MS HB661

Expands the definition of "qualified resort area" under Mississippi's alcoholic beverage control law to include facilities in certain municipalities designated by governing authorities, provided a local election approves such designation.

Requires municipal elections on qualified resort area establishment, initiated by petition of at least 20% of qualified voters, with elections limited to once per year and approval requiring a majority vote.

Adds a new category (Section 67-1-5(o)(iii)8) for municipalities that are county seats intersected by U.S. Highway 80 and Mississippi Highway 471, traversed by Interstate Highway 20, and located in counties that voted against statewide alcoholic beverage legalization.

Establishes that facilities in newly designated qualified resort areas must be located only in areas specifically designated by municipal governing authorities, restricting where alcohol sales licenses can be granted.

Requires submission of the act to the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for approval under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before taking effect.