MS SB2001

Designates Section 55-15-81 as the "Mississippi Heritage Protection Act of 2018" and prohibits relocation, removal, alteration, renaming, rededication, or defacement of statues, monuments, memorials, schools, streets, parks, and similar structures honoring military figures, events, organizations, or units associated with specified wars from the Revolutionary War through Operation Enduring Freedom.

Applies protection to items located on public property owned by the state, counties, municipalities, school districts, or public universities, with an exception for property owned by the Mississippi Transportation Commission where interference with transportation facility construction or maintenance occurs.

Permits governing bodies to move memorials to another public location if necessary to construct a school, hospital, public roadway, or building providing services related to the governing body, and allows protective measures for preservation, care, repair, or restoration.

Establishes criminal penalties of up to $10,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment for violations; increases to one year imprisonment and liability for repair costs if public property is damaged or defaced; makes individual members of public boards liable for violations by that body.

Requires any amendment or repeal of this section to pass with a two-thirds vote in each legislative house and takes effect July 1, 2018.