MS SB2903

Designates Section 55-15-81 as the "Mississippi Heritage Protection Act of 2019" to protect monuments, memorials, and structures honoring military figures, units, or events from wars including the Revolutionary War through Operation Enduring Freedom.

Prohibits relocation, removal, alteration, renaming, rededication, defacement, or disturbance of statues, monuments, memorials, schools, streets, bridges, buildings, parks, and other public structures dedicated to military history on state or political subdivision property.

Allows governing bodies to move memorials to another public location only if necessary to construct schools, hospitals, public roadways, or buildings providing services; does not restrict routine protection, preservation, care, repair, or restoration activities.

Establishes criminal penalties of up to $10,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment for violations; increases to one year imprisonment if public property is damaged or defaced, with violators liable for repair costs; applies to individual members of public boards or commissions that violate the law.

Requires a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature to amend or repeal this section; takes effect July 1, 2019.