MS HB279

Creates a special fund in the State Treasury called the "Historic Courthouse Fund" to be administered by the Department of Archives and History for grants to counties for maintenance and restoration of historic courthouses in Mississippi.

Requires counties receiving grants to provide matching funds equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the grant amount.

Authorizes the Department of Archives and History to solicit and accept donations, gifts, and grants from individuals, organizations, and corporations, and to sell donated property with proceeds deposited into the fund.

Allows the Legislature to appropriate, transfer, or otherwise provide additional funds to the Historic Courthouse Fund, with unexpended amounts not lapsing and interest earnings credited to the fund.

Becomes effective July 1, 2016.