MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2024 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representative Lamar

House Bill 1988

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 27-7-22.41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES AN INCOME TAX CREDIT, INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX CREDIT AND AD VALOREM TAX CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY CERTAIN TAXPAYERS TO CERTAIN ELIGIBLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF TAX CREDITS THAT MAY BE ALLOCATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE UNDER THIS SECTION DURING A CALENDAR YEAR; TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL TAX CREDITS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO CERTAIN ELIGIBLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT A TAXPAYER WHO IS ALLOCATED A TAX CREDIT DURING A CALENDAR YEAR MAY USE THE CREDIT AGAINST INCOME TAXES AND INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES IMPOSED FOR THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING TAXABLE YEAR, PROVIDED THAT THE TAXPAYER HAS NOT ALREADY FILED A RETURN FOR SUCH TAXES; TO PROVIDE THAT TAXPAYERS WHO APPLIED DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2024, FOR TAX CREDITS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024, BUT WHO WERE UNABLE TO BE AWARDED CREDITS DUE TO THE LIMIT ON THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF CREDITS AUTHORIZED FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024, SHALL BE GIVEN PRIORITY FOR SUCH ADDITIONAL TAX CREDITS; TO REVISE THE PERCENTAGE OF TAX CREDITS ALLOCATED DURING A CALENDAR YEAR FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO CERTAIN ELIGIBLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY BE ALLOCATED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO A SINGLE ORGANIZATION; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 27-7-22, 27-7-22.3, 27-7-22.5, 27-7-22.7, 27-7-22.13, 27-7-22.15, 27-7-22.16, 27-7-22.17, 27-7-22.18, 27-7-22.19, 27-7-22.20, 27-7-22.21, 27-7-22.22, 27-7-22.23, 27-7-22.25, 27-7-22.27, 27-7-22.28,27-7-22.29, 27-7-22.30, 27-7-22.31, 27-7-22.32, 27-7-22.33, 27-7-22.34, 27-7-22.35, 27-7-22.36, 27-7-22.37, 27-7-22.39, 27-7-22.40, 27-7-22.42, 27-7-22.43, 27-7-22.44, 27-7-22.45, 27-7-22.46, 27-7-22.47, 27-7-22.48, 27-7-22.49, 27-7-205, 27-7-207, 27-7-209, 57-73-21, 57-73-23, 57-87-5, 57-87-7, 57-105-1, 57-10-409, 57-114-3, 57-114-7, 57-114-9, 57-115-3 AND 57-115-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZE VARIOUS TAX CREDITS, FOR THE PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 27-7-22.41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-7-22.41. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

(b) "Eligible charitable organization" means an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is:

(i) Licensed by or under contract with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and provides services for:

1. The prevention and diversion of children from custody with the Department of Child Protection Services,

2. The safety, care and well-being of children in custody with the Department of Child Protection Services, or

3. The express purpose of creating permanency for children through adoption; or

(ii) Certified by the department as an educational services charitable organization that is accredited by a regional accrediting organization and provides services to:

1. Children in a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services, children placed under the Safe Families for Children model, or children at significant risk of entering a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services,

2. Children who have a chronic illness or physical, intellectual, developmental or emotional disability, or

3. Children eligible for free or reduced price meals programs under Section 37-11-7, or selected for participation in the Promise Neighborhoods Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.

(2) (a) The tax credit authorized in this section shall be available only to a taxpayer who is a business enterprise engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities and operating as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or sole proprietorship. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123, for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. * * *~~From and after January 1, 2022,~~ For calendar year 2022, and for calendar year 2023, for a taxpayer that is not operating as a corporation, a credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. From and after January 1, 2024, a credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to (i) an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by such sections of law and (ii) an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Subject to such limitation on the amount of credit that a taxpayer may utilize in a taxable year, a taxpayer who is allocated a tax credit under this subsection during a calendar year may utilize the credit against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123 for the immediately preceding taxable year, provided that the taxpayer has not already filed an annual return for such taxes. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(b) A contribution to an eligible charitable organization for which a credit is claimed under this section does not qualify for and shall not be included in any credit that may be claimed under Section 27-7-22.39.

(c) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this section may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(3) Taxpayers taking a credit authorized by this section shall provide the name of the eligible charitable organization and the amount of the contribution to the department on forms provided by the department.

(4) An eligible charitable organization shall provide the department with a written certification that it meets all criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization. An eligible charitable organization must also provide the department with written documented proof of its license and/or written contract with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. The organization shall also notify the department of any changes that may affect eligibility under this section.

(5) The eligible charitable organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(a) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(b) A statement that the organization does not provide, pay for or provide coverage of abortions and does not financially support any other entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions;

(c) A statement that the funds generated from the tax credit shall be used for educational resources, staff and expenditures and/or other purposes described in this section.

(d) Any other information that the department requires to administer this section.

(6) The department shall review each written certification and determine whether the organization meets all the criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization and notify the organization of its determination. The department may also periodically request recertification from the organization. The department shall compile and make available to the public a list of eligible charitable organizations.

(7) Tax credits authorized by this section that are earned by a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation or other similar pass-through entity, shall be allocated among all partners, members or shareholders, respectively, either in proportion to their ownership interest in such entity or as the partners, members or shareholders mutually agree as provided in an executed document.

(8) (a) A taxpayer shall apply for credits with the department on forms prescribed by the department. In the application the taxpayer shall certify to the department the dollar amount of the contributions made or to be made during the calendar year. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of an application, the department shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of contributions as certified in the application. However, if the department cannot allocate the full amount of credits certified in the application due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under this section in a calendar year, the department shall so notify the applicant within thirty (30) days with the amount of credits, if any, that may be allocated to the applicant in the calendar year. Once the department has allocated credits to a taxpayer, if the contribution for which a credit is allocated has not been made as of the date of the allocation, then the contribution must be made not later than sixty (60) days from the date of the allocation. If the contribution is not made within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the department for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the contributions, if the actual dollar amount of the contributions is lower than the amount estimated, the department shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this section.

(b) (i) A taxpayer who applied for a tax credit under this section during calendar year 2020, but who was unable to be awarded the credit due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits authorized for calendar year 2020, shall be given priority for tax credits authorized to be allocated to taxpayers under this section by Section 27-7-22.39.

(ii) A taxpayer who applied during the month of January 2024, for a tax credit under this section for calendar year 2024, but who was unable to be awarded the credit due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits authorized for calendar year 2024, shall be given priority for the allocation and awarding of the additional tax credits authorized for calendar year 2024 under subsection (9) of this section.

(c) For the purposes of using a tax credit against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property, a taxpayer shall present to the appropriate tax collector the tax credit documentation provided to the taxpayer by the Department of Revenue, and the tax collector shall apply the tax credit against such ad valorem taxes. The tax collector shall forward the tax credit documentation to the Department of Revenue along with the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes, and the department shall disburse funds to the tax collector for the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes. Such payments by the Department of Revenue shall be made from current tax collections.

(9) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), and not more than fifty percent (50%) of tax credits allocated during a calendar year may be allocated for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(ii) of this section. However, for calendar year 2021, the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00), for calendar year 2022, the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Sixteen Million Dollars ($16,000,000.00), * * *~~and~~ for calendar year 2023, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2024, the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000.00), and for calendar year 2025, and for each calendar year thereafter, the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Forty-eight Million Dollars ($48,000,000.00). However, for calendar year 2024, additional credits in the aggregate amount of Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000.00) may be allocated for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(ii) of this section and awarded according to the provisions of subsection (8)(b)(ii) of this section. For calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter, fifty percent (50%) of the tax credits allocated during a calendar year shall be allocated for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(i) of this section and fifty percent (50%) of the tax credits allocated during a calendar year shall be allocated for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(ii) of this section. For calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter, for credits allocated during a calendar year for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(i) of this section, no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of such credits may be allocated for contributions to a single eligible charitable organization. Except as otherwise provided in this section, for calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2024, for credits allocated during a calendar year for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(ii) of this section, no more than four and one-half percent (4-1/2%) of such credits may be allocated for contributions to a single eligible charitable organization. For calendar year 2025, and for each calendar year thereafter, for credits allocated during a calendar year for contributions to eligible charitable organizations described in subsection (1)(b)(ii) of this section, no more than three percent (3%) of such credits may be allocated for contributions to a single eligible charitable organization.

SECTION 2. Section 27-7-22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22. (1) For any qualified business, as defined in Section 57-51-5, which is located in a county, or portion thereof, designated as an enterprise zone pursuant to Title 57, Chapter 51, Mississippi Code of 1972, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter, an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per net full-time employee as determined by the average annual employment of the business reported to the Employment Security Commission. Such credit shall be allowed annually to each qualified business for a period not to exceed ten (10) years. If the amount allowable as a credit exceeds the tax imposed by this chapter, the amount of such excess shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other taxable year.

For the purpose of determining the credit allowed to a qualified business which is an existing trade or business having expanded its buildings and facilities, the number of net full-time employees shall be the difference between the average annual employment of such business before and after such expansion.

If the Mississippi Enterprise Zone Act is repealed, any qualified business which had been granted a tax credit under this subsection prior to the date of such repeal shall be entitled to such tax credit until the period for which it was granted expires.

(2) For any qualified business, as defined in Section 57-54-5, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter, an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per net full-time employee as determined by the average annual employment of the business reported to the Employment Security Commission. Such credit shall be allowed annually to each qualified business for a period not to exceed ten (10) years. If the amount allowable as a credit exceeds the tax imposed by this chapter, the amount of such excess shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other taxable year.

If the Mississippi Advanced Technology Initiative Act is repealed, any qualified business which had been granted a tax credit under this subsection prior to the date of such repeal shall be entitled to such tax credit until the period for which it was granted expires.

(3) For any qualified company, certified as such by the Mississippi Board of Economic Development under Section 57-53-1, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter, an amount equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per net full-time employee in this state, provided there is a minimum of seventy-five (75) net full-time employees, as determined by the average annual employment of the company in this state reported to the Employment Security Commission. Such credit shall be allowed annually to each qualified company for a period not to exceed ten (10) years. If the amount allowable as a credit exceeds the tax imposed by this chapter, the amount of such excess shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other taxable year.

For the purpose of determining the credit allowed to a qualified company which has expanded its existing buildings and facilities, the number of net full-time employees shall be the difference between the average annual employment of such company before and after such expansion.

(4) For any qualified business or industry which is certified as such by the Mississippi Board of Economic Development pursuant to the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act and awarded any mFlex tax incentive amount for such qualified business's or industry's qualified economic development project, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter, an amount prescribed by, and subject to, the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act.

SECTION 3. Section 27-7-22.3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[In cases involving an economic development project for which the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation has issued bonds for the purpose of financing the approved costs of such project prior to July 1, 1994, this section shall read as follows:]

27-7-22.3. (1) For taxpayers who are required to pay a job assessment fee as provided in Section 57-10-413, there shall be allowed as a credit against the taxes imposed by this chapter, an amount equal to the amount of the job assessment fee imposed upon such taxpayer pursuant to Section 57-10-413. If the amount allowable as a credit exceeds the tax imposed by this article and Section 27-7-22.3, the amount of such excess shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other taxable year.

(2) For any approved company as defined in Section 57-10-401, there shall be allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter on the income of the approved company generated by or arising out of the economic development project (as defined in Section 57-10-401), a credit in an amount not to exceed the total debt service paid under a financing agreement entered into under Section 57-10-409. The tax credit allowed in this subsection shall not exceed the amount of taxes due the State of Mississippi.

[In cases involving an economic development project for which the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation has not issued bonds for the purpose of financing the approved costs of such project prior to July 1, 1994, but has issued bonds for such project prior to July 1, 1997, or in cases involving an economic development project which has been induced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation that has been filed with the State Tax Commission prior to July 1, 1997, this section shall read as follows:]

[In cases involving an economic development project for which the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation has not issued bonds for the purpose of financing the approved costs of such project prior to July 1, 1997, or in cases involving an economic development project which has not been induced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation that has been filed with the State Tax Commission prior to July 1, 1997, this section shall read as follows:]

27-7-22.3. For any approved company as defined in Section 57-10-401, there shall be allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter on the income of the approved company generated by or arising out of the economic development project (as defined in Section 57-10-401), a credit in an amount not to exceed the total debt service paid under a financing agreement entered into under Section 57-10-409; provided, however, that the tax credit allowed in this subsection shall not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the amount of taxes due the State of Mississippi prior to the application of the credit. To the extent that financing agreement annual payments exceed the amount of the credit authorized pursuant to this section in any taxable year, such excess payment may be recouped from excess credits in succeeding years not to exceed three (3) years following the date upon which the credit was earned. The amount of income of the approved company generated by or arising out of the economic development project shall be determined by a formula adopted by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

SECTION 4. Section 27-7-22.5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.5. (1) (a) For any manufacturer, distributor, wholesale or retail merchant who pays to a county, municipality, school district, levee district or any other taxing authority of the state or a political subdivision thereof, ad valorem taxes imposed on commodities, raw materials, works-in-process, products, goods, wares and merchandise held for resale, a credit against the income taxes imposed under this chapter shall be allowed for the portion of the ad valorem taxes so paid in the amounts prescribed in subsection (2).

(b) (i) For any person, firm or corporation who pays to a county, municipality, school district, levee district or any other taxing authority of the state or a political subdivision thereof, ad valorem taxes imposed on rental equipment, a credit against the income taxes imposed under this chapter shall be allowed for the portion of the ad valorem taxes so paid in the amounts prescribed in subsection (2).

(ii) As used in this paragraph, "rental equipment" means any rental equipment or other rental items which are held for short-term rental to the public:

1. Under rental agreements with no specific term;

2. Under at-will or open-ended agreements; or

3. Under rental agreements with terms ordinarily of less than three hundred sixty-five (365) days; and

4. Is not subject to privilege taxes imposed in Chapter 19, Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(c) The tax credit allowed by this section may not be claimed by a taxpayer that is a medical cannabis establishment as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

(2) The tax credit allowed by this section shall not exceed the amounts set forth in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this subsection; and may be claimed for each location where such commodities, raw material, works-in-process, products, goods, wares, merchandise and/or rental equipment are found and upon which the ad valorem taxes have been paid. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credit was earned.

(a) For the 1994 taxable year, the tax credit for each location of the taxpayer shall not exceed the lesser of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(b) For the 1995 taxable year, the tax credit for each location of the taxpayer shall not exceed the lesser of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(c) For the 1996 taxable year, the tax credit for each location of the taxpayer shall not exceed the lesser of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(d) For the 1997 taxable year and each taxable year thereafter through taxable year 2013, the tax credit for each location of the taxpayer shall not exceed the lesser of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(e) For the 2014 taxable year, the tax credit for each location of the taxpayer shall not exceed the lesser of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(f) For the 2015 taxable year, the tax credit for each location of the taxpayer shall not exceed the lesser of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(g) For the 2016 taxable year and each taxable year thereafter, the tax credit of the taxpayer shall be the lesser of the amount of the ad valorem taxes described in subsection (1) paid or the amount of income taxes due the State of Mississippi that are attributable to such location.

(3) Any amount of ad valorem taxes paid by a taxpayer that is applied toward the tax credit allowed in this section may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes. In the case of a taxpayer that is a partnership, limited liability company or S corporation, the credit may be applied only to the tax attributable to partnership, limited liability company or S corporation income derived from the taxpayer.

SECTION 5. Section 27-7-22.7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.7. (1) As used in this section, the term "port" means a state, county or municipal port or harbor established pursuant to Sections 59-5-1 through 59-5-69, Sections 59-7-1 through 59-7-519, Sections 59-9-1 through 59-9-85 or Sections 59-11-1 through 59-11-7.

(2) For any income taxpayer utilizing the port facilities at any port for the export of cargo that is loaded on a carrier calling at any such port, a credit against the taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be allowed in the amounts provided in this section.

(3) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (5) of this section, the amount of the credit allowed pursuant to this section shall be the total of the following charges on export cargo paid by the corporation:

(a) Receiving into the port;

(b) Handling to a vessel; and

(5) To obtain the credit provided for in this section, a taxpayer must provide to the Department of Revenue a statement from the governing authority of the port certifying the amount of charges paid by the taxpayer for which a credit is claimed and any other information required by the Department of Revenue.

(6) The purpose of the tax credit provided for in this section is to promote the increased use of ports and related facilities in this state, particularly by those taxpayers which would not otherwise use such ports and related facilities without the benefit of such tax credit, and increase the number of port related jobs and other economic development benefits associated with the increased use of such ports and related facilities. It is the intent of the Legislature that in determining whether or not such tax credit will be continued in future years, the attainment of the purposes set forth in this subsection must be demonstrated by the material contained in the reports prepared by the Mississippi Development Authority under Section 27-7-22.9.

SECTION 6. Section 27-7-22.13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.13. (1) For the purposes of this section, the term "financial institution" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 27-7-24.1(h)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (viii).

(2) There shall be allowed to a Mississippi employer which is a financial institution a credit against the income taxes imposed under this chapter based upon the net gain, if any, in the number of employees of the financial institution in connection with one of the following transactions:

(a) The merger or consolidation of a Mississippi financial institution with an out-of-state financial institution;

(b) The purchase by a Mississippi domiciled financial institution of all or substantially all of the assets (including all or substantially all of the branches) of an out-of-state financial institution;

(c) The purchase by an out-of-state financial institution of all or substantially all of the assets (including all or substantially all of the branches) of a Mississippi domiciled financial institution;

(d) The purchase by a Mississippi domiciled financial institution of all or substantially all of the assets (including all or substantially all of the branches) of an out-of-state financial institution in a state other than the State of Mississippi even though:

(i) Two (2) or more financial institutions are not merged or consolidated; or

(ii) All or substantially all of the assets of the financial institution are not purchased; or

(e) The purchase by an out-of-state financial institution of all or substantially all of the assets (including all or substantially all of the branches) in the State of Mississippi of a financial institution even though:

(i) Two (2) or more financial institutions are not merged or consolidated; or

(ii) All or substantially all of the assets of the financial institution are not purchased.

(3) The net gain, if any, in the number of employees shall be determined by a comparison of:

(a) The number of employees listed on the Employer's Quarterly Contribution Report filed with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission by the financial institution for the month the transaction was completed; and

(b) The number of employees listed on the Employer's Quarterly Contribution Report filed with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission by the financial institution for the same month one (1) year following completion of the transaction, exclusive of the number of employees gained in connection with intervening transactions.

(4) The base amount of the credit provided in this section shall be equal to the net gain in the number of employees multiplied by One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00). The financial institution may claim as a credit against income tax an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the base amount in the tax year the determination is made, eighty percent (80%) in the next year, sixty percent (60%) in the third year, forty percent (40%) in the fourth year and twenty percent (20%) in the fifth year. The credit allowed by this section shall not exceed the amount of the taxes due to the State of Mississippi by the financial institution. Any amount allowable as a credit pursuant to this section that exceeds the financial institution's tax liability shall not be refunded or carried forward to any other taxable year.

(5) The credit authorized by this section shall apply only to transactions described in this section which are completed after March 29, 1996.

(6) The commission may promulgate regulations to implement this section.

SECTION 7. Section 27-7-22.15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.15. (1) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Approved reforestation practices" means the following practices for establishing a crop of trees suitable for manufacturing into forest products:

(i) "Pine and hardwood tree planting practices" including the cost of seedlings, planting by hand or machine, and site preparation.

(ii) "Mixed-stand regeneration practices" to establish a mixed-crop of pine and hardwood trees by planting or direct seeding, or both, including the cost of seedlings, seed/acorns, planting, seeding and site preparation.

(iii) "Direct seeding practices" to establish a crop of pine or oak trees by directly applying seed/acorns to the site including the cost of seed/acorns, seeding and site preparation.

(iv) "Post-planting site preparation practices" to reduce or control undesirable competition within the first growing season of an established crop of trees.

Approved reforestation practices shall not include the establishment of orchards, Christmas trees or ornamental trees.

(b) "Eligible tree species" means pine and hardwood commercial tree species suitable for manufacturing into forest products.

(c) "Cost-share assistance" means partial financial payment for approved reforestation practices from the state government as authorized under Sections 49-19-201 through 49-19-227, or the federal government.

(d) "Eligible owner" means a private individual, group or association, but the term shall not mean private corporations which manufacture products or provide public utility services of any type or any subsidiary of such corporations.

(e) "Eligible lands" means nonindustrial private lands owned by a private individual, group or association, but shall not mean lands owned by private corporations which manufacture products or provide public utility services of any type or any subsidiary of such corporations.

(f) "Reforestation prescription or plan" means a written description of the approved reforestation practices that the eligible owner plans to use and includes a legal description and map of the area to be reforested, a list of the tree seedling or seed species to be used in the reforestation and the site preparation practices that will be utilized.

(2) Subject to the limitations provided in subsection (3) of this section, upon submission to the State Tax Commission of the written verification provided for in subsection (5) of this section and such other documentation as the State Tax Commission may require, any eligible owner who incurs costs for approved reforestation practices for eligible tree species on eligible lands shall be allowed a credit, in an amount equal to the lesser of fifty percent (50%) of the actual costs of the approved reforestation practices or fifty percent (50%) of the average cost of approved practices as established by the Mississippi Forestry Commission under Section 49-19-219, against the taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter for the tax year in which the costs are incurred.

