MS HB1611

Appropriates $1,528,431.00 from the State General Fund and $8,606,470.00 from special funds to the Mississippi Arts Commission for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024).

Authorizes 10 permanent and 2 time-limited positions for the commission with restrictions on salary increases and requirements that vacant position funds be used for new hires, not promotions or raises for current employees.

Allocates $1,490,000.00 from the Education Enhancement Fund for educator training ($100,000), miscellaneous arts programs ($350,000), and the Whole Schools Initiative ($1,040,000).

Authorizes $5,000,000.00 from the Capital Expense Fund for the Building Fund for the Arts and $1,000,000.00 for the Mississippi Museum of Art, plus reappropriates $1,700,000.00 in previously authorized capital funds.

Establishes an Arts Commission Challenge Initiative Fund for grant awards requiring grantees to provide matching funds of at least twice the grant amount.