MS HB1463

Establishes a Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Advisory Commission composed of representatives from state universities, historical organizations, and gubernatorial appointees to advise the Department of Archives and History on museum matters.

Authorizes issuance of $38,000,000 in general obligation bonds: $20,000,000 for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and $18,000,000 for the Museum of Mississippi History construction, exhibits, and a parking garage in Jackson.

Creates a special fund for bond proceeds with restrictions requiring completed planning and cost estimates before construction bonds are issued, and proof of private/local/federal funding matching bond amounts for artifacts and exhibits.

Establishes that bonds are general obligations of the State of Mississippi with full faith and credit pledged; bonds are tax-exempt and mature within 25 years, with interest payable semiannually or annually.

Expresses legislative intent for both museums to be operational by 2017 (Mississippi's bicentennial year) with the understanding that private, local, and federal sources will fund a substantial portion of exhibit acquisition and installation costs.