MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Economic and Workforce Development; Finance

By: Senator(s) Harkins

Senate Bill 2582

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-9-127, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT FROM JULY 1, 2020, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022, THE PERSONNEL ACTIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM STATE PERSONNEL BOARD RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES, AND ALL EMPLOYEES OF THE BOARD SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS NONSTATE SERVICE DURING THAT PERIOD; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 25-3-39, 27-7-21, 27-7-22, 27-7-22.3, 27-7-22.5, 27-7-22.7, 27-7-22.17, 27-7-22.18, 27-7-22.19, 27-7-22.23, 27-7-22.25, 27-7-22.27, 27-7-22.28, 27-7-22.29, 27-7-22.30, 27-7-22.36, 27-7-22.40, 27-7-312, 27-13-5, 27-13-7, 27-31-7, 27-31-51, 27-31-53, 27-31-55, 27-31-57, 27-31-59, 27-31-61, 27-31-101, 27-31-102, 27-31-103, 27-31-104, 27-31-105, 27-31-107, 27-31-109, 27-31-111, 27-31-113, 27-31-115, 27-65-101, 27-65-107, 37-148-1, 37-148-3, 37-148-5, 37-148-7, 37-148-9, 57-1-16, 57-1-18, 57-1-221, 57-1-301, 57-1-303, 57-1-307, 57-1-309, 57-1-311, 57-1-313, 57-1-315, 57-1-317, 57-1-319, 57-1-321, 57-1-323, 57-1-325, 57-1-327, 57-1-329, 57-1-331, 57-1-333, 57-1-335, 57-1-401, 57-1-421, 57-1-451, 57-1-471, 57-1-501, 57-1-701, 57-10-1, 57-10-3, 57-10-9, 57-10-17, 57-10-19, 57-10-21, 57-10-23, 57-10-25, 57-10-29, 57-10-31, 57-10-35, 57-10-39, 57-10-41, 57-10-401, 57-10-403, 57-10-405, 57-10-407, 57-10-409, 57-10-411, 57-10-413, 57-10-415, 57-10-417, 57-10-419, 57-10-421, 57-10-423, 57-10-425, 57-10-427, 57-10-429, 57-10-431, 57-10-433, 57-10-435, 57-10-437, 57-10-439, 57-10-441, 57-10-443, 57-10-445, 57-10-447, 57-10-449, 57-10-601, 57-10-701, 57-10-703, 57-10-705, 57-10-709, 57-10-711, 57-21-3, 57-26-1, 57-26-3, 57-26-5, 57-26-7, 57-39-43, 57-40-1, 57-40-3, 57-40-5, 57-40-7, 57-44-1, 57-46-1, 57-10-601, 57-10-701, 57-10-703, 57-10-705, 57-10-709, 57-10-711, 57-21-3, 57-26-1, 57-26-3, 57-26-5, 57-26-7, 57-39-43, 57-40-1, 57-40-3, 57-40-5, 57-40-7, 57-44-1, 57-46-1, 57-61-1, 57-61-3, 57-61-5, 57-61-7, 57-61-9, 57-61-11, 57-61-13, 57-61-14, 57-61-15, 57-61-17, 57-61-19, 57-61-21, 57-61-23, 57-61-25, 57-61-27, 57-61-29, 57-61-31, 57-61-32, 57-61-33, 57-61-34, 57-61-35, 57-61-36, 57-61-37, 57-61-41, 57-61-43, 57-61-44, 57-62-1, 57-62-3, 57-62-5, 57-62-7, 57-62-9, 57-62-11, 57-62-13, 57-62-15, 57-62-17, 57-71-1, 57-71-3, 57-71-5, 57-71-7, 57-71-9, 57-71-11, 57-71-13, 57-71-15, 57-71-17, 57-71-19, 57-71-21, 57-71-23, 57-71-25, 57-71-27, 57-71-29, 57-71-31, 57-71-33, 57-71-35, 57-73-21 AND 57-73-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 25-9-127, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-9-127. (1) No employee of any department, agency or institution who is included under this chapter or hereafter included under its authority, and who is subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the state personnel system, may be dismissed or otherwise adversely affected as to compensation or employment status except for inefficiency or other good cause, and after written notice and hearing within the department, agency or institution as shall be specified in the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board complying with due process of law; and any employee who has by written notice of dismissal or action adversely affecting his compensation or employment status shall, on hearing and on any appeal of any decision made in such action, be required to furnish evidence that the reasons stated in the notice of dismissal or action adversely affecting his compensation or employment status are not true or are not sufficient grounds for the action taken; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply (a) to persons separated from any department, agency or institution due to curtailment of funds or reduction in staff when such separation is in accordance with rules and regulations of the state personnel system; (b) during the probationary period of state service of twelve (12) months; and (c) to an executive officer of any state agency who serves at the will and pleasure of the Governor, board, commission or other appointing authority.

