MS SB2849

Establishes the COVID-19 Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program to promote tourism recovery, awarding $10 million annually for three years to eligible destination marketing organizations using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds

Creates a special fund in the State Treasury administered by the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration to disburse grants for marketing activities including multimedia advertising, public relations, travel market analysis, and tourism development

Allocates up to $7,218,361 (approximately 72%) based on 75% of each organization's prior year marketing expenditures, and up to $2,781,639 (approximately 28%) based on each organization's share of total tourism visitors

Requires recipient organizations to certify funds will be used only for marketing activities, comply with federal ARPA regulations, obligate all funds by December 31, 2024, and fully expend funds by December 31, 2026

Mandates semiannual reporting on expenditures and economic impacts to state officials, subjects funds to federal and state audits, and requires repayment of any improperly used funds; the act repeals on July 1, 2026