Senate passes its own civil rights museum bill

JACKSON — The Mississippi Senate has passed its own bond bill to partially fund two museums — one focusing on all types of history and one focusing specifically on civil rights.

The bill passed 36-10 yesterday. It would provide $30 million for the first phase of the museums.

The House earlier passed its own separate bill for the projects, providing $55 million in bonds. The two chambers will exchange proposals.

One difference between the two bills is a Senate requirement that at least $15 million be raised in private money before the state issues its $30 million in bonds for the museums.

The provision was proposed by Sen. Walter Michel, a Republican from Jackson.