(3) The maximum amount of the credit provided for in subsection (2) of this section that may be utilized in any one (1) taxable year shall not exceed the lesser of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or the amount of income tax imposed upon the eligible owner for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable to the eligible owner under this chapter, except credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the eligible owner. Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for succeeding tax years. The maximum dollar amount of the credit provided for in subsection (2) of this section that an eligible owner may utilize during his lifetime shall be Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in the aggregate.

(4) If an eligible owner receives any state or federal cost share assistance funds to defray the cost of an approved reforestation practice, the cost of that practice on the same acre or acres within the same tax year is not eligible for the credit provided in this section unless the eligible owner's adjusted gross income is less than the federal earned income credit level.

(5) To be eligible for the tax credit, an eligible owner must have a reforestation prescription or plan prepared for the eligible lands by a graduate forester of a college, school or university accredited by the Society of American Foresters or by a registered forester under the Foresters Registration Law of 1977. The forester must verify in writing that the reforestation practices were completed and that the reforestation prescription or plan was followed.

SECTION 8. Section 27-7-22.16, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.16. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, the words and phrases used in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 49-35-5, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(b) "Remediation costs" means reasonable costs paid for the assessment, investigation, remediation, monitoring and related activities at a brownfield agreement site which are consistent with the remedy selected for the site, and costs paid to the Department of Environmental Quality for the processing of the brownfield agreement application and administration of a brownfield agreement. Remediation costs shall not include (i) costs incurred before June 24, 1999; (ii) costs incurred after the issuance of a No Further Action letter under Section 49-35-15, Mississippi Code of 1972; (iii) costs incurred before the acceptance of a brownfield agreement site into the Mississippi Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup and Redevelopment program; (iv) costs incurred for any legal services or litigation costs; and (v) any funds provided by any federal, state or local governmental agency or political subdivision.

(2) Subject to the limitations provided in subsection (4) of this section, upon submission to the State Tax Commission of information provided for in subsection (5) of this section and any other documentation as the State Tax Commission may require, any brownfield party who (a) has conducted remediation at a brownfield agreement site in accordance with Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25 and (b) has incurred remediation costs for activities under Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25, as approved by the Commission on Environmental Quality, shall be allowed a credit in an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the remediation costs at the brownfield agreement site as approved by the commission, against the taxes imposed under this chapter for the tax year in which the costs are incurred.

(3) (a) Before applying for the tax credit authorized in this section, a brownfield party shall submit an application to the Department of Environmental Quality for certification that the brownfield party has conducted remediation at a brownfield agreement site in accordance with Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25 during the tax year(s) for which the credit is sought. The application shall be on forms prescribed by the Commission on Environmental Quality and provided by the Department. The application shall include the following:

(i) A section identifying the brownfield party, the brownfield agreement site, the date the brownfield agreement was executed and the tax year for which the credit is sought;

(ii) A certification that the costs to be submitted to the State Tax Commission are remediation costs incurred by the brownfield party during the tax year(s) for which the credit is sought. The certification shall include a listing of all remediation conducted and the associated costs; and

(iii) Any other information which the Commission on Environmental Quality or the State Tax Commission deems appropriate.

(b) Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Department of a completed application, the department shall approve or disapprove the application. The Department shall notify the brownfield party in writing of its decision. If the department approves the application, the department shall provide the brownfield party with certification that the brownfield party has conducted remediation at a brownfield agreement site in accordance with Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25 during the tax year(s) for which the credit is sought. If the Department disapproves the application, the Department shall notify the brownfield party in writing and state the reasons for the disapproval.

(c) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Department's decision, the brownfield party may request a hearing before the Commission regarding the Department's decision to disapprove the application. An appeal of the Commission's decision may be taken as provided under Section 49-17-41.

(d) The Department's review of the application under this section shall be considered a part of the administration of the brownfield agreement.

(e) The department's review of the application for review of remediation costs under this section shall be considered a part of the administration of the brownfield agreement.

(4) (a) The annual credit provided for in this section shall not exceed the lesser of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) or the amount of the income tax imposed upon the brownfield party at the brownfield agreement site for the taxable year as reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable to the brownfield party under this chapter, except for credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the brownfield party. Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for succeeding tax years.

(b) The maximum total credit under this section for a brownfield agreement site is One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00).

(5) To be eligible for the tax credit, the brownfield party must submit a copy of the letter from the commission stating the amount of remediation costs approved by the commission for the given tax year.

SECTION 9. Section 27-7-22.17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.17. (1) Permanent business enterprises engaged in operating a project and companies that are members of an affiliated group that includes such permanent business enterprises are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for a period of twenty (20) years from the date the credit commences; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the permanent business enterprise; however, the commencement date shall not be more than five (5) years from the date the business enterprise commences commercial production. For the year in which the commencement date occurs, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by using the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding. Thereafter, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Once a permanent business enterprise creates or increases employment three thousand (3,000) or more, such enterprise and the members of the affiliated group that include such enterprise, shall be eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed for any year of the twenty-year period in which the overall monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding falls below three thousand (3,000); however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may waive the employment requirement for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above three thousand (3,000).

(2) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business enterprise is unable to use the existing carryforward, the commissioner may extend the period that the credit may be carried forward for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The credit that may be utilized each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the permanent business enterprise and the state income tax liability of any member of the affiliated group that includes such enterprise that is generated by, or arises out of, the project.

(3) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in lieu of the tax credits provided for in Section 57-73-21 and any permanent business enterprise or any member of the affiliated group that includes such enterprise utilizing the tax credit authorized in this section shall not utilize the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) "Project" means a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv).

(b) "Affiliated group" means one or more corporations connected through stock ownership with a common parent corporation where at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all classes of stock and at least eighty percent (80%) of each class of the nonvoting stock of each of the member corporations, except the common parent corporation, is directly owned by one or more of the other member corporations; and the common parent corporation directly owns stock possessing at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all classes of stock and at least eighty percent (80%) of each class of the nonvoting stock of at least one (1) of the other member corporations. As used in this subsection, the term "stock" does not include nonvoting stock that is limited and preferred as to dividends.

SECTION 10. Section 27-7-22.18, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.18. (1) Any enterprise owning or operating a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xviii) is allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for a period of ten (10) years from the date the credit commences. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the enterprise; provided, however, that the commencement date shall not be more than two (2) years from the date the project becomes fully operational. For the year in which the commencement date occurs, the enterprise must select a date on which it has at least four hundred fifty (450) full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding. From that date to the end of the year, the credit will be determined based on the remaining monthly average of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding. For each year thereafter, the number of new full-time jobs created shall be determined by calculating the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the year. For every year subsequent to the year the commencement date occurs, the credit is not allowed for any year in which the overall monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding falls below the minimum jobs requirement provided in Section 57-75-5(f)(xviii). The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations.

(2) For the first five (5) years in which a tax credit is claimed under this section, any tax credit claimed but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned. For the remainder of the ten-year period, any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for three (3) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned. The credit that may be utilized each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the enterprise that is generated by, or arises out of, the project.

(3) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in lieu of the tax credits provided for in Section 57-73-21 and any enterprise utilizing the tax credit authorized in this section shall not utilize the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21.

SECTION 11. Section 27-7-22.19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.19. (1) Integrated suppliers are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee for five (5) years from the date the credit commences; however, if the integrated supplier is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the integrated supplier is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the integrated supplier; provided, however, that the commencement date shall not be more than five (5) years from the date the integrated supplier commences commercial production. For the year in which the commencement date occurs, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by using the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding. Thereafter, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those integrated suppliers that increase employment by twenty (20) or more are eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below twenty (20); however, if the integrated supplier is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the integrated supplier is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may waive the employment requirement for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of twenty (20).

(2) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned; however, if the integrated supplier is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the integrated supplier is unable to use the existing carryforward, the commissioner may extend the period that the credit may be carried forward for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The credit that may be utilized each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the taxpayer's state income tax liability which is attributable to income derived from operation in the state for that year.

(3) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in lieu of the tax credits provided for in Section 57-73-21, and any integrated supplier utilizing the tax credit authorized in this section shall not utilize the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21.

(4) As used in this section the term "integrated supplier" means a supplier located on the project site which provides goods or services on the project site solely for a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1.

SECTION 12. Section 27-7-22.20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.20. (1) An enterprise owning or operating a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xviii) is allowed an annual investment tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to seven and one-half percent (7-1/2%) of the eligible investments made by the enterprise. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the enterprise; provided, however, that the commencement date shall not be more than two (2) years from the date the project becomes fully operational. For the purposes of this section, the term "eligible investment" means the amount of investment in a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xviii) that is greater than Four Hundred Million Dollars ($400,000,000.00) and used in the initial establishment of the project.

(2) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for ten (10) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned. The credit that may be utilized in any one tax year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the enterprise for that year that is generated by, or arises out of, the project.

(3) The credit received under this section is subject to recapture if the property for which the tax credit was received is disposed of, or converted to, other than business use. The amount of the credit subject to recapture is one hundred percent (100%) of the credit in the first year and fifty percent (50%) of the credit in the second year. This subsection shall not apply in cases in which an entire facility is sold.

SECTION 13. Section 27-7-22.21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.21. (1) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Eligible land" means nonindustrial private lands in the state that are adjacent to and along a stream which is fully nominated to the Mississippi Scenic Streams Stewardship Program, or nonindustrial private lands in the state which are considered to be priority sites for conservation under the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program.

(b) "Eligible owner" means a private individual, group or association other than a private corporation, or any subsidiary thereof, which manufactures products or provides public utility services of any type.

(c) "Interest in land" means any right in real property, including access thereto or improvements thereon, or water, including, but not limited to, a fee simple easement, a conservation easement, provided such interest complies with the requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Code Section 170(h), partial interest, mineral right, remainder or future interest, or other interest or right in real property.

(d) "Land" or "lands" means real property, with or without improvements thereon, rights-of-way, water and riparian rights, easements, privileges and all other rights or interests of any land or description in, relating to, or connected with real property.

(e) "Allowable transaction costs" mean the costs of the appraisal of the lands or interests in lands, including conservation easements, that are being donated, of the baseline survey of the natural features, animals and plants present on the site, of engineering and surveying fees, of maintenance fees, of monitoring fees and of legal fees, including the costs of document preparation, title review and title insurance.

(f) "Specified conservation purposes" mean the preservation of stream bank habitats and the stability of stream banks, or the protection of land necessary because of high biodiversity significance or high protection urgency due to the presence of exemplary natural communities or species of special concern, including threatened or endangered species.

(2) For the taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2003, for any income taxpayer who is an eligible owner, a credit against the taxes imposed by this chapter shall be allowed in the amounts provided in this section upon the donation of land or an interest in land for specified conservation purposes.

(3) The credit provided for in this section shall be fifty percent (50%) of the allowable transaction costs involved in the donation for the tax year in which the allowable transaction costs occur. The aggregate amount of the credit provided in this section for allowable transaction costs shall not exceed the lesser of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or the amount of tax imposed upon the taxpayer for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable to such taxpayer under this chapter, except credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for ten (10) succeeding tax years. The maximum dollar amount of the credit provided for in this section that an eligible owner may utilize during his lifetime shall be Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) in the aggregate.

(4) To be eligible for the credit provided for in this section, an eligible owner must demonstrate that the donation qualifies as a conservation contribution under Section 170(h) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, by means of being a donation in perpetuity, for conservation purposes and made to a qualified holder or donee. A letter from the donee indicating acceptance and a completed copy of the appropriate United States Internal Revenue Service form shall constitute proof of acceptance. The eligible owner also must submit any other documentation that the State Tax Commission may require.

SECTION 14. Section 27-7-22.22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.22. (1) A credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter to a taxpayer for allowing land owned by the taxpayer to be used as a natural area preserve, a wildlife refuge or habitat area, a wildlife management area, or for the purpose of providing public outdoor recreational opportunities, as authorized under Section 49-1-29, 49-5-71 or 49-5-155, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(a) The land may not be under lease to the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the commission must approve the land as being suitable for the uses described in this section.

(b) The amount of the tax credit allowed by this section shall be Five Dollars and Fifty Cents ($5.50) per acre of land in each taxable year.

(c) In no event shall the amount of the tax credits allowed by this section for a taxable year exceed the taxpayer's liability for those taxes. Any unused credit amount shall be allowed to be carried forward for five (5) years from the close of the taxable year in which the land was approved for such a use. No such credit shall be allowed the taxpayer against prior years' tax liability.

(2) To claim a credit allowed by this section, the taxpayer shall provide any information required by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks or the Mississippi Commissioner of Revenue. Every taxpayer claiming a credit under this section shall maintain and make available for inspection by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks or the Mississippi Commissioner of Revenue any records that either entity considers necessary to determine and verify the amount of the credit to which the taxpayer is entitled. The burden of proving eligibility for a credit and the amount of the credit rests upon the taxpayer, and no credit may be allowed to a taxpayer that fails to maintain adequate records or to make them available for inspection.

(3) Upon approval of the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks under subsection (1)(a), a taxpayer seeking to claim any tax credit provided for under this section must submit an application to the Mississippi Commissioner of Revenue for approval of the tax credit. The Mississippi Commissioner of Revenue shall promulgate the rules and forms on which the application is to be submitted. The Mississippi Commissioner of Revenue shall review the application and may approve such application upon determining that it meets the requirements of this section within sixty (60) days after receiving the application.

SECTION 15. Section 27-7-22.23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.23. (1) As used in this section, the term "port" means a state, county or municipal port or harbor established pursuant to Sections 59-5-1 through 59-5-69, Sections 59-7-1 through 59-7-519, Sections 59-9-1 through 59-9-85 or Sections 59-11-1 through 59-11-7.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, for any income taxpayer utilizing the port facilities at any port for the import of cargo that is unloaded from a carrier calling at any such port, a credit against the taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be allowed in the amounts provided in this section. In order to be eligible for the credit authorized under this section, a taxpayer must locate its United States headquarters in Mississippi on or after July 1, 2004, employ at least five (5) permanent full-time employees who actually work at such headquarters and have a minimum capital investment of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) in Mississippi. For the purposes of this section, "full-time employee" shall mean an employee who works at least thirty-five (35) hours per week.

(3) (a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (4) of this section, the amount of the credit allowed pursuant to this section shall be the total of the following charges on import of cargo paid by the corporation:

(i) Receiving into the port;

(ii) Handling from a vessel; and

(iii) Wharfage.

(b) The credit allowed pursuant to this section shall not include charges paid by a corporation on the import of forest products.

(4) The credit provided for in this section shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the amount of tax imposed upon the taxpayer for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable to such taxpayer under this chapter, except credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for the succeeding five (5) years. The maximum cumulative credit that may be claimed by a taxpayer under this section is limited to One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) if the taxpayer employs at least five (5), but not more than twenty-five (25) permanent full-time employees at its headquarters in Mississippi; Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) if the taxpayer employs more than twenty-five (25), but not more than one hundred (100) permanent full-time employees at its headquarters in Mississippi; Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) if the taxpayer employs more than one hundred (100), but not more than two hundred (200) permanent full-time employees at its headquarters in Mississippi; and Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) if the taxpayer employs more than two hundred (200) permanent full-time employees at its headquarters in Mississippi.

other information required by the Department of Revenue.

SECTION 16. Section 27-7-22.25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.25. (1) As used in this section, the term "airport" means an airport established pursuant to Chapters 3 and 5, Title 61, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, for any income taxpayer utilizing the facilities at any airport for the export or import of cargo that is unloaded from a carrier at any such airport, a credit against the taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be allowed in the amounts provided in this section. In order to be eligible for the credit authorized under this section, a taxpayer must locate its United States headquarters in Mississippi on or after July 1, 2005, employ at least five (5) new permanent full-time employees who actually work at such headquarters and, after July 1, 2005, invest a minimum of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00), in the aggregate, in real property and/or personal property in Mississippi. For the purposes of this section, "full-time employee" shall mean an employee who works at least thirty-five (35) hours per week.

(3) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (4) of this section, the amount of the credit allowed pursuant to this section shall be the total of the following charges on import or export of cargo paid by the corporation:

(a) Receiving into the airport;

(b) Aircraft marshalling or handling fees; and

(5) To obtain the credit provided for in this section, a taxpayer must provide to the Department of Revenue a statement from the governing authority of the airport certifying the amount of charges paid by the taxpayer for which a credit is claimed and any other information required by the Department of Revenue.

(6) Any taxpayer who is eligible, before July 1, 2025, for the credit provided for in this section, shall remain eligible for such credit after July 1, 2025, notwithstanding the repeal of this section.

SECTION 17. Section 27-7-22.27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.27. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Business enterprises" means entities primarily engaged in:

(i) Manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, wholesaling and research and development, or

(ii) Permanent business enterprises designated by rule and regulation of the Mississippi Development Authority as air transportation and maintenance facilities, final destination or resort hotels having a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) guest rooms, recreational facilities that impact tourism, movie industry studios, telecommunications enterprises, data or information processing enterprises or computer software development enterprises or any technology intensive facility or enterprise.

(b) "Economically distressed community" means an area within a municipality that contains groupings of census tracts that include and are contiguous to the central business district, where within such census tract groupings at least thirty percent (30%) of the residents have incomes that are less than the national poverty level as published by the United States Bureau of the Census in the most recent decennial census for which data is available; in which the unemployment rate is at least one and one-half (1-1/2) times greater than the national average, as determined by the most recent data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, including estimates of unemployment developed using the calculation method of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Census Share; and

(i) The municipal population of which is at least four thousand (4,000) if any portion of the municipality is located within a metropolitan area with a population of fifty thousand (50,000), or more; or

(ii) The municipal population of which is at least one thousand (1,000) if no portion of the municipality is located within a metropolitan area with a population of fifty thousand (50,000), or more.

(c) "Telecommunications enterprises" means entities engaged in the creation, display, management, storage, processing, transmission or distribution for compensation of images, text, voice, video or data by wire or by wireless means, or entities engaged in the construction, design, development, manufacture, maintenance or distribution for compensation of devices, products, software or structures used in the above activities. Companies organized to do business as commercial broadcast radio stations, television stations or news organizations primarily serving in-state markets shall not be included within the definition of the term "telecommunications enterprises."

(2) The governing authorities of a municipality may designate an area within such municipality as an economically distressed community.

(3) Upon designation of an area within a municipality as an economically distressed community, the governing authorities of a municipality shall apply to the State Tax Commission for certification of the area as an economically distressed community. Such application shall provide the information necessary to establish certification as an economically distressed community. The State Tax Commission shall certify an area within a municipality as an economically distressed community if it finds that the designation meets the criteria provided for in subsection (1)(b) of this section.

(4) Permanent business enterprises in areas within municipalities certified by the State Tax Commission as economically distressed communities are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to ten percent (10%) of the payroll of the enterprise for net new full-time employee jobs for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the minimum number of jobs required by this subsection. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent business enterprises that increase employment by ten (10) or more in an economically distressed community are eligible for the credit. Credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below ten (10). The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of ten (10).

(5) Tax credits for five (5) years for the taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 shall be awarded for additional net new full-time jobs created by business enterprises qualified under this section. The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed in the event of payroll fluctuations during the additional five (5) years of credit.

(6) The sale, merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy or relocation from one (1) county to another county within the state of any business enterprise may not create new eligibility in any succeeding business entity, but any unused job tax credit may be transferred and continued by any transferee of the business enterprise. The State Tax Commission shall determine whether or not qualifying net increases or decreases have occurred or proper transfers of credit have been made and may require reports, promulgate regulations, and hold hearings as needed for substantiation and qualification.

(7) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) years from the close of the tax year in which the qualified jobs were established but the credit established by this section taken in any one (1) tax year must be limited to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the taxpayer's state income tax liability which is attributable to income derived from operations in the state for that year.

(8) No business enterprise for the transportation, handling, storage, processing or disposal of hazardous waste is eligible to receive the tax credits provided in this section.

(9) The credits allowed under this section shall not be used by any business enterprise or corporation other than the business enterprise actually qualifying for the credits.

(10) A business enterprise that receives a tax credit under this section shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21(2), (3) and (4).

SECTION 18. Section 27-7-22.28, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.28. As used in Sections 27-7-22.28 and 27-7-22.29, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Alternative energy project" means a business enterprise engaged in manufacturing or producing alternative energy in this state with not less than fifty percent (50%) of the finished product being derived from resources or products from this state.

(b) "Authority" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(d) "State" means the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 19. Section 27-7-22.29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.29. (1) Producers are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for a period of twenty (20) years from the date the credit begins; however, if the producer is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the producer is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may extend this time period for not more two (2) years. The credit shall begin on the date selected by the producer; however, the beginning date shall not be more than five (5) years from the date the producer begins manufacturing or producing alternative energy. For the year in which the beginning date occurs, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by using the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding. Thereafter, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Once a producer creates twenty-five (25) or more new full-time employee jobs, the producer shall be eligible for the credit; however, if the producer is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the producer is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may waive the employment requirement for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The credit is not allowed for any year of the twenty-year period in which the overall monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding falls below twenty-five (25). The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above twenty-five (25).

(2) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned; however, if the producer is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the producer is unable to use the existing carryforward, the commissioner may extend the period that the credit may be carried forward for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The credit that may be utilized each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the producer that is generated by, or arises out of, the alternative energy project.

