MS HB493

Amends Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code to allow governing authorities of municipalities and counties to declare Mardi Gras Day and one additional day during the year as legal holidays in lieu of other designated legal holidays.

Prohibits the substitution of Robert E. Lee's and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (third Monday in January) and Armistice or Veterans' Day (November 11) with alternative holidays.

Designates August 16 as Elvis Aaron Presley Day as a day of recognition and observation, but not as a legal holiday.

Designates May 8 as Hernando de Soto Day to commemorate the Spanish explorer's expedition and discovery of the Mississippi River, as a day of commemoration and observation, but not as a legal holiday.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.