MS HB413

Creates the Mississippi Gospel Music Commission to develop a marketing plan promoting authentic Mississippi gospel music and gospel music culture for economic development purposes, with a report due to the Governor and Legislature before January 1, 2022.

Commission composition includes representatives from the Division of Tourism, Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Arts Commission, Educational Television Authority, universities, USDA Rural Development, and eight gubernatorial appointees, with four legislative members serving in nonvoting capacity.

Authorizes the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority to establish a statewide Mississippi Gospel Music Trail infrastructure with structured tours of gospel music historical sites and performance venues.

Directs the Division of Tourism to designate sites for erection of Mississippi Gospel Music Trail historical markers, with text approved by the division and physical erection and maintenance by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Requires coordination among multiple state agencies including Archives and History, Transportation, Educational Television Authority, higher education institutions, and the Mississippi Arts Commission to ensure comprehensive marketing of gospel music culture statewide.