(3) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in lieu of the tax credits provided for in Section 57-73-21 and any producer utilizing the tax credit authorized in this section shall not utilize the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21.

SECTION 20. Section 27-7-22.30, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.30. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Manufacturing enterprise" means an enterprise that:

(i) Falls within the definition of the term "manufacturer" in Section 27-65-11; and

(ii) Has operated in this state for not less than two (2) years prior to application for the credit authorized by this section.

The term "manufacturing enterprise" does not include any medical cannabis establishment as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

(b) "Eligible investment" means an investment of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in buildings and/or equipment for the manufacturing enterprise.

(2) A manufacturing enterprise is allowed a manufacturing investment tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to five percent (5%) of the eligible investments made by the manufacturing enterprise.

(3) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) years from the close of the tax year in which the eligible investment was made, but the credit established by this section taken in any one tax year shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the taxpayer's state income tax liability which is attributable to income derived from operations in the state for that year reduced by the sum of all other income tax credits allowable to the taxpayer, except credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer.

(4) The maximum credit that may be claimed by a taxpayer on any project shall be limited to One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).

(5) The credit received under this section is subject to recapture if the property for which the tax credit was received is disposed of, or converted to, other than business use. The amount of the credit subject to recapture is one hundred percent (100%) of the credit in the first year and fifty percent (50%) of the credit in the second year. This subsection shall not apply in cases in which an entire facility is sold.

(6) The sale, merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy or relocation from one (1) county to another county within the state of any manufacturing enterprise may not create new eligibility in any succeeding business entity, but any unused manufacturing investment tax credit may be transferred and continued by any transferee of the enterprise. The department shall determine whether or not qualifying net increases or decreases have occurred or proper transfers of credit have been made and may require reports, promulgate regulations, and hold hearings as needed for substantiation and qualification.

(7) No manufacturing enterprise for the transportation, handling, storage, processing or disposal of hazardous waste is eligible to receive the tax credits provided in this section.

(8) The credits allowed under this section shall not be used by any business enterprise or corporation other than the manufacturing enterprise actually qualifying for the credits.

SECTION 21. Section 27-7-22.31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.31. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Certified historic structure" means a property located in Mississippi that has been:

(i) Listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places; or

(ii) Determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior and will be listed within thirty (30) months of claiming the rebate or credit authorized by this section; or

(iii) Property designated a Mississippi Landmark by the Department of Archives and History pursuant to Section 39-7-3 et seq.

(b) "Eligible property" means property located in Mississippi and offered or used for residential or business purposes.

(c) "Structure in a certified historic district" means a structure (and its structural components) located in Mississippi which:

(i) Is listed in the National Register of Historic Places; or

(ii) Has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior and will be listed within thirty (30) months of claiming the rebate or credit authorized by this section; or

(iii) Is located in a registered historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located in a potential district that has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior and will be listed within thirty (30) months of claiming the rebate or credit authorized by this section, and is certified by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior as being of historic significance to the district; or

(iv) Is certified by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History as contributing to the historic significance of:

1. A certified historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places; or

2. A potential district that has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior and will be listed within thirty (30) months of claiming the rebate or credit authorized by this section; or

3. A local district that has been certified by the United States Department of the Interior.

(d) "Department" means the Department of Archives and History.

(2) Any taxpayer incurring costs and expenses for the rehabilitation of eligible property, which is a certified historic structure or a structure in a certified historic district, shall be entitled to a rebate or credit against the taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter in an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total costs and expenses of rehabilitation incurred after January 1, 2006, which shall include, but not be limited to, qualified rehabilitation expenditures as defined under Section 47(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the related regulations thereunder:

(a) If the costs and expenses associated with rehabilitation exceed:

(i) Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in the case of an owner-occupied dwelling; or

(ii) Fifty percent (50%) of the adjusted basis in the property in the case of all other properties; and

(b) The rehabilitation is consistent with the standards of the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior as determined by the department.

(3) Any taxpayer eligible for the rebate or credit authorized by this section may claim the rebate or credit in phases if:

(a) There is a written set of architectural plans and specifications for all phases of the rehabilitation (written plans outlining and describing all phases of the rehabilitation shall be accepted as written plans and specifications);

(b) The written set of architectural plans and specifications are completed before the physical work on the rehabilitation begins; and

(c) The project receives final certification by the department within sixty (60) months of the project start date certified in the first phase.

(4) (a) (i) If the amount of the tax credit established by this section exceeds the total state income tax liability for the credit year, the amount that exceeds the total state income tax liability may be carried forward for the ten (10) succeeding tax years.

(ii) In lieu of claiming a tax credit, the taxpayer may elect to claim a rebate in the amount of seventy-five percent (75%) of the amount that would be eligible to claim as a credit. The election may be made at any time after the certification of the rebate. If the taxpayer has utilized a tax credit on an income tax return prior to making an election to claim a rebate, then the available rebate will be reduced by the amount of credit utilized.

(iii) Rebate requests shall be submitted to the department on forms prescribed by the department. The department will then provide the taxpayer with a voucher for the approved amount. Within twelve (12) months of the issuance of the voucher by the department, the taxpayer may submit the voucher to the Department of Revenue to receive payment. Rebates shall be made from current tax collections.

(b) Not-for-profit entities, including, but not limited to, nonprofit corporations organized under Section 79-11-101 et seq., shall be ineligible for the rebate or credit authorized by this section. Credits granted to a partnership, a limited liability company taxed as a partnership or multiple owners of property shall be passed through to the partners, members or owners on a pro rata basis or pursuant to an executed agreement among the partners, members or owners documenting an alternative distribution method. Partners, members or other owners of a pass-through entity are not eligible to elect a refund of excess credit in lieu of a carryforward of the credit. However, a partnership or limited liability company taxed as a partnership may elect to claim a rebate at the entity level on a form prescribed by the department. Additionally, excess tax credits that are attributable to rehabilitated property that was placed in service by a pass-through entity prior to January 1, 2011, and that have previously been allocated to and are held by another pass-through entity prior to January 1, 2011, may be refunded to such other pass-through entity.

(5) (a) (i) To claim the rebate or credit authorized pursuant to this section, the taxpayer shall apply to the department which shall determine the amount of eligible rehabilitation costs and expenses and whether the rehabilitation is consistent with the standards of the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior. The department shall issue a certificate evidencing the date of the rebate or credit and amount of eligible rebate or credit if the taxpayer is found to be eligible for the tax rebate or credit. The taxpayer shall attach the certificate to all income tax returns on which the credit is claimed. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (a), the department shall not issue certificates evidencing the eligible rebate or credit which will result in rebates or credits being awarded in excess of Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00) in any one (1) calendar year for projects with total qualified rehabilitation costs and expenses of One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) or more. The department shall also not issue certificates evidencing the eligible rebate or credit which will result in rebates or credits being awarded in excess of Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00) in any one (1) calendar year for projects with total qualified rehabilitation costs and expenses of less than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00).

(ii) If claiming a credit instead of a rebate, the taxpayer shall claim such credit on the income tax return for the tax year for which the credit is certified.

(b) The date of the rebate or credit shall be certified in the following order:

(i) The rebate or credit shall be certified based on the date of project completion.

(ii) If the eligible rebate or credit exceeds the available limit in the year in which the project is completed, the rebate or credit shall be certified based on the date the certification is issued by the department. The department shall issue the certification in the first calendar year in which the requested rebate or credit would not exceed the calendar year limit.

(c) The aggregate amount of tax rebates or credits that may be awarded under this section shall not exceed One Hundred Eighty Million Dollars ($180,000,000.00).

(6) (a) The rebate or credit received by a taxpayer pursuant to this section is subject to recapture if:

(i) The property is one that has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places but is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places within thirty (30) months of claiming the rebate or credit authorized by this section;

(ii) The potential district in which the property is located is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places within thirty (30) months of claiming the rebate or credit authorized by this section; or

(iii) The project has not received final certification by the department within sixty (60) months of the project start date certified in the first phase.

(b) The taxpayer shall notify the department and the Department of Revenue if any of the situations that subject the credit to recapture occur.

(7) (a) The board of trustees of the department shall establish fees to be charged for the services performed by the department under this section and shall publish the fee schedule. The fees contained in the schedule shall be in amounts reasonably calculated to recover the costs incurred by the department for the administration of this section. Any taxpayer desiring to participate in the tax credits authorized by this section shall pay the appropriate fee as contained in the fee schedule to the department, which shall be used by the department, without appropriation, to offset the administrative costs of the department associated with its duties under this section.

(b) There is hereby created within the State Treasury a special fund into which shall be deposited all the fees collected by the department pursuant to this section. Money deposited into the fund shall not lapse at the end of any fiscal year and investment earnings on the proceeds in such special fund shall be deposited into such fund. Money from the fund shall be disbursed upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer upon requisitions signed by the executive director of the department to assist the department in carrying out its duties under this section.

(8) This section shall only apply to taxpayers:

(a) Who have been issued a certificate evidencing the eligible credit before December 31, 2030; or

(b) Who, before December 31, 2030, have received a determination in writing from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, in accordance with the department's Historic Preservation Certificate Application, Part 2, that the rehabilitation is consistent with the historic character of the property and that the property meets the United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, or will meet the standards if certain specified conditions are met, and, who are issued a certificate evidencing the eligible credit on or after December 31, 2030.

SECTION 22. Section 27-7-22.32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.32. (1) (a) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter the amount of the qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred, not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), for each dependent child residing outside Mississippi but legally adopted by a taxpayer under the laws of this state during calendar year 2023 or during any calendar year thereafter. A taxpayer claiming a credit under this paragraph (a) may not claim a credit under paragraph (b) of this subsection for the adoption of the same child.

(b) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for each dependent child residing in Mississippi and legally adopted by a taxpayer under the laws of this state during calendar year 2023 or during any calendar year thereafter. A taxpayer claiming a credit under this paragraph (b) may not claim a credit under paragraph (a) of this subsection for the adoption of the same child.

(2) The tax credit under this section may be claimed for the taxable year in which the adoption becomes final under the laws of this state. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for the five (5) succeeding tax years. A tax credit is allowed under this section for any child for which an exemption is claimed during the same taxable year under Section 27-7-21(e). For the purposes of this section, the term "qualified adoption expenses" means and has the same definition as that term has in 26 USCA 23.

SECTION 23. Section 27-7-22.33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.33. (1) A taxpayer shall be allowed a credit against the income taxes imposed under this chapter in an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the premium costs paid during the taxable year for a qualified long-term care insurance policy as defined in Section 7702B of the Internal Revenue Code that offers coverage to either the individual, the individual's spouse, the individual's parent or parent-in-law, or the individual's dependent as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) No taxpayer shall be entitled to the credit with respect to the same expended amounts for qualified long-term care insurance which are claimed by another taxpayer.

(3) The credit allowed by this section shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or the taxpayer's income tax liability, whichever is less, for each qualified long-term care insurance policy. Any unused tax credit shall not be allowed to be carried forward to apply to the taxpayer's succeeding year's tax liability.

(4) No credit shall be allowed under this section with respect to any premium for qualified long-term care insurance either deducted or subtracted by the taxpayer in arriving at his net taxable income under this section or with respect to any premiums for qualified long-term care insurance which were excluded from his net taxable income.

SECTION 24. Section 27-7-22.34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.34. (1) As used in this section, "qualified business or industry" means any company that has been certified by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxii).

(2) A qualified business or industry shall be allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for a period of twenty (20) years from the date the credit commences; however, if the qualified business or industry is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business or industry is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the business or industry; however, the commencement date shall not be more than six (6) years from the date the business or industry commences commercial production. For the year in which the commencement date occurs, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by using the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding. Thereafter, the number of new full-time jobs shall be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Once a qualified business or industry creates or increases employment by five hundred (500) or more, such business or industry shall be eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed for any year of the twenty-year period in which the overall monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding falls below five hundred (500); however, if the qualified business or industry is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business or industry is unable to maintain the required number of employees, the commissioner may waive the employment requirement for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The State Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above five hundred (500).

(3) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned; however, if the qualified business or industry is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business or industry is unable to use the existing carryforward, the commissioner may extend the period that the credit may be carried forward for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The credit that may be utilized each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the qualified business or industry that is generated by, or arises out of, the project.

(4) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in lieu of the tax credits provided for in Section 57-73-21 and any qualified business or industry utilizing the tax credit authorized in this section shall not utilize the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21.

SECTION 25. Section 27-7-22.35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.35. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Eligible facility" means and includes a new facility that creates at least twenty (20) full-time jobs with a minimum capital investment from private sources of Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), that:

(i) Consists of all components necessary for the production of electric energy from the direct firing or co-firing of biomass or waste heat recovery, and if applicable, other energy sources;

(ii) Produces both electric energy and useful thermal energy, such as heat or steam, through the sequential use of energy (cogeneration); and

(iii) Consists of all components necessary for the production of synfuel.

An eligible facility includes all burners and boilers, any handling and delivery equipment that supplies fuel directly to and is integrated with such burners and boilers, steam headers, turbines, generators, property used for the collection, processing or storage of biomass or synfuel, transformers, pipelines and all other property used in the transmission of electricity or synfuel and related depreciable property.

(b) "Biomass" means and includes any of the following:

(i) Forest-related mill residues, pulping by-product and other by-products of wood processing, thinnings, slash, limbs, bark, brush and other cellulosic plant material or nonmerchantable forest-related products;

(ii) Solid wood waste materials, including dunnage, manufacturing and construction wood wastes, demolition and storm debris and landscape or right-of-way trimmings;

(iii) Agriculture wastes, including orchard tree crops, vineyard, grain, legumes, sugar and other crop by-products or residues and livestock waste nutrients;

(iv) All plant and grass material that is grown exclusively as a fuel for the production of electricity;

(v) Refuse derived fuels consisting of organic components and fibers of waste water treatment solids; or

(vi) Whole trees.

(d) "Waste heat recovery" means systems that produce electricity from currently unused waste heat resulting from combustion or other processes and which do not use an additional combustion process. The term does not include any system whose primary purpose is the generation of electricity.

(2) An enterprise owning or operating an eligible facility is allowed an annual investment tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to five percent (5%) of investments made by the enterprise in the initial establishment of an eligible facility. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the enterprise; provided, however, that the commencement date shall not be more than two (2) years from the date the eligible facility becomes fully operational.

(3) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned. The credit that may be utilized in any one (1) tax year shall be limited to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the total state income tax liability of the enterprise for that year that is generated by, or arises out of, the eligible facility.

SECTION 26. Section 27-7-22.36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.36. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Full-time employee" means an employee who works at least thirty-five (35) hours per week.

(b) "New cut and sew job" means a job in which the employee cuts and sews upholstery for upholstered household furniture and which job did not exist in this state before January 1, 2010.

(2) Any enterprise owning or operating an upholstered household furniture manufacturing facility is allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by this chapter equal to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) annually for each full-time employee employed in a new cut and sew job for a period of five (5) years from the date the credit commences. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the enterprise. For the year in which the commencement date occurs, the credit will be determined based on the monthly average number of full-time employees employed in new cut and sew jobs subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding who are employed by the enterprise. For each year thereafter, the number of new cut and sew jobs shall be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees employed in new cut and sew jobs subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. The Department of Revenue shall verify that the jobs claimed by enterprises to obtain the credit meet the definition of the term "new cut and sew job." The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed each year for employment fluctuations.

(3) The credit that may be used each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the enterprise. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(4) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in lieu of the tax credits provided for in Section 57-73-21 and any enterprise using the tax credit authorized in this section shall not use the tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21.

(5) Any taxpayer who is eligible for the credit authorized in this section prior to January 1, 2026, shall be eligible for the credit authorized in this section, notwithstanding the repeal of this section, and shall be allowed to carry forward the credit after January 1, 2026, as provided for in subsection (3) of this section.

(6) This section shall be repealed from and after January 1, 2026.

SECTION 27. Section 27-7-22.37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.37. (1) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by Section 27-7-5 the amount of the qualified prekindergarten program support contributions paid to approved providers, lead partners or collaboratives, not to exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), by any individual, corporation or other entity having taxable income under the laws of this state during calendar year 2013 or during any calendar year thereafter. In order to qualify for a tax credit, such contributions may support the local match requirement of approved providers, lead partners or collaboratives as is necessary to match state-appropriated funds, and any such providers, lead partners or collaboratives shall be approved by the State Department of Education.

(2) Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for three (3) tax years.

(3) Any prekindergarten program support contribution shall be verified by submission to the Mississippi Department of Revenue of a copy of the receipt provided to the donor taxpayer by the prekindergarten program recipient or such other written verification as may be required by the Department of Revenue.

(4) The maximum amount of donations accepted by the Department of Revenue in calendar year 2014 shall not exceed Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000.00), in calendar year 2015 shall not exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), and in calendar year 2016 and calendar years thereafter shall not exceed Thirty-two Million Dollars ($32,000,000.00), or what is appropriated by the Legislature to fund Chapter 493, Laws of 2013 each year.

(5) The Mississippi Department of Revenue shall promulgate rules necessary to effectuate the purposes of Chapter 493, Laws of 2013. Such rules shall include a means of informing the public of the existence of the prekindergarten support program and the application process for provider, lead partner and collaborative candidates.

SECTION 28. Section 27-7-22.39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.39. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Low-income residents" means persons whose household income is less than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level.

(b) "Qualifying charitable organization" means a charitable organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or is a designated community action agency that receives community services block grant program monies pursuant to 42 USC 9901. The organization must spend at least fifty percent (50%) of its budget on services to residents of this state who receive temporary assistance for needy families benefits or low-income residents of this state and their households or to children who have a chronic illness or physical, intellectual, developmental or emotional disability who are residents of this state. A charitable organization that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that meets all other requirements of this paragraph except that it does not spend at least fifty percent (50%) of its overall budget in Mississippi may be a qualifying charitable organization if it spends at least fifty percent (50%) of its Mississippi budget on services to qualified individuals in Mississippi and it certifies to the department that one hundred percent (100%) of the voluntary cash contributions from the taxpayer will be spent on services to qualified individuals in Mississippi. Taxpayers choosing to make donations through an umbrella charitable organization that collects donations on behalf of member charities shall designate that the donation be directed to a member charitable organization that would qualify under this section on a stand-alone basis. Qualifying charitable organization does not include any entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions or that financially supports any other entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions.

(c) "Qualifying foster care charitable organization" means a qualifying charitable organization that each operating year provides services to at least one hundred (100) qualified individuals in this state and spends at least fifty percent (50%) of its budget on services to qualified individuals in this state. A charitable organization that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that meets all other requirements of this paragraph except that it does not spend at least fifty percent (50%) of its overall budget in Mississippi may be a qualifying foster care charitable organization if it spends at least fifty percent (50%) of its Mississippi budget on services to qualified individuals in Mississippi and it certifies to the department that one hundred percent (100%) of the voluntary cash contributions from the taxpayer will be spent on services to qualified individuals in Mississippi. For the purposes of this paragraph, "qualified individual" means a child in a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services, a child placed under the Safe Families for Children model, or a child at significant risk of entering a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services.

(d) "Services" means:

(i) Cash assistance, medical care, child care, food, clothing, shelter, and job-placement services or any other assistance that is reasonably necessary to meet immediate basic needs and that is provided and used in this state;

(ii) Job-training or education services or funding for parents, foster parents or guardians; or

(iii) Job-training or education services or funding provided as part of a foster care independent living program.

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter for voluntary cash contributions by the taxpayer during the taxable year to a qualifying charitable organization, other than a qualifying foster care charitable organization, not to exceed:

(i) Through calendar year 2022, the lesser of Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a single individual or a head of household; and for calendar year 2023 and each calendar year thereafter, the lesser of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a single individual or a head of household.

(ii) Through calendar year 2022, the lesser of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a married couple filing a joint return; and for calendar year 2023 and each calendar year thereafter, the lesser of Two Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($2,400.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a married couple filing a joint return.

(b) From and after January 1, 2023, a credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the individual taxpayer during the taxable year to a qualifying charitable organization, other than a qualifying foster care charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this paragraph but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(3) (a) A separate credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter for voluntary cash contributions during the taxable year to a qualifying foster care charitable organization. A contribution to a qualifying foster care charitable organization does not qualify for, and shall not be included in, any credit amount under subsection (2) of this section. If the voluntary cash contribution by the taxpayer is to a qualifying foster care charitable organization, the credit shall not exceed:

(i) Through calendar year 2022, the lesser of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a single individual or a head of household; and for calendar year 2023 and each calendar year thereafter, the lesser of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a single individual or a head of household.

(ii) Through calendar year 2022, the lesser of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a married couple filing a joint return; and for calendar year 2023 and each calendar year thereafter, the lesser of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) or the amount of the contribution in any taxable year for a married couple filing a joint return.

(b) From and after January 1, 2023, a credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the individual taxpayer during the taxable year to a qualifying foster care charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this paragraph but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) of this section provide separate credits against taxes imposed by this chapter depending on the recipients of the contributions. A taxpayer, including a married couple filing a joint return, in the same taxable year, may either or both:

(a) Contribute to a qualifying charitable organization, other than a qualifying foster care charitable organization, and claim a credit under subsection (2) of this section.

(b) Contribute to a qualifying foster care charitable organization and claim a credit under subsection (3) of this section.