(2) The operation of a state-owned motor vehicle without a valid Mississippi driver's license by an employee of any department, agency or institution that is included under this chapter and that is subject to the rules and regulations of the state personnel system shall constitute good cause for dismissal of such person from employment.

(3) Beginning July 1, 1999, every male between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26) who is required to register under the federal Military Selective Service Act, 50 USCS App. 453, and who is an employee of the state shall not be promoted to any higher position of employment with the state until he submits to the person, commission, board or agency by which he is employed satisfactory documentation of his compliance with the draft registration requirements of the Military Selective Service Act. The documentation shall include a signed affirmation under penalty of perjury that the male employee has complied with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act.

(4) For a period of two (2) years beginning July 1, 2014, the provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply to the personnel actions of the State Department of Education that are subject to the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board, and all employees of the department shall be classified as nonstate service during that period. However, any employee hired after July 1, 2014, by the department shall meet the criteria of the State Personnel Board as it presently exists for employment. The State Superintendent of Public Education and the State Board of Education shall consult with the Office of the Attorney General before taking personnel actions authorized by this section to review those actions for compliance with applicable state and federal law.

It is not the intention or effect of this section to include any school attendance officer in any exemption from coverage under the State Personnel Board policy or regulations, including, but not limited to, termination and conditions of employment.

(5) (a) For a period of two (2) years beginning July 1, 2015, the provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply to the personnel actions of the Department of Corrections, and all employees of the department shall be classified as nonstate service during that period. However, any employee hired after July 1, 2015, by the department shall meet the criteria of the State Personnel Board as it presently exists for employment.

(b) Additionally, for a period of one (1) year beginning July 1, 2016, the personnel actions of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections shall be exempt from State Personnel Board rules, regulations and procedures in order to give the commissioner flexibility in making an orderly, effective and timely reorganization and realignment of the department.

(c) The Commissioner of Corrections shall consult with the Office of the Attorney General before personnel actions authorized by this section to review those actions for compliance with applicable state and federal law.

(6) Through July 1, 2020, the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the personnel actions of the Department of Human Services that are subject to the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board, and all employees of the department shall be classified as nonstate service during that period. Any employee hired on or after July 1, 2020, by the department shall meet the criteria of the State Personnel Board as it presently exists for employment. The Executive Director of Human Services shall consult with the Office of the Attorney General before taking personnel actions authorized by this section to review those actions for compliance with applicable state and federal law.

(7) Through July 1, 2020, the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the personnel actions of the Department of Child Protection Services that are subject to the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board, and all employees of the department shall be classified as nonstate service during that period. Any employee hired on or after July 1, 2020, by the division shall meet the criteria of the State Personnel Board as it presently exists for employment. The Commissioner of Child Protection Services shall consult with the Office of the Attorney General before taking personnel actions authorized by this section to review those actions for compliance with applicable state and federal law.

