MS HB907

Creates the Mississippi Gospel Music Commission to develop a comprehensive marketing plan promoting gospel music and culture for economic development, with a report due to the Governor and Legislature before the 2015 Regular Session.

Commission membership includes directors from the Division of Tourism, Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Arts Commission, Educational Television Authority, and other state agencies, plus gubernatorial appointees and four legislative members serving without voting rights.

Authorizes the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority to establish a statewide "Gospel Music Trail" infrastructure with structured tours of gospel music historical sites and performance venues across Mississippi.

Empowers the Division of Tourism to designate sites for "Mississippi Gospel Music Trail" historical markers and purchase markers from available funds, with the Mississippi Department of Transportation responsible for erecting and maintaining them.

Commission may accept and expend grants and private donations from federal, state, public, and private sources, with funds deposited into a special state treasury fund that does not lapse at fiscal year end.