Bill > HB704

This bill amends Mississippi state law to exclusively recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on the third Monday of January by removing the concurrent recognition of Robert E. Lee's birthday on the same date. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code to eliminate mentions of Robert E. Lee's birthday from the list of legal state holidays, leaving only Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as the official holiday on that day. The changes affect two subsections of the law: the first subsection listing legal holidays and the second subsection addressing how municipalities and counties may choose alternative holiday observances. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing ample time for state and local governments to prepare for the change. This legislative action represents a symbolic shift in acknowledging state holidays, removing a holiday commemorating a Confederate general and maintaining the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pivotal civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality and social justice.

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0704.xml