(8) Beginning July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022, the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the personnel actions of the Mississippi Development Authority that are subject to the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board, and all employees of the board shall be classified as nonstate service during that period. However, any employee hired from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022, by the board shall meet the criteria of the State Personnel Board as it presently exists for employment. The Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority shall consult with the Office of the Attorney General before taking personnel actions authorized by this section to review those actions for compliance with applicable state and federal law.

( * * *89) Any state agency whose personnel actions are exempted in this section from the rules, regulations and procedures of the State Personnel Board shall file with the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the members of the Senate and House Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committees an annual report no later than July 1, 2016, and each year thereafter while under the exemption. Such annual report shall contain the following information:

(a) The number of current employees who received an increase in salary during the past fiscal year and the amount of the increase;

(b) The number of employees who were dismissed from the agency or otherwise adversely affected as to compensation or employment status during the past fiscal year, including a description of such adverse effects; and

SECTION 2. Section 25-3-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-39. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no public officer, public employee, administrator, or executive head of any arm or agency of the state, in the executive branch of government, shall be paid a salary or compensation, directly or indirectly, greater than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the salary fixed in Section 25-3-31 for the Governor, nor shall the salary of any public officer, public employee, administrator, or executive head of any arm or agency of the state, in the executive branch of government, be supplemented with any funds from any source, including federal or private funds. Such salaries shall be completely paid by the state. All academic officials, members of the teaching staffs and employees of the state institutions of higher learning, the Mississippi Community College Board, and community and junior colleges, and licensed physicians who are public employees, shall be exempt from this subsection. All professional employees who hold a bachelor's degree or more advanced degree from an accredited four-year college or university or a certificate or license issued by a state licensing board, commission or agency and who are employed by the Department of Mental Health shall be exempt from this subsection if the State Personnel Board approves the exemption. The Commissioner of Child Protection Services is exempt from this subsection. From and after July 1, 2018, the Executive Director of the Public Employees' Retirement System and the Chief Investment Officer of the Public Employees' Retirement System shall be exempt from this subsection.

(b) The Governor shall fix the annual salary of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, the annual salary of the Commissioner of Child Protection Services, and the annual salary of the Chief of Staff of the Governor's Office. The salary of the Governor's Chief of Staff shall not be greater than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the salary of the Governor and shall be completely paid by the state without supplementation from another source. The salary of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority may be greater than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the salary of the Governor and may be supplemented with funds from any source, including federal or private funds; however, any state funds used to pay the salary of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority shall not exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the salary of the Governor. If the executive director's salary is supplemented with private funds, the Mississippi Development Authority shall publish on its website the amount of the supplement and the name of the donor of the private funds.

(2) No public officer, employee or administrator shall be paid a salary or compensation, directly or indirectly, in excess of the salary authorized to be paid the executive head of the state agency or department in which he is employed. The State Personnel Board, based upon its findings of fact, may exempt physicians and actuaries from this subsection when the acquisition of such professional services is precluded based on the prevailing wage in the relevant labor market.

(3) The executive head of any state agency or department appointed by the Governor, in such executive head's discretion, may waive all or any portion of the salary or compensation lawfully established for the position.

SECTION 3. Section 27-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-21. (a) Allowance of deductions. In the case of a resident individual, the exemptions provided by this section, as applicable to individuals, shall be allowed as deductions in computing taxable income.

(b) Single individuals. In the case of a single individual, a personal exemption of Five Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($5,250.00) for the 1979 and 1980 calendar years and Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) for each calendar year thereafter.

(c) Married individuals. In the case of married individuals living together, a joint personal exemption of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) for the 1979 and 1980 calendar years and Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) for the 1981 through 1997 calendar years, Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the calendar year 1998, Eleven Thousand Dollars ($11,000.00) for the calendar year 1999, and Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) for each calendar year thereafter. A husband and wife living together shall receive but one (1) personal exemption in the amounts provided for in this subsection for each calendar year against their aggregate income.

