Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that repeals statewide prohibition and authorizes counties and cities to remain dry after holding an election on the matter in Mississippi.

Highlights:

• Repeals prohibition as statewide policy in favor of the legal manufacture, sale, distribution, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in Mississippi (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that counties may vote to institute prohibition after holding an election on the matter (Sec. 5). 

• Requires a petition to be signed by at least 20% or 1,500, whichever number is less, of the qualified voters in the county for an election to be held on the question of prohibition (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that a county or municipality may hold an election on the question of prohibition every four years (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that if a majority of voters in a county vote in favor of prohibition, all alcohol-related permits in that county shall expire 30 days after the election results are finalized (Sec. 5). 

• Amends and modifies provisions relating to the responsibilities of package retailers that contract with delivery services during the delivery of alcoholic beverages (Sec. 21). 

• Specifies that a package retailer’s responsibility ends once the alcohol is transferred to a licensed delivery service or driver (Sec. 21). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect on January 1, 2026 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text