SB 3227 allows Mississippi's Governor to designate counties as "recovery zones" following the January 2026 winter storm emergency. It enables tax credits for qualified investments in businesses located within these zones, even if the businesses aren't in traditional low-income areas. Businesses must certify that investments will aid recovery from the emergency, and the tax credit authority expires June 30, 2027. This directly affects businesses in designated counties and investors seeking tax incentives under Mississippi's existing federal tax credit framework.
SB 3102 appropriates $28.9 million total (including $6.05 million from the General Fund and $22.86 million from special funds) for Mississippi's Department of Tourism operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically allocates $3.1 million for personnel costs (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) to cover up to 59 authorized positions (56 permanent and 3 time-limited), strictly limiting how these funds can be used. The bill requires the department to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 standards and prohibits exceeding the allocated personnel budget without new legislative approval. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the department’s budget and staffing operations.
HB 4066 temporarily expands Mississippi’s Qualified Equity Investment Tax Credit program by authorizing additional investments eligible for tax credits. It revises Section 57-105-1 to allow the Mississippi Development Authority to allocate credits for more qualified equity investments held by taxpayers in community development entities that fund low-income community projects across Mississippi. The bill maintains existing credit rates (4% or 8% of the investment amount) but broadens the scope of qualifying investments under the program. This directly affects taxpayers investing in designated community development entities seeking income tax credits against taxes under Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109, and 27-15-123.
HB 4040 creates the "Mississippi Agriculture and Timber Economic Development Fund" to support the state's agriculture and timber industries. It authorizes up to $5 million in state bonds, funded by a 1.5% sales tax on farm tractors, parts, labor for maintenance, and farm implements. The Mississippi Development Authority will administer the fund to recruit economic development, aiming to create new markets and expand access for Mississippi's agricultural and timber products. The bonds must be issued by July 1, 2030, and funds can only be used for these specific purposes after legislative appropriation.
HB 4033 imposes a 5% tax on the gain from selling agricultural land owned or possessed in majority part (50% or more) by a foreign individual, entity, or government. It directly affects foreign owners of Mississippi farmland who sell their property. The bill also revises how agricultural land value is calculated for property taxes, requiring appraisers to use an income-based method with a 10% capitalization rate and specific moving averages for valuation, excluding government payments and crop insurance.
HB 1835 increases Mississippi's annual cap on tax credits for employers sponsoring employee skills training through community colleges. Currently limited to $5 million total per year, the bill raises this aggregate limit to allow more employers to claim credits for qualifying training expenses (covering 50% of costs up to $2,500 per employee annually). The credit applies to employer-funded training programs evaluated by local community colleges to ensure they improve job skills. The program expires December 31, 2027, and requires annual reports to the legislature on participation.
HB 1942 allows Mississippi municipalities to issue conduit bonds to fund redevelopment projects, secured by agreements with property owners or developers. These "taxpayer agreements" require property owners to make additional payments (in lieu of or on top of tax increments) to cover bond repayment, without counting as public debt or taxes. The agreements create liens on property that rank equally with property tax liens and last up to 30 years, ensuring bondholders can collect payments without municipal tax obligations. This directly affects local governments seeking to finance redevelopment, property owners in project areas, and bond investors.
HB 4014 amends Mississippi's income tax code to exclude name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation from taxable "gross income." This directly affects Mississippi college athletes who receive NIL payments for endorsements or promotions. The bill achieves this by adding NIL compensation to the list of exempt items under Section 27-7-15(4) of the tax code. The change means these payments will no longer be subject to state income tax in Mississippi, providing a concrete tax benefit for affected athletes.
HB 1945 increases the maximum income tax credit for Mississippi taxpayers who contribute to qualifying charitable organizations (non-foster care) from $400 to $1,200 for single filers and from $800 to $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, effective 2023. It also establishes a new credit against property taxes for these contributions, limited to 50% of the property tax liability and carryable for up to five years. Qualifying organizations must be nonprofit groups that spend at least half their budget on services to low-income Mississippi residents or children with disabilities, and cannot support abortion. This bill directly affects individual taxpayers who make charitable donations to eligible organizations.
HB 4074 legalizes mobile sports betting and online race book wagering in Mississippi. It requires platforms operating these services to hold specific licenses, verify users' age (21+ only) and location using geofencing, and pay an additional tax on gross revenue. Licensed casinos can partner with only one platform, and the law updates existing gaming regulations to include these new services. The bill directly affects mobile betting platforms, casinos, and Mississippi residents who place sports wagers.
HB 4065 establishes the MS ROSS program to fund school resource officers (SROs) at Mississippi schools. The state (via the Department of Public Safety) covers 75% of the costs for one SRO per school campus (up to $55,000 annually for salary, benefits, training, and equipment), while local law enforcement agencies and school governing bodies cover the remaining 25%. The program applies to all public and eligible private K-12 schools within a law enforcement agency's jurisdiction, requiring joint applications and a formal agreement between schools and law enforcement. It creates a dedicated state fund and authorizes bonds to support these SRO placements, aiming to enhance school safety through community policing partnerships.
HB 327 provides a tax credit for companies producing scripted or unscripted television content (like series or pilots) in Mississippi. It directly affects production companies that spend at least $4 million in the state, with at least 65% of the project’s running time filmed there, and obtain Mississippi Development Authority certification. The bill offers three key credits: 25% of qualified expenditures (e.g., sets, equipment), 20% on non-resident payroll/fringes (capped at $3 million per employee), and 30% on resident payroll/fringes (also capped). Companies can also claim a 5% credit if 50% of key crew members (directors, producers, cinematographers) are Mississippi residents. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to ten years.