(d) Head of family individuals. In the case of a head of family individual, a personal exemption of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) for the 1979 and 1980 calendar years and Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) for each calendar year thereafter. The term "head of family" means an individual who is single, or married but not living with his spouse for the entire taxable year, who maintains a household which constitutes the principal place of abode of himself and one or more individuals who are dependents under the provisions of Section 152(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. The head of family individual shall be entitled to the additional dependent exemption as provided in subsection (e) of this section only to the extent of dependents in excess of the one (1) dependent needed to qualify as head of family.

(e) Additional exemption for dependents. In the case of any individual having a dependent, other than husband or wife, an additional personal exemption of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) for each such dependent, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section. The term "dependent" as used in this subsection shall mean any person or individual who qualifies as a dependent under the provisions of Section 152, Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

(f) Additional exemption for taxpayer or spouse aged sixty-five (65) or more. In the case of any taxpayer or the spouse of the taxpayer who has attained the age of sixty-five (65) before the close of his taxable year, an additional exemption of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00).

(g) Additional exemption for blindness of taxpayer or spouse. In the case of any taxpayer or the spouse of the taxpayer who is blind at the close of the taxable year, an additional exemption of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00). For the purpose of this subsection, an individual is blind only if his central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses, or if his visual acuity is greater than 20/200 but is accompanied by a limitation in the fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty (20) degrees.

(h) Husband and wife--claiming exemptions. In the case of husband and wife living together and filing combined returns, the personal and additional exemptions authorized and allowed by this section may be taken by either, or divided between them in any manner they may choose. If the husband and wife fail to choose, the commissioner shall divide the exemptions between husband and wife in an equitable manner. In the case of a husband and wife filing separate returns, the personal and additional exemptions authorized and allowed by this section shall be divided equally between the spouses.

(i) Nonresidents. A nonresident individual shall be allowed the same personal and additional exemptions as are authorized for resident individuals in subsection (a) of this section; however, the nonresident individual is entitled only to that proportion of the personal and additional exemptions as his net income from sources within the State of Mississippi bears to his total or entire net income from all sources.

A nonresident individual who is married and whose spouse has income from independent sources must declare the joint income of himself and his spouse from sources within and without Mississippi and claim as a personal exemption that proportion of the authorized personal and additional exemptions which the total net income from Mississippi sources bears to the total net income of both spouses from all sources. If both spouses have income from sources within Mississippi and wish to file separate returns, their combined personal and additional exemptions shall be that proration of the exemption which their combined net income from Mississippi sources is of their total combined net income from all sources. The amount of the personal and additional exemptions so computed may be divided between them in any manner they choose.

In the case of married individuals where one (1) spouse is a resident and the other is a nonresident, the personal exemption of the resident individual shall be prorated on the same basis as if both were nonresidents having net income from within and without the State of Mississippi.

For the purpose of this subsection, the term "net income" means gross income less business expenses incurred in the taxpayer's regular trade or business and computed in accordance with the provisions of the Mississippi Income Tax Law.

(j) Part-year residents. An individual who is a resident of Mississippi for only a part of his taxable year by reason of either moving into the state or moving from the state shall be allowed the same personal and additional exemptions as authorized for resident individuals in subsection (a) of this section; the part-year resident shall prorate his exemption on the same basis as nonresidents having net income from within and without the state.

(k) Estates. In the case of an estate, a specific exemption of Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00).

(l) Trusts. In the case of a trust which, under its governing instrument, is required to distribute all of its income currently, a specific exemption of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00). In the case of all other trusts, a specific exemption of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

(m) Corporations, foundations, joint ventures, associations. In the case of a corporation, foundation, joint venture or association taxable herein, there shall be allowed no specific exemption, except as provided under the Growth and Prosperity Act, Sections 57-113-1 through 57-113-7, and Sections 57-113-21 through 57-113-27.

