MS HB318

Amends Mississippi Code Sections 67-1-5 and 67-1-16 to expand the definition of "qualified resort area" for alcoholic beverage sales to include facilities in municipalities meeting specific criteria.

Adds new category for any facility located in a municipality where U.S. Highway 45 and U.S. Highway 84 intersect, that serves as a county seat, and is located in a county that has voted against allowing alcoholic beverage sales; facilities must be in areas designated by municipal governing authorities.

Requires a local election before such facilities can be designated as qualified resort areas, with election called upon petition of at least 20% of qualified voters and held no more than once per year.

Election must provide 30 days' notice to qualified electors with ballots asking "FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFIED RESORT AREAS" or "AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFIED RESORT AREAS."

Takes effect July 1, 2014.