund. Any interest earned or investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. (8) By October 1, 2025, and by October 1 of each year thereafter, MDA shall provide a comprehensive report on the use of monies distributed under this grant program and its effectiveness on welcome center staffing. SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.
22
33 MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
44
55 2025 Regular Session
66
77 To: Tourism; Appropriations
88
99 By: Senator(s) Chassaniol, Fillingane, Blackwell, Simmons (13th), Berry, Whaley
1010
1111 # Senate Bill 2883
1212
13-## (As Passed the Senate)
13+## (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)
1414
1515 AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 57-1-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH COUNTY BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE PURPOSE OF STAFFING MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS STAFF GRANT PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI WELCOME CENTERS STAFF GRANT FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
1616
1717 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
1818
1919 SECTION 1. Section 57-1-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
2020
2121 57-1-59. The Mississippi Development Authority shall have the following general powers and duties with respect to tourism:
2222
2323 (a) To promote and advertise the image of Mississippi both within and without the boundaries of this state;
2424
2525 (b) To promote and advertise fairs and similar activities of interest to tourists and the traveling public;
2626
2727 (c) To promote and advertise the use of wildlife and natural areas by tourists and the traveling public;
2828
2929 (d) To promote and advertise the use of state recreational and park facilities by tourists and the traveling public;
3030
3131 (e) To promote and advertise all resources of the State of Mississippi as attractions to tourists and the traveling public;
3232
3333 (f) To develop for all agencies of state government the necessary promotional and advertising materials needed to promote all facilities and programs which may be of interest to travelers and tourists;
3434
3535 (g) To maintain an educational awareness program for the citizens of the state to constantly encourage increased development of activities of interest to tourists and the traveling public;
3636
3737 (h) To develop and maintain an information services system to adequately guide tourists and the traveling public within the boundaries of the state;
3838
3939 (i) To develop and maintain an extensive media program to adequately inform the national and international consumer about Mississippi;
4040
4141 (j) To enter into contracts and other agreements with local tourism commissions or similar entities for the purpose of developing regional strategies for tourism promotion. The Mississippi Development Authority, in conjunction with the formulation of regional strategies for tourism promotion, may require that local tourism commissions or similar entities enter into agreements with the authority as a condition for receiving any state grants to promote tourism; * * * and
4242
4343 (k) To develop programs and projects promoting the state's heritage, history, culture, literature and arts, including the positive recovery of the state after damages caused by natural disasters, and demonstrating the state's attractiveness as a tourism destination for those and other reasons * * *.; and
4444
4545 (l) To enter into contracts and other agreements with county boards of supervisors for the purpose of employing staff members, who shall not be state service employees or members of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi, at Mississippi welcome centers located within the boundaries of the county with grant funds provided by the department.
4646
4747 SECTION 2. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context requires otherwise:
4848
4949 (a) "Grant program" means the Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant established in this section.
5050
5151 (b) "MDA" means the Mississippi Development Authority.
5252
5353 (2) (a) There is established the Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant Program, which shall be administered by the MDA for the purpose of staffing welcome centers with county employees as authorized under Section 57-1-59.
5454
5555 (b) Subject to the provisions of this act and any other applicable state law and regulations, counties receiving a grant shall have the authority to use the funds provided in this grant program in a way that best facilitates their agreement to staff welcome centers with county employees.
5656
5757 (3) MDA shall:
5858
5959 (a) Inform all counties with welcome centers about the grant program;
6060
6161 (b) Develop regulations and procedures to govern the administration of the grant program, including application requirements, within two (2) months after enactment; and
6262
6363 (c) Subject to appropriation, award welcome centers meeting the requirements of the program a grant for expenses related to staffing the centers with certain county employees.
6464
6565 (4) An application for an award from the grant program shall include:
6666
6767 (a) A detailed budget of operating expenses for the welcome center, specifically as it pertains to expenses related to staffing; and
6868
6969 (b) The number of employees needed to effectively staff the welcome center, and the weekly hours to be worked by each employee.
7070
7171 (5) Grants awarded shall be used for expenses incurred as a result of staffing welcome centers with county employees, including, but not limited to, compensation for county employees.
7272
7373 (6) (a) MDA shall have the authority to determine reasonable compensation for any employees hired at welcome centers under this section.
7474
7575 (b) The amount awarded each year shall be based on the actual budget and plan submitted by the county.
7676
7777 (c) Grants received by counties under this act shall only be used to offset staffing costs.
7878
7979 (7) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury, to be known as the "Mississippi Welcome Centers Staff Grant Fund," from which the grants authorized by this act shall be disbursed by MDA. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the State General Fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain in the fund and shall not lapse into the State General Fund. Any interest earned or investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.
8080
8181 (8) By October 1, 2025, and by October 1 of each year thereafter, MDA shall provide a comprehensive report on the use of monies distributed under this grant program and its effectiveness on welcome center staffing.
8282
83- SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025, and shall stand repealed on June 30, 2025.
83+ SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.