Bill > SB2201

This bill mandates the removal of the Confederate flag depiction from the State Capitol rotunda by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History as soon as possible after the bill becomes law. It also establishes a commission to recommend a replacement image, composed of the Director of Archives and History (as chair), two appointees from the Governor (one from the Mississippi Economic Council and one from the Mississippi Arts Commission), two Senators appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and two Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, with all appointments to be made by June 30, 2026. This commission will organize and meet, with the Department of Archives and History providing support, and will have the authority to hold public meetings, receive public comments, consult experts, and gather information. A key duty of the commission is to give serious consideration to a depiction of enslaved people who helped build the Capitol when assessing replacement options. The commission must submit its written recommendation to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2026, at which point it will be dissolved. Additionally, the bill amends existing law (Section 55-15-81, Mississippi Code of 1972), which generally prohibits the removal or alteration of historical items and structures, to allow for such actions if specifically authorized or directed by an act of the Legislature, thus conforming the existing law to the provisions of this new bill. The entire act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2201.xml