Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cultural Tourism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel advances bill directing tourism agency to create statewide gospel music trail
Summary
A bill from Representative Hood would have the Division of Tourism develop a statewide gospel music trail — inventory assets, place markers, and produce a marketing plan — and report recommendations and any proposed legislation to the governor and legislature; the committee advanced the bill by voice vote.
The Mississippi Tourism Committee advanced a bill from Representative Hood directing the Division of Tourism, part of the Mississippi Development Authority, to develop a statewide gospel music trail aimed at highlighting gospel music historic sites and expanding cultural tourism.
A committee presenter summarized the proposal: the Division would create an inventory of assets, establish trail infrastructure, designate specific sites for markers, and create a gospel music trail marketing plan to identify and preserve gospel music historic properties. "Gospel music," the presenter said, is defined in the bill as gospel Christian praise and worship and related music genres and culture.
The presenter framed the measure as adding to existing tourism initiatives: "We have, a blues trail. We have a country music trail, and this would simply add to tourist opportunities to come and visit historic sites." The bill calls for the Division of Tourism (or a standalone department if reorganized) to submit a report, including any proposed legislation, to the governor and the legislature "before the convening of the 26 regular session." The transcript does not specify the financial costs, implementation timeline, or which specific sites would be designated.
During discussion the presenter referenced Elvis Presley, noting he "received his only Grammy award for gospel music," prompting lighthearted comments from other members that records or the Grammy Museum could be checked. Senator Sarita Simmons was mentioned as welcoming visitors to her district.
A procedural motion was made that the title was sufficient to pass. The committee advanced the bill by voice vote; the transcript records members saying "Aye" but does not include a roll-call tally. The presenter said staff would handle the mechanics and prepare the report should the bill be approved.
The bill, as described in the committee record, focuses on cultural heritage and tourism promotion. The transcript does not record amendments, budget figures, or a detailed implementation plan.