(5) A husband and wife who file separate returns for a taxable year in which they could have filed a joint return may each claim only one-half (1/2) of the tax credit that would have been allowed for a joint return.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, if the allowable tax credit exceeds the taxes otherwise due under this chapter on the claimant's income, or if there are no taxes due under this chapter, the taxpayer may carry forward the amount of the claim not used to offset the taxes under this chapter for not more than five (5) consecutive taxable years' income tax liability.

(7) The credit allowed by this section is in lieu of a deduction pursuant to Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code and taken for state tax purposes.

(8) Taxpayers taking a credit authorized by this section shall provide the name of the qualifying charitable organization and the amount of the contribution to the department on forms provided by the department.

(9) A qualifying charitable organization shall provide the department with a written certification that it meets all criteria to be considered a qualifying charitable organization. The organization shall also notify the department of any changes that may affect the qualifications under this section.

(10) The charitable organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(a) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or verification that the organization is a designated community action agency that receives community services block grant program monies pursuant to 42 USC 9901.

(b) Financial data indicating the organization's budget for the organization's prior operating year and the amount of that budget spent on services to residents of this state who either:

(i) Receive temporary assistance for needy families benefits;

(ii) Are low-income residents of this state;

(iii) Are children who have a chronic illness or physical, intellectual, developmental or emotional disability; or

(iv) Are children in a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services, children placed under the Safe Families for Children model or children at significant risk of entering a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services.

(c) A statement that the organization plans to continue spending at least fifty percent (50%) of its budget on services to residents of this state who receive temporary assistance for needy families benefits, who are low-income residents of this state, who are children who have a chronic illness or physical, intellectual, developmental or emotional disability or who are children in a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services, children placed under the Safe Families for Children model or children at significant risk of entering a foster care placement program established by the Department of Child Protection Services. A charitable organization that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that meets all other requirements for a qualifying charitable organization or qualifying foster care charitable organization except that it does not spend at least fifty percent (50%) of its overall budget in Mississippi shall submit a statement that it spends at least fifty percent (50%) of its Mississippi budget on services to qualified individuals in Mississippi and that one hundred percent (100%) of the voluntary cash contributions it receives from Mississippi taxpayers will be spent on services to qualified individuals in Mississippi.

(d) In the case of a foster care charitable organization, a statement that each operating year it provides services to at least one hundred (100) qualified individuals in this state.

(e) A statement that the organization does not provide, pay for or provide coverage of abortions and does not financially support any other entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions.

(f) Any other information that the department requires to administer this section.

(11) The department shall review each written certification and determine whether the organization meets all the criteria to be considered a qualifying charitable organization and notify the organization of its determination. The department may also periodically request recertification from the organization. The department shall compile and make available to the public a list of the qualifying charitable organizations.

(12) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be awarded under this section in any calendar year shall not exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00). However, for calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter, the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be awarded under this section in any calendar year shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). In addition, any tax credits not awarded under this section before June 1, 2020, may be allocated during calendar year 2020 under Section 27-7-22.41 for contributions by taxpayers to eligible charitable organizations described in Section

27-7-22.41(1)(b)(ii) as provided under such section, notwithstanding any limitation on the percentage of tax credits that may be allocated for such contributions.

(13) A taxpayer shall apply for credits with the department on forms prescribed by the department. In the application the taxpayer shall certify to the department the dollar amount of the contributions made or to be made during the calendar year. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of an application, the department shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of contributions as certified in the application. However, if the department cannot allocate the full amount of credits certified in the application due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under this section in a calendar year, the department shall so notify the applicant within thirty (30) days with the amount of credits, if any, that may be allocated to the applicant in the calendar year. Once the department has allocated credits to a taxpayer, if the contribution for which a credit is allocated has not been made as of the date of the allocation, then the contribution must be made not later than sixty (60) days from the date of the allocation. If the contribution is not made within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the department for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the contributions, if the actual dollar amount of the contributions is lower than the amount estimated, the department shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this section.

(14) This section shall be repealed from and after January 1, 2025.

SECTION 29. Section 27-7-22.40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.40. (1) The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates:

(a) "Water transportation enterprise" means an enterprise or establishment primarily engaged in providing inland water transportation of cargo on lakes, rivers and/or intracoastal waterways, except on the Great Lakes System.

(b) "Mississippi full-time job" means a job created in the State of Mississippi on or after January 1, 2019, and filled by a Mississippi resident who works at least thirty-five (35) hours per week.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, any water transportation enterprise is allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by this chapter equal to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) annually for each Mississippi full-time job created for a period of five (5) years from the date the credit commences. A water transportation enterprise may not claim a tax credit for the reemployment of a person whose employment with the enterprise is terminated by the enterprise if the reemployment by the enterprise occurs within twelve (12) months from the date of the termination. The credit shall commence on the date selected by the enterprise. For the year in which the commencement date occurs, the credit will be determined based on the monthly average number of full-time employees employed by the water transportation enterprise in Mississippi full-time jobs subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding. For each year thereafter, the number of Mississippi full-time jobs shall be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees employed at the water transportation enterprise in Mississippi full-time jobs subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed each year for employment fluctuations.

(3) The credit that may be used each year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total state income tax liability of the water transportation enterprise. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(4) The sale, merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy or relocation from one (1) county to another county within the state of any water transportation enterprise may not create new eligibility in any succeeding business entity, but any unused job tax credit may be transferred and continued by any transferee of the water transportation enterprise. The Department of Revenue shall determine whether or not qualifying net increases or decreases have occurred or proper transfers of credit have been made and may require reports, promulgate regulations, and hold hearings as needed for substantiation and qualification.

(5) The credits allowed under this section shall not be used by any business enterprise or corporation other than the water transportation enterprise actually qualifying for the credits.

(6) The maximum aggregate amount of tax credits that may be claimed by all taxpayers claiming a credit under this section in a taxable year shall not exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00).

(7) Any water transportation enterprise that is eligible for the credit authorized in this section before January 1, 2026, shall be eligible for the credit authorized in this section, notwithstanding the repeal of this section, and shall be allowed to carry forward the credit after January 1, 2026, as provided for in subsection (3) of this section.

(8) This section shall be repealed from and after January 1, 2026.

SECTION 30. Section 27-7-22.42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.42. (1) The following words and phrases shall have the meanings as defined in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Eligible taxpayer" means any railroad that is classified by the United States Surface Transportation Board as a Class II or Class III railroad.

(b) "Eligible transferee" means any taxpayer having a liability for taxes under this chapter.

(c) "Qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures" means gross expenditures for maintenance, reconstruction or replacement of railroad infrastructure, including track, roadbed, bridges, industrial leads and sidings, and track-related structures owned or leased by a Class II or Class III railroad in Mississippi as of January 1, 2022.

(d) "Qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures" means gross expenditures for new construction of industrial leads, switches, spurs and sidings and extensions of existing sidings, for serving new customer locations or expansions in Mississippi, by a Class II or Class III railroad located in Mississippi.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, an eligible taxpayer making qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures shall be allowed a credit against the taxes imposed under this chapter. The credit shall be for an amount equal to the lesser of fifty percent (50%) of an eligible taxpayer's qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures for the taxable year or the product of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) multiplied by the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased within the State of Mississippi by the eligible taxpayer as of the close of the taxable year. For qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures, the credit shall be for an amount equal to the lesser of fifty percent (50%) of an eligible taxpayer's qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures for the taxable year, capped at One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per new rail-served customer project. However, the tax credit shall not exceed the amount of tax imposed upon the taxpayer for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable to the taxpayer under this chapter, except credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the taxable year in which the credit was earned. The aggregate amount of credits that may be claimed by all taxpayers claiming a credit under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000.00). In addition, an eligible taxpayer may transfer by written agreement any unused tax credit to an eligible transferee at any time during the year in which the credit is earned and the five (5) years following the taxable year in which the qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures or the qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures are made. The eligible taxpayer and the eligible transferee must jointly file a copy of the written transfer agreement with the Department of Revenue within thirty (30) days of the transfer. The written agreement must contain the: (a) name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the parties to the transfer; (b) taxable year the eligible taxpayer incurred the qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures or the qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures; (c) amount of credit being transferred; and (d) taxable year or years for which the credit may be claimed by the eligible transferee.

This section shall stand repealed on January 1, 2024.

SECTION 31. Section 27-7-22.43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.43. (1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Pregnancy Resource Act."

(2) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

(b) "Eligible charitable organization" means an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a pregnancy resource center or crisis pregnancy center. To be considered an "eligible charitable organization" a pregnancy resource center or crisis pregnancy center must meet the following criteria:

(i) Certify that no more than twenty percent (20%) of the contributions received under this section will be spent on administrative purposes;

(ii) File annually with the Secretary of State the organization's publicly available Internal Revenue Service filings.

(3) (a) The tax credit authorized in this section shall be available only to a taxpayer who is a business enterprise engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities and operating as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or sole proprietorship. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123, for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. For calendar year 2022, for a taxpayer that is not operating as a corporation, a credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. From and after January 1, 2023, a credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to (i) an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by such sections of law and (ii) an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(b) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this section may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(4) Taxpayers taking a credit authorized by this section shall provide the name of the eligible charitable organization and the amount of the contribution to the department on forms provided by the department.

(5) An eligible charitable organization shall provide the department with a written certification that it meets all criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization. The organization shall also notify the department of any changes that may affect eligibility under this section.

(6) The eligible charitable organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(a) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(7) The department shall review each written certification and determine whether the organization meets all the criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization and notify the organization of its determination. The department may also periodically request recertification from the organization. The department shall compile and make available to the public a list of eligible charitable organizations.

(8) Tax credits authorized by this section that are earned by a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation or other similar pass-through entity, shall be allocated among all partners, members or shareholders, respectively, either in proportion to their ownership interest in such entity or as the partners, members or shareholders mutually agree as provided in an executed document.

(9) (a) A taxpayer shall apply for credits with the department on forms prescribed by the department. In the application the taxpayer shall certify to the department the dollar amount of the contributions made or to be made during the calendar year. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of an application, the department shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of contributions as certified in the application. However, if the department cannot allocate the full amount of credits certified in the application due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under this section in a calendar year, the department shall so notify the applicant within thirty (30) days with the amount of credits, if any, that may be allocated to the applicant in the calendar year. Once the department has allocated credits to a taxpayer, if the contribution for which a credit is allocated has not been made as of the date of the allocation, then the contribution must be made not later than sixty (60) days from the date of the allocation. If the contribution is not made within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the department for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the contributions, if the actual dollar amount of the contributions is lower than the amount estimated, the department shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this section.

(b) For the purposes of using a tax credit against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property, a taxpayer shall present to the appropriate tax collector the tax credit documentation provided to the taxpayer by the Department of Revenue, and the tax collector shall apply the tax credit against such ad valorem taxes. The tax collector shall forward the tax credit documentation to the Department of Revenue along with the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes, and the department shall disburse funds to the tax collector for the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes. Such payments by the Department of Revenue shall be made from current tax collections.

(10) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00). However, for calendar year 2023, and for each calendar year thereafter, the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00). For credits allocated during a calendar year for contributions to eligible charitable organizations, no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of such credits may be allocated for contributions to a single eligible charitable organization; however, credits not allocated before June 1, may be allocated without regard to such restriction for the same calendar year.

SECTION 32. Section 27-7-22.44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.44. (1) As used in this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) "Blood donation" means the voluntary and uncompensated donation of whole blood, or specific components of blood, by an employee, drawn for use by a nonprofit blood bank organization as part of a blood drive.

(b) "Blood drive" means a function held at a specific date and time which is organized by a nonprofit blood bank organization in coordination with an employer or group of employers and is closed to nonemployees.

(d) "Employer" means a sole proprietor, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other legally recognized business entity.

(e) "Verified donation" means a blood donation by an employee, made during a blood drive, which can be documented by an employer.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, for calendar year 2022 and for calendar year 2023, a taxpayer that is an employer shall be allowed a credit against the taxes imposed under this chapter for each verified blood donation made by an employee as part of a blood drive. The credit shall be for an amount equal to Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for each verified donation. However, the tax credit shall not exceed the amount of tax imposed upon the taxpayer for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable to the taxpayer under this chapter, except credit for tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. The maximum aggregate amount of tax credits that may be claimed by all taxpayers claiming a credit under this section in a taxable year shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00). The department shall annually calculate and publish a percentage by which the tax credit authorized by this section shall be reduced so the maximum aggregate amount of tax credits claimed by all taxpayers claiming a credit in a taxable year does not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).

SECTION 33. Section 27-7-22.45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.45. (1) As used in this section,

(a) "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(ii);

(b) "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b);

(d) "Qualified business or industry" shall mean any company that has been certified by the Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi), or any other company which becomes subject to the tax levied by this chapter because it is an affiliate of the company that has been certified by the Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi).

(2) Each qualified business or industry shall be allowed an annual credit, for a period of fifteen (15) successive years, against the tax imposed by this chapter upon such qualified business or industry in each such year, in an annual amount equal to the amount of the qualified business's or industry's tax imposed by this chapter for each such year during the fifteen (15) year period on income derived thereby from any project, as defined by Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi).

(3) The tax credit authorized by this section may be utilized by any qualified business or industry and by any affiliates thereof that file a combined tax return for the tax imposed by this chapter. The credit shall not apply to offset tax on income derived from activities subject to Mississippi income tax prior to certification of the project.

(4) A qualified business or industry may elect the date upon which the fifteen (15) year period will begin; however, the date may not be later than twenty-four (24) months after the date the qualified business or industry begins commercial production of the project or such earlier date prescribed by a definitive written agreement between the authority and the qualified business or industry and/or an affiliate thereof.

(5) In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the qualified business or industry and/or any affiliate thereof falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the qualified business or industry and/or any affiliate thereof for one or more years, the annual tax credit granted by this section may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the qualified business or industry and/or any affiliate thereof reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the qualified business or industry and/or any affiliate thereof.

(6) A qualified business or industry that utilizes the annual tax credits authorized by this section shall not be eligible for the credits authorized in Sections 57-73-21 through 57-73-29.

(7) A qualified business or industry shall be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for income tax imposed by this chapter for any year for which it files a Mississippi income tax return. The qualified business or industry shall be entitled to continue to utilize such single sales apportionment factor notwithstanding a suspension of the income tax credit pursuant to subsection (5) of this section. In no event shall a qualified business or industry be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor for purposes of calculating its liability for income tax imposed by this chapter on any income derived from any operations or activities thereof subject to tax liability imposed by this chapter prior to January 1, 2023, except to the extent that the qualified business or industry is entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for income tax on income derived from any operations or activities thereof subject to tax liability imposed by this chapter prior to January 1, 2023, pursuant to any other section of law or regulation duly adopted by the department.

(8) The Mississippi Development Authority may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this section.

SECTION 34. Section 27-7-22.46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.46. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

(b) "Eligible charitable organization" means an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is purchasing, warehousing and delivering food directly to food pantries or soup kitchens in more than five (5) Mississippi counties on a monthly basis.

(2) (a) The tax credit authorized in this section shall be available only to a taxpayer that is a business enterprise engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities and operating as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or sole proprietorship. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123, for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. A credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to (i) an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123, and (ii) an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any credit claimed under this section but not used in the tax year in which it was earned may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which it was earned.

(b) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this section may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(3) A taxpayer taking a credit authorized by this section shall provide the name of the eligible charitable organization and the amount of the contribution to the department on forms provided by the department.

(4) To be considered an eligible charitable organization under this section, an organization shall provide the department with a written certification that it meets all criteria. The organization shall also notify the department of any changes that may affect eligibility under this section.

(5) The eligible charitable organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(a) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(b) A statement that the organization will use the contribution only for the purchasing of food and will deliver the food to food pantries and soup kitchens in the state; and

(6) The department shall review each written certification and determine whether the organization meets all the criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization and shall notify the organization of its determination. The department may also periodically request recertification from the organization. The department shall compile and make available to the public a list of eligible charitable organizations.

(8) (a) A taxpayer shall apply for credits with the department on forms prescribed by the department. In the application, the taxpayer shall certify to the department the dollar amount of the contributions made or to be made during the calendar year. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of an application, the department shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of contributions as certified in the application. However, if the department cannot allocate the full amount of credits certified in the application due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under this section in a calendar year, the department shall so notify the applicant within thirty (30) days with the amount of credits, if any, that may be allocated to the applicant in the calendar year. Once the department has allocated credits to a taxpayer, if the contribution for which a credit is allocated has not been made as of the date of the allocation, then the contribution must be made not later than sixty (60) days from the date of the allocation. If the contribution is not made within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the department for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the contribution, if the actual dollar amount of the contribution is lower than the amount estimated, the department shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this section.

(b) For the purposes of using a tax credit against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property, a taxpayer shall present to the appropriate tax collector the tax credit documentation provided to the taxpayer by the department, and the tax collector shall apply the tax credit against such ad valorem taxes. The tax collector shall forward the tax credit documentation to the department along with the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes, and the department shall disburse funds to the tax collector for the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes. Such payments by the department shall be made from current tax collections.

(9) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this section during a calendar year shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).

SECTION 35. Section 27-7-22.47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.47. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

(b) "Eligible transitional home organization" means an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that provides transitional housing for homeless persons age twenty-five (25) and under, homeless families and/or homeless and/or referred unwed pregnant women.

"Eligible transitional home organization" does not include any entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions or that financially supports any other entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions.

"Eligible transitional home organization" does not include any entity that charges a fee for the services and/or benefits it provides as an eligible transitional home organization. The prohibition against charging a fee for services and/or benefits is limited to services and benefits the entity provides as an eligible transitional home organization and does not apply to any other services and/or benefits the entity may provide to persons not being served by the entity's transitional home services.

(c) "Transitional housing" means temporary housing the purpose of which is to provide homeless persons age twenty-five (25) and under, homeless families and/or homeless and/or referred unwed pregnant women with temporary shelter and facilitate their movement to permanent housing within an amount of time that the eligible transitional home organization determines to be appropriate.

"Transitional housing" includes a program designed by the eligible transitional home organization that offers structure, supervision, support, life skills, education and training as the eligible transitional home organization determines to be appropriate for each individual and/or family to achieve and/or maintain independence.

(2) (a) (i) The tax credit authorized in this subsection shall be available only to a taxpayer who is a business enterprise engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities and operating as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or sole proprietorship. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123, for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible transitional home organization. A credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible transitional home organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by such sections of law and an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this subsection but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(ii) A contribution to an eligible transitional home organization for which a credit is claimed under this subsection does not qualify for and shall not be included in any credit that may be claimed under subsection (3) of this section.

(iii) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this subsection may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(b) Taxpayers taking a credit authorized by this subsection shall provide the name of the eligible transitional home organization and the amount of the contribution to the department on forms provided by the department.

(c) An eligible transitional home organization shall provide the department with a written certification that it meets all criteria to be considered an eligible transitional home organization. The organization shall also notify the department of any changes that may affect eligibility under this section.

(d) The eligible transitional home organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(i) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(ii) Information about the facilities that demonstrate the applicant's ability to provide housing for homeless persons age twenty-five (25) and under, homeless families, and/or homeless and/or referred unwed pregnant women;

(iii) Sufficient materials to document the program of the applicant that demonstrate that the applicant has and runs a program that offers structure, supervision, support, life skills, education and training as the eligible transitional home organization determines to be appropriate for each individual and/or family to achieve and/or maintain independence;

(iv) A statement that the organization does not charge a fee for services or benefits provided in whole or in part by its transitional housing program; and

(v) Any other information that the department requires to administer this section.

(e) The department shall review each written certification and determine whether the organization meets all the criteria to be considered an eligible transitional home organization and notify the organization of its determination. The department may also periodically request recertification from the organization. The department shall compile and make available to the public a list of eligible transitional home organizations.

(f) Tax credits authorized by this subsection that are earned by a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation or other similar pass-through entity, shall be allocated among all partners, members or shareholders, respectively, either in proportion to their ownership interest in such entity or as the partners, members or shareholders mutually agree as provided in an executed document.

(g) (i) A taxpayer shall apply for credits with the department on forms prescribed by the department. In the application the taxpayer shall certify to the department the dollar amount of the contributions made or to be made during the calendar year. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of an application, the department shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of contributions as certified in the application. However, if the department cannot allocate the full amount of credits certified in the application due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under this subsection in a calendar year, the department shall so notify the applicant within thirty (30) days with the amount of credits, if any, that may be allocated to the applicant in the calendar year. Once the department has allocated credits to a taxpayer, if the contribution for which a credit is allocated has not been made as of the date of the allocation, then the contribution must be made not later than sixty (60) days from the date of the allocation. If the contribution is not made within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the department for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the contributions, if the actual dollar amount of the contributions is lower than the amount estimated, the department shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this subsection.

(ii) For the purposes of using a tax credit against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property, a taxpayer shall present to the appropriate tax collector the tax credit documentation provided to the taxpayer by the Department of Revenue, and the tax collector shall apply the tax credit against such ad valorem taxes. The tax collector shall forward the tax credit documentation to the Department of Revenue along with the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes, and the department shall disburse funds to the tax collector for the amount of the tax credit applied against ad valorem taxes. Such payments by the Department of Revenue shall be made from current tax collections.

