MS HB1291

Amends Mississippi Code Section 55-15-81 to prohibit relocation, removal, disturbance, alteration, renaming or rededication of historical military monuments, statues, memorials and related public items unless specifically authorized by an act of the Legislature.

Expands protections to include civil rights figures, events, and organizations in addition to existing coverage of Revolutionary War through Iraq War era military memorials and monuments.

Removes the existing provision that allowed governing bodies to move memorials to more suitable locations if deemed more appropriate for display.

Preserves the ability of public bodies to take protective measures for maintenance, preservation, care, repair and restoration of protected items without triggering relocation restrictions.

Effective date is July 1, 2021, with Section 39-7-33 (making it unlawful to injure, disfigure, remove or destroy historical structures and monuments) brought forward for reference.