Income tax and ad valorem tax; authorize credit for contributions to certain hospitals.

HB 989 creates income tax and ad valorem tax credits for Mississippi taxpayers who make voluntary cash contributions to qualifying rural hospitals. It allows up to 75% of a taxpayer’s income tax liability or 50% of their property tax bill to be offset by contributions, with a $15 million annual cap on total credits. Contributions must be cash (not goods/services), hospitals must meet federal rural criteria (≤200 beds in designated rural counties), and credits cannot be combined with state tax deductions for the same contribution. Unused credits may be carried forward for five years, and the program expires after December 31, 2040, with implementation starting January 1, 2026.