(h) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this subsection during a calendar year shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00). For credits allocated during a calendar year for contributions to eligible transitional home organizations, no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of such credits may be allocated for contributions to a single eligible transitional home organization.

(3) (a) (i) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter for voluntary cash contributions by an individual taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible transitional home organization. A credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by an individual taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible transitional home organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by this chapter and an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this subsection but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(ii) A husband and wife who file separate returns for a taxable year in which they could have filed a joint return may each claim only one-half (1/2) of the tax credit that would have been allowed for a joint return.

(iii) A contribution to an eligible transitional home organization for which a credit is claimed under this subsection does not qualify for and shall not be included in any credit that may be claimed under subsection (2) of this section.

(iv) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this subsection may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(d) The eligible transitional housing organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(i) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(iv) A statement that the organization does not charge a fee for services or benefits provided in whole or in part by its transitional housing program; and

(v) Any other information that the department requires to administer this section.

(f) (i) A taxpayer shall apply for credits with the department on forms prescribed by the department. In the application the taxpayer shall certify to the department the dollar amount of the contributions made or to be made during the calendar year. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of an application, the department shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of contributions as certified in the application. However, if the department cannot allocate the full amount of credits certified in the application due to the limit on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under this subsection in a calendar year, the department shall so notify the applicant within thirty (30) days with the amount of credits, if any, that may be allocated to the applicant in the calendar year. Once the department has allocated credits to a taxpayer, if the contribution for which a credit is allocated has not been made as of the date of the allocation, then the contribution must be made not later than sixty (60) days from the date of the allocation. If the contribution is not made within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the department for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the contributions, if the actual dollar amount of the contributions is lower than the amount estimated, the department shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this subsection.

(g) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this subsection during a calendar year shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).

SECTION 36. Section 27-7-22.48, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.48. (1) (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(i) "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

(ii) "Eligible charitable organization" means an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and spends at least

fifty percent (50%) of its budget on contracting or making other agreements or arrangements with physicians and/or nurse practitioners to provide health care services to low-income residents of this state including those who are mothers and to their households.

"Eligible charitable organization" does not include any entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions or that financially supports any other entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions.

(iii) "Low-income residents" means persons whose household income does not exceed one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of the federal poverty level converted to a modified adjusted gross income equivalent standard.

(iv) "Nurse practitioner" means a nurse practitioner certified under Section 73-15-20, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(v) "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine under Section 73-25-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972.

(2) (a) (i) The tax credit authorized in this subsection shall be available only to a taxpayer who is a business enterprise engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities and operating as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or sole proprietorship. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123, for voluntary cash contributions made by a taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. A credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by such sections of law and an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this subsection but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(ii) A contribution to an eligible charitable organization for which a credit is claimed under this subsection does not qualify for and shall not be included in any credit that may be claimed under subsection (3) of this section.

(iii) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this subsection may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(b) Taxpayers taking a credit authorized by this subsection shall provide the name of the eligible charitable organization and the amount of the contribution to the department on forms provided by the department.

(c) An eligible charitable organization shall provide the department with a written certification that it meets all criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization. The organization shall also notify the department of any changes that may affect eligibility under this subsection.

(d) The eligible charitable organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(i) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(ii) A statement that the organization does not provide, pay for or provide coverage of abortions and does not financially support any other entity that provides, pays for or provides coverage of abortions;

(iii) Any other information that the department requires to administer this subsection.

(e) The department shall review each written certification and determine whether the organization meets all the criteria to be considered an eligible charitable organization and notify the organization of its determination. The department may also periodically request recertification from the organization. The department shall compile and make available to the public a list of eligible charitable organizations.

(h) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this subsection during a calendar year shall not exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00).

(3) (a) (i) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a credit is allowed against the taxes imposed by this chapter for voluntary cash contributions by an individual taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. A credit is also allowed against ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property for voluntary cash contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an eligible charitable organization. The amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by this chapter and an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total tax liability of the taxpayer for ad valorem taxes assessed and levied on real property. Any tax credit claimed under this subsection but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(iii) A contribution to an eligible charitable organization for which a credit is claimed under this subsection does not qualify for and shall not be included in any credit that may be claimed under subsection (2) of this section.

(iv) A contribution for which a credit is claimed under this subsection may not be used as a deduction by the taxpayer for state income tax purposes.

(d) The eligible charitable organization's written certification must be signed by an officer of the organization under penalty of perjury. The written certification shall include the following:

(i) Verification of the organization's status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(iii) Any other information that the department requires to administer this subsection.

(g) The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be allocated by the department under this subsection during a calendar year shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).

SECTION 37. Section 27-7-22.49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.49. (1) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Employment-related expenses" means and has the same definition as such term has in 26 USCS Section 21.

(b) "Qualifying individual" means and has the same definition as such term has in 26 USCS Section 21(b)(1)(A).

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, any taxpayer allowed to claim a federal income tax credit under 26 USCS Section 21 for employment-related expenses incurred related to one (1) or more qualifying individuals shall be allowed a credit against the taxes imposed under this chapter in the manner prescribed in this section. The amount of the credit shall be equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of the federal income tax credit lawfully claimed by the taxpayer for such employment-related expenses on the taxpayer's federal income tax return. However, the amount of credit that may be utilized by a taxpayer in a taxable year shall be limited to an amount not to exceed the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed under this chapter. In order to claim the credit provided for in this section, a taxpayer must claim the federal income tax credit on the taxpayer's federal income tax return and have an adjusted gross income for such return of not more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). A taxpayer must provide a copy of such return and any other information required by the department.

SECTION 38. Section 27-7-205, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-205. As used in this article:

(a) "Qualified community foundation" means an entity that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is recognized by the Mississippi Association of Grantmakers as meeting the following requirements:

(i) It is organized by articles of incorporation in the State of Mississippi to serve the State of Mississippi, or one or more Mississippi counties or municipalities, or a combination thereof;

(ii) It is comprised of permanent, component funds established by multiple separate donors;

(iii) It supports broad-based charitable interests that benefit the residents of a defined geographic area, no larger than the State of Mississippi;

(iv) It is directed by a board of directors that is comprised of community representatives and is independent in that it is not subject to the control of another entity;

(v) It actively engages in charitable activities, including, but not limited to, supporting two (2) or more unaffiliated tax-exempt organizations through grants or other professionally accepted means of charitable support, and serving in leadership roles on important community issues;

(vi) It complies with the guidelines of the Mississippi Association of Grantmakers, or its successor entity, for membership by a community foundation; and

(vii) It is in good standing with having complied with Endow Mississippi certification, reporting, and data privacy requirements.

(b) "Endowment gift" means an irrevocable contribution to an endowed fund held by a qualified community foundation.

(c) "Qualified contribution" means an endowment gift of at least One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) made to a qualified community foundation for an endowed fund established to substantially benefit charitable causes in this state, and that is a charitable gift as defined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. A qualified contribution may take any form, subject to the giving policies of the qualified community foundation receiving it.

(d) "Endowed fund" means a fund held in a qualified community foundation that provides benefit to charitable causes in Mississippi that is intended to exist in perpetuity. An endowed fund may include, but is not limited to, donor-advised funds, community foundation affiliate funds, field-of-interest funds, agency funds and designated organizational funds.

SECTION 39. Section 27-7-207, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-207. (1) Subject to the limitations provided for in this section, through calendar year 2028, a taxpayer shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed by Chapter 7, Title 27, in an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of a qualified contribution to an endowed fund at a qualified community foundation, subject to the following:

(a) The minimum amount of a qualified contribution shall be One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).

(b) The maximum amount of a qualified contribution shall be Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).

(c) The total qualified contributions from any qualified taxpayer eligible for the tax credit authorized under this section shall be Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) per year.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the aggregate amount of tax credits authorized under this article shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in any one (1) calendar year. The credits shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If the tax credits authorized for any calendar year are not utilized, the amount not utilized may be awarded or carried forward in up to five (5) subsequent calendar years from the year in which such credits are made available.

(3) If the amount allowable as a credit exceeds the tax imposed by Chapter 7, Title 27, the amount of such excess may be carried forward for not more than five (5) subsequent taxable years.

(4) From and after January 1, 2029, no additional credits shall be authorized under this section; however, any tax credits authorized prior to January 1, 2029, and not used, may be carried forward for not more than five (5) taxable years subsequent to calendar year 2028.

SECTION 40. Section 27-7-209, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-209. For each calendar year, a total of ten percent (10%) of the authorized tax credits shall be reserved for qualified contributions to each of the qualified community foundations in Mississippi for a period of nine (9) months. Any credits that are not utilized within the nine-month period shall be utilized for qualified contributions to any qualified community foundation on a first-come, first-served basis. Any credits not specifically reserved under this section shall also be available to any qualified community foundation on a first-come, first-served basis. The Mississippi Association of Grantmakers, or its successor entity, shall, in cooperation with qualified community foundations, develop, establish and maintain records that determine the priority for the awarding of tax credits under this article.

SECTION 41. Section 57-73-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[In cases involving business enterprises that received or applied for the job tax credit authorized by this section prior to January 1, 2005, this section shall read as follows:]

57-73-21. (1) Annually by December 31, using the most current data available from the University Research Center, Mississippi Department of Employment Security and the United States Department of Commerce, the State Tax Commission shall rank and designate the state's counties as provided in this section. The twenty-eight (28) counties in this state having a combination of the highest unemployment rate and lowest per capita income for the most recent thirty-six-month period, with equal weight being given to each category, are designated Tier Three areas. The twenty-seven (27) counties in the state with a combination of the next highest unemployment rate and next lowest per capita income for the most recent thirty-six-month period, with equal weight being given to each category, are designated Tier Two areas. The twenty-seven (27) counties in the state with a combination of the lowest unemployment rate and the highest per capita income for the most recent thirty-six-month period, with equal weight being given to each category, are designated Tier One areas. Counties designated by the Tax Commission qualify for the appropriate tax credit for jobs as provided in subsections (2), (3) and (4) of this section. The designation by the Tax Commission is effective for the tax years of permanent business enterprises which begin after the date of designation. For companies which plan an expansion in their labor forces, the Tax Commission shall prescribe certification procedures to ensure that the companies can claim credits in future years without regard to whether or not a particular county is removed from the list of Tier Three or Tier Two areas.

(2) Permanent business enterprises primarily engaged in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, wholesaling and research and development, or permanent business enterprises designated by rule and regulation of the Mississippi Development Authority as air transportation and maintenance facilities, final destination or resort hotels having a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) guest rooms, recreational facilities that impact tourism, movie industry studios, telecommunications enterprises, data or information processing enterprises or computer software development enterprises or any technology intensive facility or enterprise, in counties designated by the Tax Commission as Tier Three areas are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the job; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the permanent business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of jobs, the Chairman of the State Tax Commission may extend this time period for not more two (2) years. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent businesses that increase employment by ten (10) or more in a Tier Three area are eligible for the credit. Credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below ten (10). The Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of ten (10).

(3) Permanent business enterprises primarily engaged in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, wholesaling and research and development, or permanent business enterprises designated by rule and regulation of the Mississippi Development Authority as air transportation and maintenance facilities, final destination or resort hotels having a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) guest rooms, recreational facilities that impact tourism, movie industry studios, telecommunications enterprises, data or information processing enterprises or computer software development enterprises or any technology intensive facility or enterprise, in counties that have been designated by the Tax Commission as Tier Two areas are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the job; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the permanent business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of jobs, the Chairman of the State Tax Commission may extend this time period for not more two (2) years. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent businesses that increase employment by fifteen (15) or more in Tier Two areas are eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below fifteen (15). The Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of fifteen (15).

(4) Permanent business enterprises primarily engaged in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, wholesaling and research and development, or permanent business enterprises designated by rule and regulation of the Mississippi Development Authority as air transportation and maintenance facilities, final destination or resort hotels having a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) guest rooms, recreational facilities that impact tourism, movie industry studios, telecommunications enterprises, data or information processing enterprises or computer software development enterprises or any technology intensive facility or enterprise, in counties designated by the Tax Commission as Tier One areas are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) annually for each net new full-time employee job for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the job; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the permanent business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of jobs, the Chairman of the State Tax Commission may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent businesses that increase employment by twenty (20) or more in Tier One areas are eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below twenty (20). The Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of twenty (20).

(5) In addition to the credits authorized in subsections (2), (3) and (4), an additional Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) credit for each net new full-time employee or an additional One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee who is paid a salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxation, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average annual wage of the state or an additional Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee who is paid a salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxation, of at least two hundred percent (200%) of the average annual wage of the state, shall be allowed for any company establishing or transferring its national or regional headquarters from within or outside the State of Mississippi. A minimum of thirty-five (35) jobs must be created to qualify for the additional credit. The State Tax Commission shall establish criteria and prescribe procedures to determine if a company qualifies as a national or regional headquarters for purposes of receiving the credit awarded in this subsection. As used in this subsection, the average annual wage of the state is the most recently published average annual wage as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

(6) In addition to the credits authorized in subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5), any job requiring research and development skills (chemist, engineer, etc.) shall qualify for an additional One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee.

(7) In lieu of the tax credits provided in subsections (2) through (6), any commercial or industrial property owner which remediates contaminated property in accordance with Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25, is allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to the amounts provided in subsection (2), (3) or (4) for each net new full-time employee job for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the job. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. This subsection shall be administered in the same manner as subsections (2), (3) and (4), except the landowner shall not be required to increase employment by the levels provided in subsections (2), (3) and (4) to be eligible for the tax credit.

(8) Tax credits for five (5) years for the taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 shall be awarded for additional net new full-time jobs created by business enterprises qualified under subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) of this section. Except as otherwise provided, the Tax Commission shall adjust the credit allowed in the event of employment fluctuations during the additional five (5) years of credit.

(9) (a) The sale, merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy or relocation from one (1) county to another county within the state of any business enterprise may not create new eligibility in any succeeding business entity, but any unused job tax credit may be transferred and continued by any transferee of the business enterprise. The Tax Commission shall determine whether or not qualifying net increases or decreases have occurred or proper transfers of credit have been made and may require reports, promulgate regulations, and hold hearings as needed for substantiation and qualification.

(b) This subsection shall not apply in cases in which a business enterprise has ceased operation, laid off all its employees and is subsequently acquired by another unrelated business entity that continues operation of the enterprise in the same or a similar type of business. In such a case the succeeding business entity shall be eligible for the credit authorized by this section unless the cessation of operation of the business enterprise was for the purpose of obtaining new eligibility for the credit.

(10) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) years from the close of the tax year in which the qualified jobs were established but the credit established by this section taken in any one (1) tax year must be limited to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the taxpayer's state income tax liability which is attributable to income derived from operations in the state for that year. If the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business enterprise is unable to use the existing carryforward, the Chairman of the State Tax Commission may extend the period that the credit may be carried forward for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years.

(11) No business enterprise for the transportation, handling, storage, processing or disposal of hazardous waste is eligible to receive the tax credits provided in this section.

(12) The credits allowed under this section shall not be used by any business enterprise or corporation other than the business enterprise actually qualifying for the credits.

(13) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in addition to any tax credits described in Sections 57-51-13(b), 57-53-1(1)(a) and 57-54-9(b) and granted pursuant to official action by the Mississippi Development Authority prior to July 1, 1989, to any business enterprise determined prior to July 1, 1989, by the Mississippi Development Authority to be a qualified business as defined in Section 57-51-5(f) or Section 57-54-5(d) or a qualified company as described in Section 57-53-1, as the case may be; however, from and after July 1, 1989, tax credits shall be allowed only under either this section or Sections 57-51-13(b), 57-53-1(1)(a) and Section 57-54-9(b) for each net new full-time employee.

(14) As used in this section, the term "telecommunications enterprises" means entities engaged in the creation, display, management, storage, processing, transmission or distribution for compensation of images, text, voice, video or data by wire or by wireless means, or entities engaged in the construction, design, development, manufacture, maintenance or distribution for compensation of devices, products, software or structures used in the above activities. Companies organized to do business as commercial broadcast radio stations, television stations or news organizations primarily serving in-state markets shall not be included within the definition of the term "telecommunications enterprises."

[In cases involving business enterprises that apply for the job tax credit authorized by this section from and after January 1, 2005, this section shall read as follows:]

57-73-21. (1) Annually by December 31, using the most current data available from the University Research Center, Mississippi Department of Employment Security and the United States Department of Commerce, the Department of Revenue shall rank and designate the state's counties as provided in this section. The twenty-eight (28) counties in this state having a combination of the highest unemployment rate and lowest per capita income for the most recent thirty-six-month period, with equal weight being given to each category, are designated Tier Three areas. The twenty-seven (27) counties in the state with a combination of the next highest unemployment rate and next lowest per capita income for the most recent thirty-six-month period, with equal weight being given to each category, are designated Tier Two areas. The twenty-seven (27) counties in the state with a combination of the lowest unemployment rate and the highest per capita income for the most recent thirty-six-month period, with equal weight being given to each category, are designated Tier One areas. Counties designated by the Department of Revenue qualify for the appropriate tax credit for jobs as provided in this section. The designation by the Department of Revenue is effective for the tax years of permanent business enterprises which begin after the date of designation. For companies which plan an expansion in their labor forces, the Department of Revenue shall prescribe certification procedures to ensure that the companies can claim credits in future years without regard to whether or not a particular county is removed from the list of Tier Three or Tier Two areas.

(2) Permanent business enterprises in counties designated by the Department of Revenue as Tier Three areas are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to ten percent (10%) of the payroll of the enterprise for net new full-time employee jobs for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the minimum number of jobs required by this subsection; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the permanent business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of jobs, the Commissioner of Revenue may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to the Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent business enterprises that increase employment by ten (10) or more in a Tier Three area are eligible for the credit. Credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below ten (10). The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of ten (10). Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this subsection (2).

(3) Permanent business enterprises in counties that have been designated by the Department of Revenue as Tier Two areas are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to five percent (5%) of the payroll of the enterprise for net new full-time employee jobs for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the minimum number of jobs required by this subsection; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the permanent business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of jobs, the Commissioner of Revenue may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent business enterprises that increase employment by fifteen (15) or more in Tier Two areas are eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below fifteen (15). The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of fifteen (15). Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this subsection (3).

(4) Permanent business enterprises in counties designated by the Department of Revenue as Tier One areas are allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the payroll of the enterprise for net new full-time employee jobs for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the minimum number of jobs required by this subsection; however, if the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the permanent business enterprise is unable to maintain the required number of jobs, the Commissioner of Revenue may extend this time period for not more than two (2) years. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. Only those permanent business enterprises that increase employment by twenty (20) or more in Tier One areas are eligible for the credit. The credit is not allowed during any of the five (5) years if the net employment increase falls below twenty (20). The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed each year for the net new employment fluctuations above the minimum level of twenty (20). Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this subsection (4).

(5) (a) In addition to the other credits authorized in this section, an additional Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) credit for each net new full-time employee or an additional One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee who is paid a salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxation, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average annual wage of the state or an additional Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee who is paid a salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxation, of at least two hundred percent (200%) of the average annual wage of the state, shall be allowed for any company establishing or transferring its national or regional headquarters from within or outside the State of Mississippi. A minimum of twenty (20) jobs must be created to qualify for the additional credit. The Department of Revenue shall establish criteria and prescribe procedures to determine if a company qualifies as a national or regional headquarters for purposes of receiving the credit awarded in this paragraph (a). As used in this paragraph (a), the average annual wage of the state is the most recently published average annual wage as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this paragraph (a).

(b) In addition to the other credits authorized in this section, an additional Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) credit for each net new full-time employee or an additional One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee who is paid a salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxation, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average annual wage of the state or an additional Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee who is paid a salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxation, of at least two hundred percent (200%) of the average annual wage of the state, shall be allowed for any company expanding or making additions after January 1, 2013, to its national or regional headquarters within the State of Mississippi. A minimum of twenty (20) new jobs must be created to qualify for the additional credit. The Department of Revenue shall establish criteria and prescribe procedures to determine if a company qualifies as a national or regional headquarters for purposes of receiving the credit awarded in this paragraph (b). As used in this paragraph (b), the average annual wage of the state is the most recently published average annual wage as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this paragraph (b).

(6) In addition to the other credits authorized in this section, any job requiring research and development skills (chemist, engineer, etc.) shall qualify for an additional One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) credit for each net new full-time employee. Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this subsection (6).

(7) (a) In addition to the other credits authorized in this section, any company that transfers or relocates its national or regional headquarters to the State of Mississippi from outside the State of Mississippi may receive a tax credit in an amount equal to the actual relocation costs paid by the company. A minimum of twenty (20) jobs must be created in order to qualify for the additional credit authorized under this subsection. Relocation costs for which a credit may be awarded shall be determined by the Department of Revenue and shall include those nondepreciable expenses that are necessary to relocate headquarters employees to the national or regional headquarters, including, but not limited to, costs such as travel expenses for employees and members of their households to and from Mississippi in search of homes and moving expenses to relocate furnishings, household goods and personal property of the employees and members of their households. Medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act shall not be eligible for the tax credit authorized in this subsection (7).

(b) The tax credit authorized under this subsection shall be applied for the taxable year in which the relocation costs are paid. The maximum cumulative amount of tax credits that may be claimed by all taxpayers claiming a credit under this subsection in any one (1) state fiscal year shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), exclusive of credits that might be carried forward from previous taxable years. A company may not receive a credit for the relocation of an employee more than one (1) time in a twelve-month period for that employee.