(n) Status. The status on the last day of the taxable year, except in the case of the head of family as provided in subsection (d) of this section, shall determine the right to the exemptions provided in this section; provided, that a taxpayer shall be entitled to such exemptions, otherwise allowable, if the husband or wife or dependent has died during the taxable year.

(o) Fiscal-year taxpayers. Individual taxpayers reporting on a fiscal year basis shall prorate their exemptions in a manner established by regulations promulgated by the commissioner.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. 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 6. Section 27-7-22.5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-22.5. (1) 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).

(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 and merchandise 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 7. 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 8. 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 9. 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 10. 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 11. 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 12. 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, 2022, for the credit provided for in this section, shall remain eligible for such credit after July 1, 2022, notwithstanding the repeal of this section.

SECTION 13. 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 14. 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 15. 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 16. 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; and

(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 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) 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 17. 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 that 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 that 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, 2022, 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, 2022, as provided for in subsection (3) of this section.

(6) This section shall be repealed from and after January 1, 2022.

SECTION 18. 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) (a) 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, 2023, 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, 2023, as provided for in subsection (3) of this section.

(8) This section shall be repealed from and after January 1, 2023.

SECTION 19. Section 27-7-312, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-312. (1) Of the revenue collected under the provisions of this article from the new direct jobs of a qualified business or industry as defined in Section 57-62-5 of the Mississippi Advantage Jobs Act, an amount equal to the estimated amount of the quarterly incentive payment for which such qualified business or industry is eligible shall be deposited into the Mississippi Advantage Jobs Incentive Payment Fund created pursuant to Section 57-62-1 et seq., on or before the twentieth day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter.

(2) Of the revenue collected under the provisions of this article from the qualified jobs of a qualified business or industry as defined in Section 57-99-1, an amount equal to the estimated amount of the quarterly incentive payment for which such qualified business or industry is eligible shall be deposited into the MMEIA Withholding Rebate Fund created pursuant to Section 57-99-5, on or before the twentieth day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter.

(3) Of the revenue collected under the provisions of this article from the qualified jobs of a qualified business or industry as defined in Section 57-100-1, an amount equal to the estimated amount of the quarterly incentive payment for which such qualified business or industry is eligible shall be deposited into the Existing Industry Withholding Rebate Fund created pursuant to Section 57-100-5, on or before the twentieth day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter.

(4) Of the revenue collected under the provisions of this article from the qualified jobs of a qualified business or industry as defined in Section 57-99-21, an amount equal to the estimated amount of the quarterly incentive payment for which such qualified business or industry is eligible shall be deposited into the MMEIA Rebate Fund created pursuant to Section 57-99-25, on or before the twentieth day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter.

SECTION 20. Section 27-13-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-13-5. (1) (a) Franchise tax levy. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3), (4), (5) and (7) of this section, there is hereby imposed, to be paid and collected as hereinafter provided, a franchise or excise tax upon every corporation, association or joint-stock company or partnership treated as a corporation under the income tax laws or regulations, organized or created for pecuniary gain, having privileges not possessed by individuals, and having authorized capital stock now existing in this state, or hereafter organized, created or established, under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Mississippi, equal to:

(i) For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(ii) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2019, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(iii) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, but before January 1, 2020, Two Dollars and Twenty-five Cents ($2.25) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(iv) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2021, Two Dollars ($2.00) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(v) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, but before January 1, 2022, One Dollar and Seventy-five Cents ($1.75) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(vi) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, but before January 1, 2023, One Dollar and Fifty Cents ($1.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(vii) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, but before January 1, 2024, One Dollar and Twenty-five Cents ($1.25) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(viii) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, but before January 1, 2025, One Dollar ($1.00) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(ix) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, but before January 1, 2026, Seventy-five Cents (75¢) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(x) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, but before January 1, 2027, Fifty Cents (50¢) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(xi) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but before January 1, 2028, Twenty-five Cents (25¢) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(b) In no case shall the franchise tax due for the accounting period be less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

(c) It is the purpose of this section to require the payment to the State of Mississippi of this tax for the right granted by the laws of this state to exist as such organization, and to enjoy, under the protection of the laws of this state, the powers, rights, privileges and immunities derived from the state by the form of such existence.

