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MS SB2016
Bill
Status
Failed
3/3/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lydia Chassaniol
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the Mississippi Department of Tourism as a standalone state agency, effective July 1, 2026, by transferring all powers, duties, property, and personnel from the Tourism Division of the Mississippi Development Authority
- Requires the Governor to appoint an Executive Director of the Department of Tourism with Senate confirmation, who will serve at the Governor's pleasure and be responsible for developing comprehensive tourism branding, advertising, and regional marketing strategies for the state's five tourism regions (Hills, Delta, Capital/River, Pines, and Coastal)
- Establishes the Department of Tourism Advertising Fund and authorizes the department to sell advertising through its website and marketing outlets, with a portion of sales tax revenue from restaurants and hotels diverted to this fund instead of the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Fund
- Creates the Mississippi Tourism Association Marketing Advisory Board, composed of the Mississippi Tourism Association Executive Director, board members from the five tourism regions, and five at-large appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House, to advise on marketing and advertising initiatives
- Repeals multiple existing statutes governing tourism functions under the Mississippi Development Authority and transfers those responsibilities to the new department, including the authority to establish matching grant programs for local tourist attractions
Legislative Description
Department of Tourism; create.
Last Action
Died In Committee
3/3/2026
Committee Referrals
State Affairs2/6/2026
Tourism1/7/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available