Senate Bill 2076

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION PROPERTY OWNED BY A NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOUNDATION PROVIDING CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND FUNDING FOR LEGAL SERVICES TO THE POOR, FOR PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE TRIAL AND APPELLATE COURTS AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES AND PURPOSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. All real and personal property, except motor vehicles, owned by a not-for-profit foundation providing charitable contributions and funding for legal services to the poor, for projects to improve the administration of justice, for assistance to the trial and appellate courts and similar activities and purposes, shall be exempt from all ad valorem taxation. Such property shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation regardless of whether the foundation shares the property with any other organization or entity.

SECTION 2. Nothing in this act shall affect or defeat any claim, assessment, appeal, suit, right or cause of action for taxes due or accrued under the ad valorem tax laws before the date on which this act becomes effective, whether such claims, assessments, appeals, suits or actions have been begun before the date on which this act becomes effective or are begun thereafter; and the provisions of the ad valorem tax laws are expressly continued in full force, effect and operation for the purpose of the assessment, collection and enrollment of liens for any taxes due or accrued and the execution of any warrant under such laws before the date on which this act becomes effective, and for the imposition of any penalties, forfeitures or claims for failure to comply with such laws.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2003.