MS HB977

Amends Section 39-35-1 of Mississippi Code to expand membership of the Mississippi Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission with five new member categories.

Adds the State President of the NAACP, a representative of the First Mississippi Volunteer Infantry (African Descent), two representatives from historically black colleges and universities, and a representative from a historical society or museum emphasizing African-American heritage and culture.

New members are appointed by the NAACP State President, State Board of Institutions of Higher Learning, and Executive Director of the Department of Archives and History, respectively.

Commission retains all existing powers and duties to plan educational programs, facilitate Civil War commemoration activities throughout the state, and submit annual reports to the Legislature and Governor.

Act takes effect July 1, 2011, and the commission sunsets on July 1, 2015.