(c) The Department of Revenue shall establish criteria and prescribe procedures to determine if a company creates the required number of jobs and qualifies as a national or regional headquarters for purposes of receiving the credit awarded in this subsection. A company desiring to claim a credit under this subsection must submit an application for such credit with the Department of Revenue in a manner prescribed by the department.

(d) In order to participate in the provisions of this section, a company must certify to the Mississippi Department of Revenue that it complies with the equal pay provisions of the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the fair pay provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

(e) This subsection shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025.

(8) In lieu of the other tax credits provided in this section, any commercial or industrial property owner which remediates contaminated property in accordance with Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25, is allowed a job tax credit for taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 equal to the percentage of payroll provided in subsection (2), (3) or (4) of this section for net new full-time employee jobs for five (5) years beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the jobs. The number of new full-time jobs must be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full-time employees subject to Mississippi income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. This subsection shall be administered in the same manner as subsections (2), (3) and (4), except the landowner shall not be required to increase employment by the levels provided in subsections (2), (3) and (4) to be eligible for the tax credit.

(9) (a) Tax credits for five (5) years for the taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 shall be awarded for increases in the annual payroll for net new full-time jobs created by business enterprises qualified under this section. The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed in the event of payroll fluctuations during the additional five (5) years of credit.

(b) Tax credits for five (5) years for the taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 shall be awarded for additional net new full-time jobs created by business enterprises qualified under subsections (5) and (6) of this section and for additional relocation costs paid by companies qualified under subsection (7) of this section. The Department of Revenue shall adjust the credit allowed in the event of employment fluctuations during the additional five (5) years of credit.

(10) (a) The sale, merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy or relocation from one (1) county to another county within the state of any business enterprise may not create new eligibility in any succeeding business entity, but any unused job tax credit may be transferred and continued by any transferee of the business enterprise. The Department of Revenue shall determine whether or not qualifying net increases or decreases have occurred or proper transfers of credit have been made and may require reports, promulgate regulations, and hold hearings as needed for substantiation and qualification.

(11) Any tax credit claimed under this section but not used in any taxable year may be carried forward for five (5) years from the close of the tax year in which the qualified jobs were established and/or headquarters relocation costs paid, as applicable, but the credit established by this section taken in any one (1) tax year must be limited to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the taxpayer's state income tax liability which is attributable to income derived from operations in the state for that year. If the permanent business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business enterprise is unable to use the existing carryforward, the Commissioner of Revenue may extend the period that the credit may be carried forward for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years.

(12) No business enterprise for the transportation, handling, storage, processing or disposal of hazardous waste is eligible to receive the tax credits provided in this section.

(13) The credits allowed under this section shall not be used by any business enterprise or corporation other than the business enterprise actually qualifying for the credits.

(14) As used in this section:

(a) "Business enterprises" means entities primarily engaged in:

(i) Manufacturing, processing, warehousing, warehousing activities, distribution, wholesaling and research and development, or

(b) "Telecommunications enterprises" means entities engaged in the creation, display, management, storage, processing, transmission or distribution for compensation of images, text, voice, video or data by wire or by wireless means, or entities engaged in the construction, design, development, manufacture, maintenance or distribution for compensation of devices, products, software or structures used in the above activities. Companies organized to do business as commercial broadcast radio stations, television stations or news organizations primarily serving in-state markets shall not be included within the definition of the term "telecommunications enterprises."

(c) "Warehousing activities" means entities that establish or expand facilities that service and support multiple retail or wholesale locations within and outside the state. Warehousing activities may be performed solely to support the primary activities of the entity, and credits generated shall offset the income of the entity based on an apportioned ratio of payroll for warehouse employees of the entity to total Mississippi payroll of the entity that includes the payroll of retail employees of the entity.

(15) The tax credits provided for in this section shall be in addition to any tax credits described in Sections 57-51-13(b), 57-53-1(1)(a) and 57-54-9(b) and granted pursuant to official action by the Mississippi Development Authority prior to July 1, 1989, to any business enterprise determined prior to July 1, 1989, by the Mississippi Development Authority to be a qualified business as defined in Section 57-51-5(f) or Section 57-54-5(d) or a qualified company as described in Section 57-53-1, as the case may be; however, from and after July 1, 1989, tax credits shall be allowed only under either this section or Sections 57-51-13(b), 57-53-1(1)(a) and Section 57-54-9(b) for each net new full-time employee.

(16) A business enterprise that chooses to receive job training assistance pursuant to Section 57-1-451 shall not be eligible for the tax credits provided for in this section.

SECTION 42. Section 57-73-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-73-23. (1) A fifty percent (50%) income tax credit shall be granted to any employer providing dependent care for employees during the employee's work hours, and to any employer who provides a child care stipend of at least Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) to a licensed or registered entity providing dependent child care in the State of Mississippi for an employee's children during the employee's work hours.

(2) In order for an employer who provides a child care stipend under this section to be eligible for the tax credit, the employer shall certify to the Department of Revenue:

(a) The names of the employees on whose behalf the stipend is paid; and

(b) The amount of the stipend paid on behalf of each of those employees;

(c) The licensed or registered entity receiving the child care stipend from the employer on behalf of the employee, including the entity's federal identification number and license and registration number; and

(d) Such other information as may be required by the Department of Revenue to ensure that credits under this section are granted only to employers who provide stipends to a licensed or registered entity providing dependent care in the State of Mississippi for an employee's children during the employee's work hours.

(3) For an employer contracting with a licensed or registered entity to provide dependent care for its employees during the employee's work hours, the credit is applied to the net cost of any contract executed by the employer for another entity to provide dependent care; or, if the employer elects to provide dependent care itself, the credit is applied to expenses of dependent care staff, learning and recreational materials and equipment, and the construction and maintenance of a facility; or, if the employer elects to provide a child care stipend to a licensed or registered entity providing dependent care in the State of Mississippi for the employee's children during the employee's work hours, the credit is applied to the amount of the stipend provided. Additional eligible expenses include net costs assumed by the employer which increase the quality, availability and affordability of dependent care in the community used by employees during the employee's work hours. This cost is net of any reimbursement. A deduction shall not be allowed for any expenses which serve as the basis for an income tax credit. The credits allowed under this section shall not be used by any business enterprise or corporation other than the business enterprise actually qualifying for the credits.

Credit may be carried forward for the five (5) successive years if the amount allowable as credit exceeds income tax liability in a tax year; however, thereafter, if the amount allowable as a credit exceeds the tax liability, the amount of excess shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other taxable year.

The facility must have an average daily enrollment for the taxable year of no less than six (6) children who are twelve (12) years of age or less and be licensed according to the regulations governing licensure of child care facilities in Mississippi; or must serve five (5) or fewer children and/or elderly adults in a family child care/elder care home approved by the Department of Health for participation in the United States Department of Agriculture child and adult nutrition program; or must serve children over twelve (12) years of age but less than eighteen (18) years of age in either a community-based facility or a facility at the employment site; or must serve adult relatives of employees in either a community-based elder care facility or a facility at the employment site; or must serve children or adult dependents having physical, emotional or mental disabilities in either a community-based facility or a facility at the employment site.

Employers will be certified as eligible for the tax credit by the State Department of Health for programs serving children twelve (12) years of age or younger and for programs serving elderly adults and by the Department of Revenue for programs serving other dependents older than twelve (12) years of age.

SECTION 43. Section 57-87-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-87-5. (1) For purposes of this section:

(a) "Telecommunications enterprises" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-73-21(14);

(b) "Tier One areas" mean counties designated as Tier One areas pursuant to Section 57-73-21(1);

(d) "Tier Three areas" mean counties designated as Tier Three areas pursuant to Section 57-73-21(1); and

(e) "Equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies" means any equipment capable of being used for or in connection with the transmission of information at a rate, prior to taking into account the effects of any signal degradation, that is not less than three hundred eighty-four (384) kilobits per second in at least one (1) direction, including, but not limited to, asynchronous transfer mode switches, digital subscriber line access multiplexers, routers, servers, multiplexers, fiber optics and related equipment.

(2) With respect to the investment in each year by a telecommunications enterprise after June 30, 2003, and before July 1, 2025, there shall be allowed annually as a credit against the aggregate tax imposed by Chapters 7 and 13 of Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972, an amount equal to:

(a) Five percent (5%) of the cost of equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies in Tier One areas;

(b) Ten percent (10%) of the cost of equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies in Tier Two areas; and

(3) Such annual credits shall be allowed commencing with the taxable year in which such property is placed in service and continue for nine (9) consecutive years thereafter. The aggregate credit established by this section taken in any one (1)

tax year shall be limited to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the taxpayer's tax liabilities under Chapters 7 and 13 of Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972; however, any tax credit claimed under this section, but not used in any taxable year, may be carried forward for ten (10) consecutive years from the close of the tax year in which the credits were earned.

(4) The maximum aggregate amount of credits that may be claimed under this section shall not exceed the original investment made by a telecommunications enterprise in the qualifying equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies.

(5) For purposes of this section, the tier in which broadband technology is deployed shall be determined in the year in which such technology is deployed in a county and such tier shall not change if the county is later designated in another tier.

(6) There will be no credit allowed under this section if the equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies was paid for, or its cost was reimbursed by, funds made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

SECTION 44. Section 57-87-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-87-7. Equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies by a telecommunications enterprise (as defined in Section 57-73-21(14)), that is placed in service after June 30, 2003, and before July 1, 2025, shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation for a period of ten (10) years after the date such equipment is placed in service. For purposes of this section, "equipment used in the deployment of broadband technologies" means any equipment capable of being used for or in connection with the transmission of information at a rate, prior to taking into account the effects of any signal degradation, that is not less than three hundred eighty-four (384) kilobits per second in at least one direction, including, but not limited to, asynchronous transfer mode switches, digital subscriber line access multiplexers, routers, servers, multiplexers, fiber optics and related equipment.

SECTION 45. Section 57-105-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-105-1. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Adjusted purchase price" means the investment in the qualified community development entity for the qualified equity investment, substantially all of the proceeds of which are used to make qualified low-income community investments in Mississippi.

For the purposes of calculating the amount of qualified low-income community investments held by a qualified community development entity, an investment will be considered held by a qualified community development entity even if the investment has been sold or repaid; provided that the qualified community development entity reinvests an amount equal to the capital returned to or recovered by the qualified community development entity from the original investment, exclusive of any profits realized, in another qualified low-income community investment in Mississippi, including any federal Indian reservation located within the geographical boundary of Mississippi within twelve (12) months of the receipt of such capital. A qualified community development entity will not be required to reinvest capital returned from the qualified low-income community investments after the sixth anniversary of the issuance of the qualified equity investment, the proceeds of which were used to make the qualified low-income community investment, and the qualified low-income community investment will be considered held by the qualified community development entity through the seventh anniversary of the qualified equity investment's issuance.

(b) "Applicable percentage" means:

(i) For any equity investment issued prior to July 1, 2008, four percent (4%) for each of the second through seventh credit allowance dates for purposes of the taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 and one and one-third percent (1-1/3%) for each of the second through seventh credit allowance dates for purposes of the taxes imposed by Sections 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123.

(ii) For any equity investment issued from and after July 1, 2008, eight percent (8%) for each of the first through third credit allowance dates for purposes of the taxes imposed by Section 27-7-5 or the taxes imposed by Sections 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123.

(i) The later of:

1. The date upon which the qualified equity investment is initially made; or

2. The date upon which the Mississippi Development Authority issues a certificate under subsection (4) of this section; and

(ii) 1. For equity investments issued prior to July 1, 2008, each of the subsequent six (6) anniversary dates of the date upon which the investment is initially made; or

2. For equity investments issued from and after July 1, 2008, each of the subsequent two (2) anniversary dates of the date determined as provided for in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

(d) "Qualified community development entity" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if the entity has entered into an Allocation Agreement with the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the United States Department of the Treasury with respect to credits authorized by Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(e) "Qualified active low-income community business" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(f) "Qualified equity investment" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The investment does not have to be designated as a qualified equity investment by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the United States Treasury to be considered a qualified equity investment under this section but otherwise must meet the definition under the Internal Revenue Code. In addition to meeting the definition in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code such investment must also:

(i) Have been acquired after January 1, 2007, at its original issuance solely in exchange for cash; and

(ii) Have been allocated by the Mississippi Development Authority.

For the purposes of this section, such investment shall be deemed a qualified equity investment on the later of the date such qualified equity investment is made or the date on which the Mississippi Development Authority issues a certificate under subsection (4) of this section allocating credits based on such investment.

(g) "Qualified low-income community investment" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; provided, however, that the maximum amount of qualified low-income community investments issued for a single qualified active low-income community business, on an aggregate basis with all of its affiliates, that may be included for purposes of allocating any credits under this section shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00), in the aggregate, whether issued by one (1) or several qualified community development entities.

(2) A taxpayer that holds a qualified equity investment on the credit allowance date shall be entitled to a credit applicable against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123 during the taxable year that includes the credit allowance date. The amount of the credit shall be equal to the applicable percentage of the adjusted purchase price paid to the qualified community development entity for the qualified equity investment. The amount of the credit that may be utilized in any one (1) tax year shall be limited to an amount not greater than the total tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxes imposed by the above-referenced sections. The credit shall not be refundable or transferable. Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for seven (7) taxable years beyond the credit allowance date on which the credit was earned. The maximum aggregate amount of qualified equity investments that may be allocated by the Mississippi Development Authority may not exceed an amount that would result in taxpayers claiming in any one (1) state fiscal year credits in excess of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), exclusive of credits that might be carried forward from previous taxable years; however, a maximum of one-third (1/3) of this amount may be allocated as credits for taxes imposed by Sections 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123. Any taxpayer claiming a credit under this section against the taxes imposed by Sections 27-7-5, 27-15-103, 27-15-109 and 27-15-123 shall not be required to pay any additional tax under Section 27-15-123 as a result of claiming such credit. The Mississippi Development Authority shall allocate credits within this limit as provided for in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) Tax credits authorized by this section that are earned by a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation or other similar pass-through entity, shall be allocated among all partners, members or shareholders, respectively, either in proportion to their ownership interest in such entity or as the partners, members or shareholders mutually agree as provided in an executed document. Such allocation shall be made each taxable year of such pass-through entity which contains a credit allowance date.

(4) The qualified community development entity shall apply for credits with the Mississippi Development Authority on forms prescribed by the Mississippi Development Authority. The qualified community development entity must pay an application fee of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) to the Mississippi Development Authority at the time the application is submitted. In the application the qualified community development entity shall certify to the Mississippi Development Authority the dollar amount of the qualified equity investments made or to be made in this state, including in any federal Indian reservation located within the state's geographical boundary, during the first twelve-month period following the initial credit allowance date. The Mississippi Development Authority shall allocate credits based on the dollar amount of qualified equity investments as certified in the application. Once the Mississippi Development Authority has allocated credits to a qualified community development entity, if the corresponding qualified equity investment has not been issued as of the date of such allocation, then the corresponding qualified equity investment must be issued not later than one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of such allocation. If the qualified equity investment is not issued within such time period, the allocation shall be cancelled and returned to the Mississippi Development Authority for reallocation. Upon final documentation of the qualified low-income community investments, if the actual dollar amount of the investments is lower than the amount estimated, the Mississippi Development Authority shall adjust the tax credit allowed under this section. The Department of Revenue may recapture all of the credit allowed under this section if:

(a) Any amount of federal tax credits available with respect to a qualified equity investment that is eligible for a tax credit under this section is recaptured under Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; or

(b) The qualified community development entity redeems or makes any principal repayment with respect to a qualified equity investment prior to the seventh anniversary of the issuance of the qualified equity investment; or

(c) The qualified community development entity fails to maintain at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the proceeds of the qualified equity investment in qualified low-income community investments in Mississippi at any time prior to the seventh anniversary of the issuance of the qualified equity investment.

Any credits that are subject to recapture under this subsection shall be recaptured from the taxpayer that actually claimed the credit.

The Mississippi Development Authority shall not allocate any credits under this section after July 1,~~2021~~ 2024.

(5) Each qualified community development entity that receives qualified equity investments to make qualified low-income community investments in Mississippi must annually report to the Mississippi Development Authority the North American Industry Classification System Code, the county, the dollars invested, the number of jobs assisted and the number of jobs assisted with wages over one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level for a family of four (4) of each qualified low-income community investment.

(6) The Mississippi Development Authority shall file an annual report on all qualified low-income community investments with the Governor, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate and the Secretary of State describing the North American Industry Classification System Code, the county, the dollars invested, the number of jobs assisted and the number of jobs assisted with wages over one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level for a family of four (4) of each qualified low-income community investment. The annual report will be posted on the Mississippi Development Authority's Internet website.

(7) (a) The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the creation and establishment of public benefit corporations for financing arrangements regarding public property and facilities.

(b) As used in this subsection:

(i) "New Markets Tax Credit transaction" means any financing transaction which utilizes either this section or Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(ii) "Public benefit corporation" means a nonprofit corporation formed or designated by a public entity to carry out the purposes of this subsection.

(iii) "Public entity or public entities" includes utility districts, regional solid waste authorities, regional utility authorities, community hospitals, regional airport authorities, municipal airport authorities, community and junior colleges, educational building corporations established by or on behalf of the state institutions of higher learning, school districts, planning and development districts, county economic development districts, urban renewal agencies, any other regional or local economic development authority, agency or governmental entity, and any other regional or local industrial development authority, agency or governmental entity.

(iv) "Public property or facilities" means any property or facilities owned or leased by a public entity or public benefit corporation.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, public entities are authorized pursuant to this subsection to create one or more public benefit corporations or designate an existing corporation as a public benefit corporation for the purpose of entering into financing agreements and engaging in New Markets Tax Credit transactions, which shall include, without limitation, arrangements to plan, acquire, renovate, construct, lease, sublease, manage, operate and/or improve new or existing public property or facilities located within the boundaries or service area of the public entity. Any financing arrangement authorized under this subsection shall further any purpose of the public entity and may include a term of up to fifty (50) years.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and in order to facilitate the acquisition, renovation, construction, leasing, subleasing, management, operating and/or improvement of new or existing public property or facilities to further any purpose of a public entity, public entities are authorized to enter into financing arrangements in order to transfer public property or facilities to and/or from public benefit corporations, including, without limitation, sales, sale-leasebacks, leases and lease-leasebacks, provided such transfer is related to any New Markets Tax Credit transaction furthering any purpose of the public entity. Any such transfer under this paragraph (d) and the public property or facilities transferred in connection therewith shall be exempted from any limitation or requirements with respect to leasing, acquiring, and/or constructing public property or facilities.

(e) With respect to a New Markets Tax Credit transaction, public entities and public benefit corporations are authorized to enter into financing arrangements with any governmental, nonprofit or for-profit entity in order to leverage funds not otherwise available to public entities for the acquisition, construction and/or renovation of properties transferred to such public benefit corporations. The use of any funds loaned by or contributed by a public benefit corporation or borrowed by or otherwise made available to a public benefit corporation in such financing arrangement shall be dedicated solely to (i) the development of new properties or facilities and/or the renovation of existing properties or facilities or operation of properties or facilities, and/or (ii) the payment of costs and expenditures related to any such financing arrangements, including, but not limited to, funding any reserves required in connection therewith, the repayment of any indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, and the payment of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the closing, administration, accounting and/or compliance with respect to the New Markets Tax Credit transaction.

(f) A public benefit corporation created pursuant to this subsection shall not be a political subdivision of the state but shall be a nonprofit corporation organized and governed under the provisions of the laws of this state and shall be a special purpose corporation established to facilitate New Markets Tax Credit transactions consistent with the requirements of this section.

(g) Neither this subsection nor anything herein contained is or shall be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers which the public entity or public benefit corporation might otherwise have under any laws of this state, and this subsection is cumulative to any such powers. This subsection does and shall be construed to provide a complete additional and alternative method for the doing of the things authorized thereby and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws.

(8) The Mississippi Development Authority shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

SECTION 46. Section 57-10-409, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-409. The corporation may enter into, with any approved company, a financing agreement with respect to its economic development project. The terms and provisions of each financing agreement shall be determined by negotiations between the corporation and the approved company, except that each financing agreement shall include the following provisions:

(a) If the corporation issues any bonds in connection with an economic development project, the term of the financing agreement shall not be less than the last maturity of the bonds issued with respect to the economic development project, except that the financing agreement may terminate upon the earlier redemption of all of the bonds issued with respect to the economic development project and may grant to the approved company an option to purchase the economic development project from the corporation upon the termination of the financing agreement for such consideration and under such terms and conditions the corporation may approve. Nothing in this paragraph shall limit the extension of the term of a financing agreement if there is a refunding of the correlative bonds or otherwise.

(b) If the corporation issues any bonds in connection with an economic development project, the financing agreement shall specify that the annual obligations of the approved company under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall equal in each year at least the annual debt service for that year on the bonds issued with respect to the economic development project; and the approved company shall pay such obligation of the financing agreement to the trustee for bonds issued for the benefit of the approved company, at such time and in such amounts sufficient to amortize such bonds.

