MS SB2533

Establishes the "Mississippi Heritage Protection Act of 2022" to prohibit relocation, removal, alteration, renaming, rededication, or defacement of statues, monuments, memorials, and nameplates honoring wars and conflicts from the Revolutionary War through Operation Enduring Freedom located on public property.

Extends protections to schools, streets, bridges, buildings, parks, cemeteries, and other public structures or areas named after historical military figures, events, organizations, or units associated with the listed wars and conflicts.

Allows governing bodies to move memorials only if necessary to construct schools, hospitals, public roadways, or buildings providing services to the public, and permits maintenance, preservation, care, repair, and restoration work.

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 individually to members of public boards or commissions that violate the statute.

Requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative houses to amend or repeal this section; applies to memorials in existence before July 1, 2022, and those lawfully erected, named, or dedicated on or after that date.