MS HB1204

Amends Section 39-7-33 to make it unlawful to willfully injure, disfigure, remove or destroy statues and monuments relating to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or any other civil rights activist.

Amends Section 55-15-81 to prohibit relocation, removal, disturbance, alteration, renaming or rededication of statues, monuments and memorials dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or any other civil rights activist on public property.

Allows public bodies to take measures for protection, preservation, care, repair or restoration of such monuments and permits moving memorials to more suitable locations if deemed appropriate.

Does not apply to items on property owned by the Mississippi Transportation Commission that may interfere with construction, maintenance or operation of public transportation facilities.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.