MS HB419

Establishes a program allocating $21 million to destination marketing organizations for marketing and advertising activities, with allocations based on 75% of 2019 fiscal year expenditures ($9.4 million) and visitor contribution proportions ($11.6 million, with a $125,000 minimum per organization).

Provides $1 million to the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland for advertising, promotion, museum activities, and health and safety repairs and renovations.

Allocates $1 million to NarraTrip LLC to assist municipalities in participating in and being promoted through mobile apps that showcase historic sites, roadside markers, dining, music, and art experiences.

Requires destination marketing organizations to submit expenditure plans for approval, maintain expenditure records, track marketing impact metrics, and provide semi-annual reports to state officials; funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and fully expended by December 31, 2026.

Designates funds as authorized uses of Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund monies to support tourism industry recovery from COVID-19 business disruptions, with preference given to Mississippi-based companies for new marketing contracts when available and practical.