(2) Annual report of domestic corporations. Each domestic corporation shall file an annual report as required by the provisions of Section 79-4-16.22.

(3) (a) A corporation that has negotiated a fee-in-lieu as defined in Section 57-75-5 shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on such project; however, the fee-in-lieu payment shall be otherwise treated in the same manner as the payment of franchise taxes.

(b) (i) As used in this paragraph:

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

2. "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix); and

3. "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for the project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix).

(ii) The term of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57-75-5(j), between the authority and the enterprise for the project shall not exceed twenty-five (25) years. The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

(iii) In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for two (2) consecutive years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project shall be suspended until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

(iv) The enterprise shall be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter which is attributable to the project for any year for which it files a Mississippi franchise tax return. The enterprise shall be entitled to continue to utilize such single sales apportionment factor notwithstanding a suspension of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu pursuant to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph.

(4) An approved business enterprise as defined in the Growth and Prosperity Act shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the approved business enterprise in a growth and prosperity county or supervisors district as provided in the Growth and Prosperity Act.

(5) A business enterprise operating a project as defined in Section 57-64-33, in a county that is a member of a regional economic development alliance created under the Regional Economic Development Act shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise in such a county as provided in Section 57-64-33.

(6) The tax levied by this chapter and paid by a business enterprise located in a redevelopment project area under Sections 57-91-1 through 57-91-11 shall be deposited into the Redevelopment Project Incentive Fund created in Section 57-91-9.

(7) A business enterprise as defined in Section 57-113-1 or 57-113-21 that is exempt from certain state taxes under Section 57-113-5 or 57-113-25 shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise.

SECTION 21. Section 27-13-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-13-7. (1) (a) Franchise tax levy. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3), (4), (5) and (7) of this section, there is hereby imposed, levied and assessed upon every corporation, association or joint-stock company, or partnership treated as a corporation under the income tax laws or regulations as hereinbefore defined, organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of some other state, territory or country, or organized and existing without any specific statutory authority, now or hereafter doing business or exercising any power, privilege or right within this state, as hereinbefore defined, a franchise or excise tax equal to:

(i) For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) of each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, of the value of capital used, invested or employed within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

(b) In no case shall the franchise tax due for the accounting period be less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

(c) It is the purpose of this section to require the payment of a tax by all organizations not organized under the laws of this state, measured by the amount of capital or its equivalent, for which such organization receives the benefit and protection of the government and laws of the state.

(2) Annual report of foreign corporations. Each foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state shall file an annual report as required by the provisions of Section 79-4-16.22.

(b) (i) As used in this paragraph:

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

2. "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix); and

3. "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for the project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix).

SECTION 22. Section 27-31-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-7. (1) The board of supervisors of any county or the governing authority of any municipality is hereby authorized and empowered, in its discretion, to exempt from ad valorem taxation, excepting ad valorem taxes for school district purposes, all or any portion of the value of the products, including finished goods, owned by or remaining in the hands of any manufacturer, or its subsidiary, or any distributor or wholesale merchant, located within such county or municipality. The time of such exemption shall be for a period not to exceed a total of ten (10) years, which shall commence from the date such exemption is granted. Any request for an exemption must be made in writing to the board of supervisors or the municipal governing authority.

(2) The exemption granted herein shall be in addition to all other exemptions heretofore granted by the laws of the State of Mississippi.