(c) If the corporation loans funds to an approved company that is a private company under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act, the financing agreement shall include the terms and conditions of the loan required by Section 57-71-1 et seq.

(d) (i) In consideration for financing agreement payment, the approved company may be permitted the following during the period of time in which the financing agreement is in effect, not to exceed twenty-five (25) years:

1. A tax credit on the amount provided for in Section 27-7-22.3(2), Mississippi Code of 1972; plus

2. The aggregate assessment withheld by the approved company in each year.

(ii) The income tax credited to the approved company referred to herein shall be credited in the fiscal year of the financing agreement in which the tax return of the approved company is filed. The approved company shall not be required to pay estimated tax payments under Section 27-7-319, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(e) (i) The financing agreement shall provide that the assessments, when added to the credit for the state corporate income tax herein granted, shall not exceed the total financing agreement annual payment by the approved company in any year; however, to the extent that financing agreement annual payments exceed credits received and assessments collected in any year, the excess payment may be recouped from excess credits or assessment collections in succeeding years.

(ii) If during any fiscal year of the financing agreement the total of the income tax credit granted to the approved company plus the assessment collected from the wages of the employees equals the annual payment pursuant to the financing agreement, and if all excess payments pursuant to the financing agreement accumulated in prior years have been recouped, the assessment collected from the wages of the employees shall cease for the remainder of the fiscal year of the financing agreement.

(f) The financing agreement shall provide that:

(i) It may be assigned by the approved company only upon the prior written consent of the corporation following the adoption of a resolution by the corporation to such effect; and

(ii) Upon the default by the approved company in the obligation to render its annual payment, the corporation shall have the right, at its option, to declare the financing agreement in default and to accelerate the total of all annual payments that are to be made or to terminate the financing agreement and cause to be sold the economic development project at public or private sale, or to pursue any other remedies available under the Uniform Commercial Code, as from time to time amended, or otherwise available in law or equity.

1. A tax credit on the amount provided for in Section 27-7-22.3(2), Mississippi Code of 1972; plus

2. The aggregate assessment withheld by the approved company in each year.

(f) The financing agreement shall provide that:

(i) It may be assigned by the approved company only upon the prior written consent of the corporation following the adoption of a resolution by the corporation to such effect; and

[In cases involving an economic development project for which the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation has not issued bonds for the purpose of financing the approved costs of such project prior to July 1, 1997, or in cases involving an economic development project which has not been induced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation that has been filed with the State Tax Commission prior to July 1, 1997, this section shall read as follows:]

(d) (i) In consideration for financing agreement payment, the approved company may be permitted a tax credit on the amount provided for in Section 27-7-22.3(2), Mississippi Code of 1972, during the period of time in which the financing agreement is in effect, not to exceed twenty-five (25) years.

(e) The financing agreement shall provide that:

(i) It may be assigned by the approved company only upon the prior written consent of the corporation following the adoption of a resolution by the corporation to such effect; and

SECTION 47. Section 57-114-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-114-3. For purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified entity, (i) another person or entity that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the specified person or entity, where the term "control" means the ownership or possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting equity securities or a similar ownership interest in the specified controlled entity, or (ii) any member of an affiliated group of corporations, of which the specified entity is also a member, which are each subject to income taxation in Mississippi and may elect to file a combined Mississippi income tax return in accordance with state law.

(b) "Authority" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(d) "Applicable accounting rules" shall mean the accounting principles generally recognized as applicable to a qualified business or industry and pursuant to which such qualified business or industry regularly prepares and maintains its financial and accounting books and records, and which specifically incorporate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or International Financial Reporting Standards, as appropriate.

(e) "Applicant" means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, person or sole proprietorship, business trust or other legal entity and subunit or affiliate thereof that applies to the authority, in the manner prescribed by this chapter, seeking (i) certification by the authority that such applicant is a qualified business or industry and that its proposed new project or expansion of an existing business or industrial operation is a qualified economic development project, and (ii) an award in connection therewith of an mFlex tax incentive.

(f) "Average state or county wage" shall mean, as of the project certification date, the lesser of the most recently published average annual wage per person as determined and published by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for the state or the county in which the qualified project is or will be located; provided that, if a qualified project is or will be located in two (2) or more counties, the average state or county wage, as used in this chapter, shall mean, as of the project certification date, only the most recently published average annual wage per person as determined and published by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for the state.

(g) "Average employer wage" means the qualified annual payroll for all new full-time jobs created in the State of Mississippi by a qualified business or industry divided by the number of new full-time jobs thereof for which such qualified annual payroll was paid or is otherwise payable.

(h) "Base full-time job" means a job (i) for which an employee was already hired by the qualified business or industry before, and is employed as of, the project certification date; (ii) that offers a minimum of one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours of an employee's time per year (i.e., thirty-five (35) hours per week on average) for a normal four (4) consecutive quarter period of the qualified business or industry's operations or a job for which the employee was hired before, and is employed as of, the project certification date and is compensated based on one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours for such annual period (including in each case an employee who, after hiring, elects to take unpaid time off or is on short-term or long-term disability); and (iii) the employee holding such job receives salary or wages subject to state income tax withholdings. The term "base full-time job" also means a base-leased employee. Part-time jobs may not be combined to add up to a base full-time job.

(i) "Base-leased employee" means a nontemporary employee:

(i) Who was leased by the qualified business or industry before the project certification date from another business or enterprise that is 1. in the business of leasing employees, and 2. is registered with the Office of the Secretary of State and qualified to do business in the state;

(ii) Who is leased as of the project certification date;

(iii) Who is not otherwise an employee of such qualified business or industry;

(iv) Who, as of the project certification date, was already performing services for, and under the supervision of, the qualified business or industry pursuant to a leasing agreement between the qualified business or industry and such other employee leasing firm;

(v) Whose job-performing services for the qualified business or industry offers a minimum of one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours of an employee's time per year (i.e., thirty-five (35) hours per week on average) for an entire normal work year of the qualified business or industry's operations or a job for which the employee is leased before the project certification date and is compensated based on one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours for such annual period (including in each case an employee who, after being leased, elects to take unpaid time off or is on short-term or long-term disability); and

(vi) Whose job receives salary or wages subject to state income tax withholdings. Individuals employed by an independent contractor performing one or more services for the qualified business or industry pursuant to a services or management agreement (e.g., security services, landscaping services, and cafeteria management and food services) shall not be considered as base-leased employees.

(j) "Contractor tax" shall mean the tax levied by Section 27-65-21, except for the tax upon the sale of manufacturing or processing machinery for a manufacturer or custom processor.

(k) "Construction contract" shall mean any contract or portion of any contract for any one or more of the activities described in Section 27-65-21 for which the contractor tax applies and is payable by the contractor that is party thereto.

(l) "Manufacturing machinery," as used in this chapter, shall have the same meaning ascribed to such term in Section 27-65-11, as interpreted by any regulations promulgated by the Department of Revenue with respect to such section.

(m) "mFlex agreement" means the written agreement entered into between a qualified business or industry and the authority in accordance with Section 57-114-7(4)(c).

(n) "mFlex tax incentive" means the tax incentive authorized by this chapter to be calculated and awarded by the authority, and thereafter applied as a credit to offset state taxes, in accordance with, and subject to, this chapter.

(o) "Minimum job creation requirement" means the creation by the qualified business or industry, following the project certification date, of at least ten (10) new full-time jobs in the state.

(p) "Minimum qualified investment" means a qualified investment of not less than Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00).

(q) "New full-time job" means a job:

(i) For which an employee is hired by the qualified business or industry after the project certification date;

(ii) That offers a minimum of one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours of an employee's time per year (i.e., thirty-five (35) hours per week on average) for a normal four (4) consecutive quarter period of the qualified business or industry's operations or a job for which the employee is hired after the project certification date and is compensated based on one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours for such annual period (including in each case an employee who, after hiring, elects to take unpaid time off or is on short-term or long-term disability); and

(iii) The employee holding such job receives salary or wages subject to state income tax withholdings. The term "new full-time job" also means new-leased employee. Part-time jobs may not be combined to add up to a new full-time job.

(r) "New-leased employee" means a nontemporary employee:

(i) Who is leased by the qualified business or industry after the project certification date from another business or enterprise that is 1. in the business of leasing employees, and 2. is registered with the Office of the Secretary of State and qualified to do business in the state;

(ii) Who is not otherwise an employee of such qualified business or industry;

(iii) Who performs services for the qualified business or industry pursuant to a leasing agreement between the qualified business or industry and such other employee-leasing firm;

(iv) Whose job-performing services for the qualified business or industry offers a minimum of one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours of an employee's time per year (i.e., thirty-five (35) hours per week on average) for an entire normal work year of the qualified business or industry's operations or a job for which the employee is leased after the project certification date and is compensated based on one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours for such annual period (including in each case an employee who, after being leased, elects to take unpaid time off or is on short-term or long-term disability); and

(v) Whose job receives salary or wages subject to state income tax withholdings. Individuals employed by an independent contractor performing one or more services for the qualified business or industry pursuant to a services or management agreement (e.g., security services, landscaping services, and cafeteria management and food services) shall not be considered as a new-leased employees.

(s) "Nonmanufacturing equipment" means all tangible personal property that is not manufacturing machinery, including, but not limited to, office furniture, fixtures, office computers and communications equipment, and warehouse equipment such as racking and shelving.

(t) "Part-time job" means a job (i) for which an employee is hired by the qualified business or industry that requires fewer than one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours of an employee's time per year (i.e., requires fewer than thirty-five (35) hours per week on average) for an entire normal work year of the qualified business or industry's operations or a job for which the employee is hired and is compensated based on fewer than one thousand eight hundred twenty (1,820) hours for such annual period; and (iii) for which the employee holding such job receives salary or wages subject to state income tax withholdings.

(u) "Project certification date" means the actual date of the authority's certification, or the effective date of certification determined and prescribed by the authority, of the qualified business or industry and its qualified economic development project as eligible for the state tax credits determined and awarded by the authority, as authorized by, and in accordance with, this chapter.

(v) "Qualified annual payroll" means the sum of the annual salary and wages for new full-time jobs of the qualified business or industry, excluding the amount or value of any benefits that are not subject to state income taxes.

(w) "Qualified business or industry" means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, person or sole proprietorship, business trust or other legal entity and subunit or affiliate thereof, which makes a qualified minimum investment in a qualified economic development project.

(x) "Qualified economic development project" or "qualified project" means the location in the state of one or more of the following enumerated enterprises for which a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other legal entity, or subunit or affiliate thereof, makes or causes to be made from the minimum qualified investment and/or satisfies or causes to be satisfied the minimum job creation requirement:

(i) A new warehouse and/or distribution enterprise or an expansion of an existing warehouse and/or distribution enterprise; provided that, in any such instance, such warehouse and/or distribution enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(ii) A new manufacturing, remanufacturing, assembly, processing and/or refinery enterprise or an expansion of an existing manufacturing, remanufacturing, assembly, processing and/or refinery enterprise; provided that, in any such instance, such manufacturing, remanufacturing, assembly, processing and/or refinery enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(iii) A new research or research and development enterprise or an expansion of an existing research or research and development enterprise; provided that, in any such instance, such research and development enterprise or an expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(iv) A new regional or national headquarters of the qualified business or industry or an expansion of an existing regional or national headquarters of the qualified business or industry; provided that, in any such instance, such regional or national headquarters or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(v) An air transportation, repair and/or maintenance enterprise or an expansion of an existing air transportation, repair and/or maintenance enterprise; provided that, in either instance, such air transportation, repair and/or maintenance enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(vi) A ship or other maritime vessel or barge transportation, repair and/or maintenance enterprise or an expansion of an existing ship or other maritime vessel or barge transportation, repair and/or maintenance enterprise; provided that, in either instance, the ship or other maritime vessel or barge transportation, repair and/or maintenance enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(vii) A new data/information processing enterprise or an expansion of an existing new data/information processing enterprise; provided that, in any such instance such data/information processing enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such;

(viii) A new technology intensive enterprise or an expansion of an existing technology intensive enterprise; provided that, in either instance, the technology intensive enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such; provided further, that a business or enterprise primarily engaged in creating computer programming codes to develop applications, websites and/or software shall qualify as a technology intensive enterprise;

(ix) A new telecommunications enterprise principally engaged in the creation, display, management, storage, processing, transmission and/or distribution, for compensation, of images, text, voice, video or data by wire or by wireless means, or engaged in the construction, design, development, manufacture, maintenance or distribution for compensation of devices, products, software or structures used in the above activities, or an expansion of an existing telecommunications enterprise as herein described; provided that, in any such instance, any such telecommunications enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such; provided further, that commercial broadcast radio stations, television stations or news organizations primarily serving in-state markets shall not be included within the definition of the term "telecommunications enterprise";

(x) A new data center enterprise principally engaged in the utilization of hardware, software, technology, infrastructure and/or workforce, to store, manage or manipulate digital data, or an expansion of an existing data center enterprise as herein described; provided that, in such instance, any such data center enterprise or expansion thereof is certified by the authority to qualify as such.

(y) "Qualified investment" means any expenditures made or caused to be made by the qualified business or industry following the project certification date for construction, installation, equipping and operation of a qualified economic development project from any source or combination of sources, excluding any funds contributed by the state or any agency or other political subdivision thereof, or by any local government or any agency or other political subdivision thereof, to the extent such expenditures can be capitalized under applicable accounting rules or otherwise by the Internal Revenue Code, whether or not the qualified business or industry elects to capitalize the same, as reflected in its financial statements, including, but not limited to, all costs associated with the acquisition, installation and/or construction of, or capital leasehold interest in, any buildings and other real property improvements, fixtures, equipment, machinery, landscaping, fire protection, depreciable fixed assets, engineering and design costs.

(z) "Reporting year" means the twelve-month period ending on the last day of the month during which the annual anniversary of a project certification date occurs, and for which an annual report must be filed with the authority by a qualified business or industry in accordance with Section 57-114-13.

(aa) "State" means the State of Mississippi.

(bb) "State tax" means:

(i) Any sales and use tax imposed on, and payable directly to the Department of Revenue by, the qualified business or industry in accordance with state law, except for contractor's tax and the taxes levied by Section 27-65-24(1)(b);

(ii) All income tax imposed pursuant to law on income earned by the qualified business or industry pursuant to state law;

(iii) Franchise tax imposed pursuant to state law on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise certified by the Mississippi Development Authority; and

(iv) Withholding tax required to be deducted and withheld from employee wages pursuant to Section 27-7-301 et seq.

SECTION 48. Section 57-114-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-114-7. (1) The authority shall evaluate an application to determine whether the applicant's proposed project is a qualified economic development project and whether it is therefore eligible for an award by the authority of an mFlex tax incentive, as calculated in accordance with Section 57-114-9.

(2) Upon approval of an applicant's application, the authority shall issue a certification (a) designating the applicant's project as a "qualified economic development project" and eligible for the mFlex tax incentive authorized by this chapter; (b) awarding the initial mFlex tax incentive calculated pursuant to Section 57-114-9; and (c) imposing those mandatory conditions pursuant to subsection (4) of this section and any discretionary conditions otherwise imposed by the authority.

(3) Upon the issuance of the certification and execution of the mFlex agreement by a qualified business or industry and the authority, the qualified business or industry may apply the amount of its mFlex tax incentive as a credit to offset (a) any state taxes (except for withholding tax required to be deducted and withheld from employee wages pursuant to Section 27-7-301 et seq.), as incurred thereby, up to the full amount of the mFlex tax incentive awarded by the authority for the associated qualified economic development project, and (b) only up to twenty percent (20%) of the mFlex tax incentive amount may be applied as a credit during the course of any reporting year to offset withholding tax deducted and withheld from employee wages pursuant to Section 27-7-301 et seq.; provided that the amount of the mFlex tax incentive available to be applied as a credit to offset such state taxes shall be subject to any subsequent adjustments made by the authority to such award pursuant to Section 57-114-13, and any performance requirements set out in the mFlex agreement. The amount of the mFlex tax incentive available to be applied as a credit to offset any state taxes described in Section 57-114-3(bb)(i) shall be limited to those such taxes payable directly by the qualified business or industry to the Department of Revenue pursuant to a direct pay permit issued by the Department of Revenue under Section 27-65-93. The amount of the mFlex tax incentive available to be applied as a credit to offset any state taxes may not be applied as a credit to offset any state taxes incurred prior to the issuance of the certification by the authority and execution of the mFlex agreement by the qualified business or industry and the authority.

(4) The following conditions shall apply to each such certification made, and each mFlex tax incentive awarded, by the authority in accordance with this chapter:

(a) Any certification and mFlex tax incentive award issued by the authority under this chapter is nontransferable and cannot be applied, used or assigned to any other person or business or tax account without prior approval by the authority, except for one or more affiliates of the qualified business or industry disclosed thereby on its application or in a subsequent annual report submitted to the authority in accordance with this chapter;

(b) No qualified business or industry may claim or use the mFlex tax incentive awarded thereto under this chapter unless the qualified business or industry is in full compliance with all state and local tax laws, and related ordinances, permits and other applicable governmental approvals; and

(c) Each qualified business or industry must enter into an mFlex agreement with the authority which sets out, at a minimum, (i) the obligation of the business or industry to provide an annual report to the authority pursuant to Section 57-114-13 that demonstrates the actual amount of its qualified investment, including actual expenditures on manufacturing machinery, nonmanufacturing equipment and component building materials, the number of new full-time jobs created and maintained as a result of the project, and any other relevant information as may be required by the authority; and (ii) terms for readjustment or recapture of all or a portion of the mFlex tax incentive awarded thereto pursuant to Section 57-114-13 if the applicant 1. fails to satisfy the minimum job creation requirement if certification of the project is predicated on satisfaction of the minimum job creation requirement and not the minimum qualified investment, or 2. fails to satisfy the minimum qualified investment if certification of the project is predicated on satisfaction of the minimum job creation requirement and not the minimum qualified investment, and/or 3. fails to otherwise satisfy any other additional performance requirements of the qualified business or industry or its qualified economic development project that are imposed by the authority.

(5) In addition to those mandatory conditions prescribed by this chapter that apply to each certification and award of an mFlex tax incentive made by the authority in accordance herewith, the authority is authorized to impose any other conditions upon any certification and award of an mFlex tax incentive made by the authority as it shall find best promotes economic development in the state.

(6) Upon certifying a qualified business or industry as eligible for, and awarding, an mFlex tax incentive under this chapter, the authority shall forward the certification along with any other necessary information to the Department of Revenue so that the mFlex tax incentive awarded to the qualified business or industry can be recorded by the Department of Revenue and used to verify each state tax credit subsequently applied by the qualified business or industry.

(7) Within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter, the authority shall provide to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a copy of each certification made, together with a copy of each mFlex agreement approved and executed, during the immediately preceding calendar quarter.

SECTION 49. Section 57-114-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-114-9. Calculation and application of an mFlex tax incentive award. The total amount of the initial mFlex tax incentive determined and awarded by the authority to the certified applicant shall be calculated by the authority as follows:

(a) Subject to paragraph (f) below, one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the total purchase or sales price, or value, including any installation costs thereof, as applicable, of all manufacturing or processing machinery acquired, leased or otherwise moved into the state following the project certification date to establish and equip the qualified economic development project; plus

(b) Subject to paragraph (f) below, seven percent (7%) of the total purchase or sales price, or value, including any installation costs thereof, as applicable, of all nonmanufacturing equipment, other than tagged over-the-road vehicles, acquired, leased or otherwise moved into the state following the project certification date to establish and equip the qualified economic development project; plus

(c) Subject to paragraph (f) below, two percent (2%) of the total contract price or compensation paid to any contractor pursuant to any construction contract entered into following the project certification date by the qualified business or industry or any affiliate thereof, to construct, build, erect, repair or add to any building, facility, structure or other improvement to real property described in Section 27-65-21(1)(a)(i) to establish and construct the qualified economic development project; plus, if applicable;

(d) To the extent that the average employer wage is equal to or more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the average state or county wage, then an additional fifteen percent (15%) of the product derived by multiplying the average employer wage by the number of new full-time jobs; plus, if applicable;

(e) (i) To the extent that 1. the qualified economic development project is an enterprise enumerated in Section 57-114-3(x)(i) or (x)(ii); 2. the number of new full-time jobs totals fifty (50) or more; 3. the qualified investment totals Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) or more; 4. the average employer wage is equal to or more than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the average state or county wage; and 5. all full-time employees are eligible for and offered health insurance coverage funded in whole or at least fifty percent (50%) by the qualified business or industry (or by a leasing company with respect to leased employees), then an additional thirty percent (30%) of the product derived by multiplying the average employer wage by the number of new full-time jobs; or

(ii) To the extent that subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (e) does not apply, but 1. the number of new full-time jobs totals twenty-five (25) or more; 2. the average employer wage is equal to or more than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average state or county wage; and 3. all full-time employees are eligible for and offered health insurance coverage funded in whole or at least fifty percent (50%) by the qualified business or industry (or by a leasing company with respect to leased employees), then an additional thirty percent (30%) of the product derived by multiplying the average employer wage by the number of new full-time jobs; provided, however, that the initial mFlex tax incentive award amount determined by the authority and awarded on the project certification date shall be based upon estimates provided by the qualified business or industry to the authority with respect to paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, which estimates shall be memorialized as project performance measures agreed to by the qualified business or industry in the mFlex agreement; provided, further, that such initial award amount shall be subject to any subsequent adjustments made by the authority pursuant to Section 57-114-13;

(f) To the extent that all or any portion of the purchases to establish a qualified economic development project which are financed by proceeds from bonds issued pursuant to Section 57-10-201 et seq. or Section 57-10-401 et seq., the mFlex tax incentive determined in accordance with this section shall exclude the amount calculated in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above; provided that, this paragraph (f) shall not apply in determining the mFlex tax incentive for a qualified economic development project to the extent that (i) the qualified economic development project is an expansion of an existing project, (ii) all or any portion of the purchases to establish the existing project were financed by proceeds from bonds issued pursuant to Section 57-10-201 et seq. or Section 57-10-401 et seq., and (iii) no purchases to establish the expansion constituting a qualified economic development project are financed by proceeds from bonds issued pursuant to Section 57-10-201 et seq. or Section 57-10-401 et seq.

