Bill > SB2006

This bill reconstitutes the Mississippi Fair Commission (MFC) by reversing a previous transfer of its powers to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce in 2020. The bill reestablishes the MFC as a body politic and corporate, composed of nine members including the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce (who serves as chairman), representatives from various agricultural and cultural organizations like the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, Farm Bureau Federation, Junior League of Jackson, Visit Mississippi, and the Mississippi Horse Show Association. Each member will serve a four-year term without salary, and any vacancies will be filled by the respective organization. The commission is now vested with full powers, duties, and contractual rights, including managing the State Fairgrounds in Jackson, setting rules for premium awards, accepting donations, and leasing fairground facilities. The bill specifies that the commission can hire a director to oversee fairground operations, charge admission fees, issue revenue bonds for improvements, and contract with law enforcement to provide security. Notably, the bill ensures that the commission can receive and manage funds for fairground improvements and operations, with all monetary transactions subject to legislative appropriation. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2006.xml