(3) It is the sense of the Legislature that time limits imposed in Section 182, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, on the terms of certain ad valorem tax exemptions which may be granted to manufacturers and other new enterprises of public utility apply only to the physical plant of such manufacturers and enterprises and to any personal property necessary for the operation thereof; and any exemption for the finished products of such manufacturers and enterprises granted by the governing authorities of any county or municipality under this section after December 31, 1960, but prior to July 1, 1982, shall not be affected by the time limits established in subsequent amendments to this section after July 1, 1982, but shall remain in full force and effect subject to the original terms granted by such governing authorities.

SECTION 23. Section 27-31-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-51. (1) As used in Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61:

(a) "Warehouse" or "storage facility" shall not apply to caves or cavities in the earth, whether natural or artificial;

(b) "Governing authorities" means the board of supervisors of the county wherein the warehouse or storage facility is located or the governing authorities of the municipality wherein the warehouse or storage facility is located, as the case may be;

(c) "Tax assessor" means the tax assessor of each taxing jurisdiction in which the warehouse or storage facility may be located.

(2) All warehouses, public or private, or other storage facilities in the State of Mississippi regularly engaged in the handling and storage of personal property in structures or in places adopted for such handling and storage which is consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility for storage and handling shall be eligible for licensing under the provisions of Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 as a "free port warehouse." A manufacturer of personal property that maintains separate facilities, structures, places or areas for the temporary storage and handling of such personal property pending transit to a final destination outside the State of Mississippi shall be eligible for licensing under Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 as a "free port warehouse," and any license issued to such a manufacturer before January 1, 2012, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

(3) Such licenses shall be issued by the governing authorities to such warehouse or storage facility as will qualify under the definition of "free port warehouse" as herein defined, upon application by the warehouse or storage facility operator.

SECTION 24. Section 27-31-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-53. All personal property in transit through this state which is (a) moving in interstate commerce through or over the territory of the State of Mississippi, (b) which was consigned or transferred to a licensed "free port warehouse," public or private, within the State of Mississippi for storage in transit to a final destination outside the State of Mississippi, whether specified when transportation begins or afterward, (c) manufactured in the State of Mississippi and stored in separate facilities, structures, places or areas maintained by a manufacturer, licensed as a free port warehouse, for temporary storage or handling pending transit to a final destination outside the State of Mississippi, or (d) consigned or transferred to a licensed free port warehouse, public or private, within the State of Mississippi, for storage pending transit to not more than one (1) other location in this state for production or processing into a component or part that is then transported to a final destination outside of the State of Mississippi, may, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of the county wherein the warehouse or storage facility is located, and in the discretion of the governing authorities of the municipality wherein the warehouse or storage facility is located, as the case may be, be exempt from all ad valorem taxes imposed by the respective county or municipality and the property exempted therefrom shall not be deemed to have acquired a situs in the State of Mississippi for the purposes of such taxation. Any exemption granted to a licensed "free port warehouse" pursuant to this section shall be effective as of the first calendar day of the taxable year in which the warehouse applied for the exemption by virtue of submitting the application for licensure, and shall remain in effect for such period of time as the respective governing authority may prescribe. Such property shall not be deprived of exemption because while in a warehouse the property is bound, divided, broken in bulk, labeled, relabeled or repackaged. Any exemption from ad valorem taxes granted before January 1, 2012, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

SECTION 25. Section 27-31-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Through June 30, 2013, this section shall read as follows:]