SECTION 50. Section 57-115-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-115-3. As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Affiliate" means:

(i) Any person who, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns, controls, or holds power to vote fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or other voting ownership interest of a Mississippi small business investment company or insurance company; and

(ii) Any person, fifteen percent (15%) or more of whose outstanding voting securities or other voting ownership interests are directly or indirectly beneficially owned, controlled, or held, with power to vote by a Mississippi small business investment company or insurance company. Notwithstanding this paragraph (a), an investment by a participating investor in a Mississippi small business investment company pursuant to an allocation of tax credits under this chapter does not cause that Mississippi small business investment company to become an affiliate of that participating investor.

(b) "Allocation date" means the date on which credits are allocated to the participating investors of a Mississippi small business investment company under this chapter.

(d) "Department" means the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance.

(e) "Designated capital" means an amount of money that:

(i) Is invested by a participating investor in a Mississippi small business investment company; and

(ii) Fully funds the purchase price of a participating investor's equity interest in a Mississippi small business investment company or a qualified debt instrument issued by a Mississippi small business investment company, or both.

(f) "Mississippi small business investment company" means a partnership, corporation, trust, or limited liability company, organized on a for-profit basis, that:

(i) Has its principal office located in Mississippi or is headquartered in Mississippi;

(ii) Has as its primary business activity the investment of cash in qualified businesses; and

(iii) Is certified by the MDA as meeting the criteria described in this section to qualify as either a primary or secondary Mississippi small business investment company.

(g) "Participating investor" means any insurer that contributes designated capital pursuant to this chapter.

(h) "Person" means any natural person or entity, including, but not limited to, a corporation, general or limited partnership, trust, or limited liability company.

(i) "Qualified business" means a business that is independently owned and operated and meets all of the following requirements:

(i) It is headquartered in Mississippi, its principal business operations are located in Mississippi and at least eighty percent (80%) of its employees are located in Mississippi;

(ii) It has not more than one hundred (100) employees at the time of the first qualified investment in the business;

(iii) It is not more than ten percent (10%) engaged in:

1. Professional services provided by accountants, doctors, or lawyers;

2. Banking or lending;

3. Real estate development;

4. Retail;

5. Insurance; or

6. Making loans to or investments in a Mississippi small business investment company or an affiliate; and

(iv) It is not a franchise of and has no financial relationship with a Mississippi small business investment company or any affiliate of a Mississippi small business investment company prior to a Mississippi small business investment company's first qualified investment in the business.

A business classified as a qualified business at the time of the first qualified investment in the business will remain classified as a qualified business and may receive continuing qualified investments from any Mississippi small business investment company. Continuing investments will constitute qualified investments even though the business may not meet the definition of a qualified business at the time of such continuing investments; however, the business cannot fail to satisfy subparagraph (iii) and (iv) of this paragraph (i).

(j) "Qualified debt instrument" means a debt instrument issued by a Mississippi small business investment company that meets all of the following criteria:

(i) It is issued at par value or a premium;

(ii) It has an original maturity date of at least four (4) years from the date of issuance and a repayment schedule that is not faster than a level principal amortization over four (4) years; and

(iii) Has no interest or payment features that allow for the prepayment of interest or are tied to the profitability of the Mississippi small business investment company or the success of its investments.

(k) "Qualified distribution" means any distribution or payment by a Mississippi small business investment company in connection with the following:

(i) Reasonable costs and expenses of forming, syndicating and organizing the Mississippi small business investment company, including fees paid for professional services and the costs of financing and insuring the obligations of a Mississippi small business investment company, provided no such payment is made to more than one (1) participating investor or an affiliate or related party of a participating investor;

(ii) An annual management fee not to exceed two percent (2%) of designated capital on an annual basis to offset the costs and expenses of managing and operating a Mississippi small business investment company;

(iii) Any projected increase in federal or state taxes, including penalties and interest related to state and federal income taxes, or to the equity owners of the company resulting from the earnings or other tax liability of the company to the extent that the increase is related to the ownership, management, or operation of the company;

(iv) Reasonable and necessary fees in accordance with industry custom for ongoing professional services, including, but not limited to, legal and accounting services related to the operation of a Mississippi small business investment company, not including lobbying or governmental relations; and

(v) Payments of principal and interest to holders of qualified debt instruments issued by a Mississippi small business investment company which may be made without restriction.

(l) "Qualified investment" means the investment of money by a Mississippi small business investment company in a qualified business for the purchase of any debt, debt participation, equity, or hybrid security of any nature and description, including a debt instrument or security that has the characteristics of debt but which provides for conversion into equity or equity participation instruments such as options or warrants; provided that any debt, debt participation or other debt instrument or security shall have a maturity of at least three (3) years. Any repayment of a qualified investment prior to one (1) year from the date of issuance shall result in the amount of the qualified investment being reduced by fifty percent (50%) for purposes of the cumulative investment requirement set forth in Section 57-115-9(1)(c).

(m) "State premium tax liability" means any liability incurred by an insurance company under the provisions of Section 27-15-103, 27-15-109 or 27-15-123 or in the case of a repeal or a reduction by the state of the liability imposed by Section 27-15-103, 27-15-109 or 27-15-123.

SECTION 51. Section 57-115-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-115-5. (1) (a) The MDA must provide a standardized format for applying for the Mississippi small business investment credit authorized under this chapter, and for certification as a Mississippi small business investment company.

(b) An applicant for certification as a primary Mississippi small business investment company must:

(i) File an application with the MDA which shall include a business plan detailing:

1. The approximate percentage of designated capital the applicant will invest in qualified businesses by the second, fourth and sixth anniversaries of its allocation date;

2. The industry segments listed by the North American Industrial Classification System code and percentage of designated capital in which the applicant will invest; and

3. The number of jobs that will be created or retained as a result of the applicant's investments once all designated capital has been invested. A job shall be considered created or retained if the job pays one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the state average annual wage and is maintained for at least three (3) years. The application shall project, at a minimum, that one (1) job shall be created or maintained for each One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in credits awarded to the participating investors of the Mississippi small business investment company;

(ii) Pay a nonrefundable application fee of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) at the time of filing the application;

(iii) Submit as part of its application an audited balance sheet that contains an unqualified opinion of an independent certified public accountant issued not more than thirty-five (35) days before the application date that states that the applicant has an equity capitalization of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) or more in the form of unencumbered cash, marketable securities or other liquid assets; and

(iv) Have at least two (2) principals or persons, at least one (1) of which is primarily located in Mississippi, employed or engaged to manage the funds who each have a minimum of five (5) years of money management experience in the venture capital or private equity or lending industry.

(i) File an application with the MDA which shall include a business plan detailing:

1. The approximate percentage of designated capital the applicant will invest in qualified businesses by the second, fourth and sixth anniversaries of its allocation date;

2. The industry segments listed by the North American Industrial Classification System code and percentage of designated capital in which the applicant will invest; and

3. The number of jobs that will be crested or retained as a result of the applicant's investments once all designated capital has been invested. A job shall be considered created or retained if the job pays one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the state average annual wage and is maintained for at least three (3) years. The application shall project, at a minimum, that one (1) job shall be created or maintained for each One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in credits awarded to the participating investors of the Mississippi small business investment company;

(ii) Pay a nonrefundable application fee of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($3,750.00) at the time of filing the application;

(iii) Submit as part of its application an audited balance sheet that contains an unqualified opinion of an independent certified public accountant issued not more than thirty-five (35) days before the application date that states that the applicant has an equity capitalization of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) or more in the form of unencumbered cash, marketable securities or other liquid assets;

(iv) Demonstrate that fifty percent (50%) of all secondary investment company investments have been in Mississippi, and all of the applicant's employees have lived in Mississippi for at least two (2) years prior to the application being filed, and that those who are employed or engaged to manage the funds have a minimum of three (3) years of money management experience in the venture capital or private equity or lending industry; and

(v) Submit as part of its application a signed and notarized partnership agreement letter with a certified primary Mississippi small business investment company.

(d) (i) Any participating partner or individual in a certified secondary small business investment company that successfully participated in the initial authorization and allocation of credits in 2012, and which is a partner in a submitted application for credits allocated in subsection (4)(b) of this section, while partnered with the same primary small business investment company from the previous 2012 allocation, shall have the requirements in paragraph (c)(iii) and (iv) of this subsection waived as having been completed through the previous allocation.

(ii) Any participating partner or individual in a certified secondary small business investment company that successfully participated in the authorization and allocation of credits in 2018, and which is a partner in a submitted application for credits allocated in subsection (4)(c) of this section, while partnered with the same primary small business investment company from the previous 2018 allocation, shall have the requirements in paragraph (c)(iii) and (iv) of this subsection waived as having been completed through the previous allocation.

(e) The MDA may certify partnerships, corporations, trusts, or limited liability companies, organized on a for-profit basis, which submit an application to be designated as a Mississippi small business investment company if the applicant is located, headquartered, and licensed or registered to conduct business in Mississippi, has as its primary business activity the investment of cash in qualified businesses, and meets all of the criteria of this section.

(f) The MDA must:

(i) Review the organizational documents of each applicant for certification and the business history of each applicant;

(ii) Determine whether the applicant has satisfied all of the requirements of this section; and

(iii) Determine whether the officers and the board of directors, general partners, trustees, managers or members are trustworthy and are thoroughly acquainted with the requirements of this chapter.

(g) Within forty-five (45) days after the receipt of an application, the MDA may issue the certification or refuse the certification and may communicate in detail to the applicant the grounds for refusal, including suggestions for the removal of the grounds.

(h) The MDA must begin accepting applications to become a Mississippi small business investment company not later than August 1, 2012, for credits allocated in subsection (4)(a) of this section, not later than August 1, 2018, for credits allocated in subsection (4)(b) of this section, and not later than August 1, 2023, for credits allocated in subsection (4)(c) of this section.

(i) Certification by the MDA and operation of a primary Mississippi small business investment company is not subject to completion of any relationship or agreement with a secondary Mississippi small business investment company, and it is not the intent of this chapter to compel any such agreement.

(2) (a) An insurance company or affiliate of an insurance company must not, directly or indirectly:

(i) Beneficially own, whether through rights, options, convertible interest, or otherwise, fifteen percent (15%) or more of the voting securities or other voting ownership interest of a Mississippi small business investment company;

(ii) Manage a Mississippi small business investment company; or

(iii) Control the direction of investments for a Mississippi small business investment company.

(b) A Mississippi small business investment company may obtain one or more guaranties, indemnities, bonds, insurance policies, or other payment undertakings for the benefit of its participating investors from any entity, except that in no case can more than one (1) participating investor of a Mississippi small business investment company on an aggregate basis with all affiliates of the participating investor, be entitled to provide guaranties, indemnities, bonds, insurance policies, or other payment undertakings in favor of the participating investors of a Mississippi small business investment company and its affiliates in this state.

(c) This subsection (2) does not preclude a participating investor, insurance company or other party from exercising its legal rights and remedies, including, without limitation, interim management of a Mississippi small business investment company, in the event that a Mississippi small business investment company is in default of its statutory obligations or its contractual obligations to a participating investor, insurance company, or other party, or from monitoring a Mississippi small business investment company to ensure its compliance with this chapter or disallowing any investments that have not been approved by the MDA.

(d) The MDA may contract with an independent third party to review,investigate, and certify that the applications comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(3) (a) At the time of its investment of designated capital a participating investor shall earn a vested credit against the participating investor's state premium tax liability in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital in a Mississippi small business investment company, subject to the limits imposed by this section.

(b) From and after January 1, 2015, a participating investor may claim the credit allocated in subsection (4)(a) of this section as follows: For each taxable year from 2015 through 2019, an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital.

(c) From and after January 1, 2021, a participating investor may claim the credit allocated in subsection (4)(b) of this section as follows:

(i) For each taxable year from 2021 through 2025, an amount equal to sixteen and sixty-six one-hundredths percent (16.66%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital; and

(ii) For the 2026 taxable year, an amount equal to sixteen and seven-tenths percent (16.7%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital.

(d) From and after January 1, 2027, a participating investor may claim the credit allocated in subsection (4)(c) of this section as follows:

(i) For each taxable year from 2027 through 2031, an amount equal to sixteen and sixty-six one-hundredths percent (16.66%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital; and

(ii) For the 2032 taxable year, an amount equal to sixteen and seven-tenths percent (16.7%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital.

(e) The credit for any taxable year cannot exceed the state premium tax liability of the participating investor for the taxable year. If the amount of the credit exceeds the state premium tax liability of the participating investor for the taxable year, the excess is an investment tax credit carryover for five (5) years from the date the credit is first able to be utilized in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection (3).

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the granting of any credits against the insurance premium tax shall not affect the insurance premium tax receipts distributed pursuant to Sections 83-1-37, 83-1-39, 83-34-39, 45-11-5 and 21-29-233, which shall take priority over all other distributions of premium tax receipts and shall be calculated based upon gross insurance premium tax liability before the application of the tax credits.

(g) A participating investor claiming a credit under this chapter is not required to pay any additional retaliatory tax under Section 27-15-123 levied as a result of claiming the credit.

(h) A participating investor is not required to reduce the amount of tax pursuant to the state premium tax liability included by the participating investor in connection with ratemaking for any insurance contract written in this state because of a reduction in the participating investor's tax liability based on the tax credit allowed under this chapter.

(i) If the taxes paid by a participating investor with respect to its state premium tax liability constitute a credit against any other tax that is imposed by this state, the participating investor's credit against the other tax shall not be reduced by virtue of the reduction in the participating investor's tax liability based on the tax credit allowed under this chapter.

(j) Final decertification of a Mississippi small business investment company under this chapter prior to such Mississippi small business investment company meeting the requirements of Section 57-115-7(1)(a)(ii), shall result in the disallowance and the recapture of all of the credits allocated to its participating investors under this chapter. Once a Mississippi small business investment company has satisfied the requirements of Section 57-115-7(1)(a)(ii), any subsequent decertification shall not cause the disallowance or recapture of any credits allocated to its participating investors under this chapter.

(k) The credits allowed under this chapter are not transferable; however, a participating investor may transfer credits to an affiliated insurance company provided it gives prior written notice of such transfer to the MDA and the Department of Revenue.

(4) (a) (i) Through January 1, 2018, the aggregate amount of investment tax credits that may be allocated to all participating investors of Mississippi small business investment companies under this section shall not exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), and no Mississippi small business investment company, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file credit allocation claims that exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

(ii) The Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits allocated in this paragraph (a) shall be divided into a primary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified primary Mississippi small business investment companies and a secondary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified secondary Mississippi small business investment companies. The secondary tax credit pool shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) of the total Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits. Secondary Mississippi small business investment companies may not apply for more than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) worth of credits on a single application. A certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company may apply for additional tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool, if the credits are available, after fifty percent (50%) of its previously allocated credits are used in qualified investments.

(iii) If there are any tax credits remaining available for allocation in the secondary tax credit pool on August 1, 2013, those available tax credits shall revert to the primary tax credit pool and be made available to primary Mississippi small business investment companies according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MDA. Prior to August 1, 2013, primary Mississippi small business investment companies, including any wholly owned subsidiary company, shall be prohibited from making application to the MDA to be additionally certified as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company for purposes of the tax credits allocated in this paragraph (a) and prohibited from applying for any tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool. A certified primary Mississippi small business investment company may have ownership equity in a certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company, but the equity interest owned by the certified primary Mississippi small business investment company shall not exceed forty percent (40%).

(b) (i) From and after July 1, 2018, through January 1, 2023, an additional aggregate amount of investment tax credits may be allocated to all participating investors of Mississippi small business investment companies under this section. The amount so allocated shall not exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00), and no Mississippi small business investment company, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file credit allocation claims on the additional aggregate amount of tax credits that exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00).

(ii) The Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits allocated in this paragraph (b) shall be divided into a primary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified primary Mississippi small business investment companies and a secondary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified secondary Mississippi small business investment companies. The secondary tax credit pool shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) of the total Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits. Secondary Mississippi small business investment companies may not apply for more than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) worth of credits on a single application. A certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company may apply for additional tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool, if the credits are available, after fifty percent (50%) of its previously allocated credits are used in qualified investments.

(iii) If there are any tax credits remaining available for allocation in the secondary tax credit pool on August 1, 2019, those available tax credits shall revert to the primary tax credit pool and be made available to primary Mississippi small business investment companies according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MDA. Prior to August 1, 2022, primary Mississippi small business investment companies, including any wholly owned subsidiary company, shall be prohibited from making application to the MDA to be additionally certified as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company for purposes of the tax credits allocated in this paragraph (b) and prohibited from applying for any tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool. A certified primary Mississippi small business investment company may have ownership equity in a certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company, but the equity interest owned by the certified primary Mississippi small business investment company shall not exceed forty percent (40%).

(c) (i) From and after July 1, 2023, an additional aggregate amount of investment tax credits may be allocated to all participating investors of Mississippi small business investment companies under this section. The amount so allocated shall not exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00), and no Mississippi small business investment company, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file credit allocation claims on the additional aggregate amount of tax credits that exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00).

(ii) The Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits allocated in this paragraph (c) shall be divided into a primary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified primary Mississippi small business investment companies and a secondary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified secondary Mississippi small business investment companies. The secondary tax credit pool shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) of the total Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits. Secondary Mississippi small business investment companies may not apply for more than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) worth of credits on a single application. A certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company may apply for additional tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool, if the credits are available, after fifty percent (50%) of its previously allocated credits are used in qualified investments.

(iii) If there are any tax credits remaining available for allocation in the secondary tax credit pool on August 1, 2024, those available tax credits shall revert to the primary tax credit pool and be made available to primary Mississippi small business investment companies according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MDA. Prior to August 1, 2027, primary Mississippi small business investment companies, including any wholly owned subsidiary company, shall be prohibited from making application to the MDA to be additionally certified as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company for purposes of the tax credits allocated in this paragraph (c) and prohibited from applying for any tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool. A certified primary Mississippi small business investment company may have ownership equity in a certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company, but the equity interest owned by the certified primary Mississippi small business investment company shall not exceed forty percent (40%).

(d) Credits must be allocated to investors in the order that the credit allocation claims are filed with the MDA.

(e) Any credit allocation claims filed with the MDA before the initial credit allocation claim filing date will be deemed to have been filed on the initial credit allocation claim filing date. The MDA will set the initial credit allocation claim filing date to be not less than one hundred twenty (120) days and not more than one hundred fifty (150) days after the date the MDA begins accepting applications for certification. Credit allocation claims filed on the same day with the MDA must be treated as having been filed contemporaneously.

(f) If two (2) or more Mississippi small business investment companies file credit allocation claims with the MDA on behalf of their respective participating investors on the same day and the aggregate amount of credit allocation claims exceeds the aggregate limit of credits authorized under this subsection (4) or the lesser amount of credits that remain unallocated on that day, then the credits shall be allocated among the participating investors who filed on that day on a pro rata basis with respect to the amounts claimed. The pro rata allocation for any one (1) participating investor is the product obtained by multiplying a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the credit allocation claim filed on behalf of a participating investor and the denominator of which is the total of all credit allocation claims filed on behalf of all participating investors on that day, by the aggregate limit of credits authorized under this subsection (4) or the lesser amount of credits that remain unallocated on that day.

(g) Within ten (10) business days after the MDA receives a credit allocation claim filed by a Mississippi small business investment company on behalf of one or more of its participating investors, the MDA may notify the Mississippi small business investment company of the amount of credits allocated to each of the participating investors of that Mississippi small business investment company. In the event a Mississippi small business investment company does not receive an investment of designated capital from each participating investor required to earn the amount of credits allocated to the participating investor within ten (10) business days of the Mississippi small business investment company's receipt of notice of allocation, then it shall notify the MDA on or before the next business day, and the credits allocated to the participating investor of the Mississippi small business investment company will be forfeited. The MDA may then reallocate those forfeited credits among the participating investors of the other Mississippi small business investment companies on a pro rata basis with respect to the credit allocation claims filed on behalf of the participating investors. The MDA may levy a fine of not more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) on any participating investor that does not invest the full amount of designated capital required to fund the credits allocated to it by the MDA in accordance with the credit allocation claim filed on its behalf.

(h) No participating investor, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file an allocation claim for more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum amount of investment tax credits authorized under this subsection (4), regardless of whether the claim is made in connection with one or more Mississippi small business investment companies.

SECTION 52. Section 1 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2024, and the remainder of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.