MS HB1357

Authorizes issuance of up to $5,000,000 in state general obligation bonds to fund the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund, with bonds to be issued by July 1, 2025.

Expands eligible grant recipients to include universities, community colleges, and state agencies in addition to county governments, municipal governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations.

Increases total allocation for general heritage preservation grants from $46,200,000 to $51,200,000 for projects involving historic courthouses, school buildings, and other historic properties identified by certified local governments.

Allocates $1,750,000 specifically for historically significant county courthouse restoration, with individual courthouse grants capped at $875,000.

Provides for bond proceeds to be deposited into the heritage preservation fund with investment earnings used for debt service, and requires accounting of unused bond proceeds to the State Bond Commission if not expended within four years.