27-31-55. Each licensed "free port warehouse" shall file with the tax assessor of each taxing jurisdiction in which such warehouse or storage facility may be located an inventory of all personal property consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility and located therein on January 1 of each year. Such inventory shall be submitted on such forms and in such manner as the tax assessor may prescribe and shall contain a separate statement of all property eligible for exemption under Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 and a separate statement of all property consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility. Such inventory shall be submitted by not later than March 31 of each year. Exemption shall be allowed for all eligible property in the amount authorized by the governing authorities, but accurate records shall be kept of all personal property shipped from any such warehouse or storage facility, together with the point of final destination of the same, and reports thereof shall be filed with such taxing authorities of this state and in such form and manner as the tax assessor may prescribe. At the conclusion of each calendar year each licensee under Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 shall calculate the actual percentage of all personal property consigned or transferred to the warehouse or storage facility which was shipped to a final destination outside the state in relation to the total of all such personal property shipped to any destination during such year. Such percentage reduced proportionately by any partial exemption authorized by the governing authorities shall then be applied to the total value of all property contained in the inventory of such warehouse or storage facility as of January 1 of such year which was consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility. If the result thus obtained shall be less than the value of property for which exemption was allowed, then the amount of such difference shall be deducted from the amount of the exemption previously allowed and taxes shall be levied and collected thereon by the tax collecting officers concerned.

[From and after July, 2013, this section shall read as follows:]

27-31-55. Each licensed "free port warehouse" shall file with the tax assessor of each taxing jurisdiction in which such warehouse or storage facility may be located an inventory of all personal property consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility and located therein on January 1 of each year. Such inventory shall be submitted on such forms and in such manner as the tax assessor may prescribe and shall contain a separate statement of all property eligible for exemption under Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 and a separate statement of all property consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility. Such inventory shall be submitted by not later than March 31 of each year. Exemption shall be allowed for all eligible property, but accurate records shall be kept of all personal property shipped from any such warehouse or storage facility, together with the point of final destination of the same, and reports thereof shall be filed with such taxing authorities of this state and in such form and manner as the tax assessor may prescribe. At the conclusion of each calendar year each licensee under Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 shall calculate the actual percentage of all personal property consigned or transferred to the warehouse or storage facility which was shipped to a final destination outside the state in relation to the total of all such personal property shipped to any destination during such year. Such percentage shall then be applied to the total value of all property contained in the inventory of such warehouse or storage facility as of January 1 of such year which was consigned or transferred to such warehouse or storage facility. If the result thus obtained shall be less than the value of property for which exemption was allowed, then the amount of such difference shall be deducted from the amount of the exemption previously allowed and taxes shall be levied and collected thereon by the tax collecting officers concerned.

SECTION 26. Section 27-31-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-57. The tax assessor shall have full power and authority to require the keeping of all records and the making of all reports necessary to the accomplishment of the purpose of Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61, and all books and records of any licensee shall be subject to the inspection of duly authorized agents of the ad valorem taxing authorities of the jurisdiction or jurisdictions wherein such licensee is located. The violation by the licensee of any of the terms and provisions of Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 shall authorize the revocation of the license of any licensee by the tax assessor. In the event any license shall be revoked, then the exemption provided for therein shall thereby be annulled for the year in which such license may be revoked.

SECTION 27. Section 27-31-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-59. Each licensee shall pay to the governing authorities for each license which may be issued or renewed a fee in the amount of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each issuance or renewal thereof.

SECTION 28. Section 27-31-61, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-61. The exemption granted in Sections 27-31-51 through 27-31-61 shall be in addition to all other exemptions heretofore granted by the laws of the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 29. Section 27-31-101, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Through June 30, 2022, this section shall read as follows:]

27-31-101. (1) County boards of supervisors and municipal authorities are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to grant exemptions from ad valorem taxation, except state ad valorem taxation; however, such governing authorities shall not exempt ad valorem taxes for school district purposes on tangible property used in, or necessary to, the operation of the manufacturers and other new enterprises enumerated by classes in this section, except to the extent authorized in Sections 27-31-104 and 27-31-105(2), nor shall they exempt from ad valorem taxes the products of the manufacturers or other new enterprises or automobiles and trucks belonging to the manufacturers or other new enterprises operating on and over the highways of the State of Mississippi. The time of such exemption shall be for a period not to exceed a total of ten (10) years which shall begin on the date of completion of the new enterprise for which the exemption is granted; however, boards of supervisors and municipal authorities, in lieu of granting the exemption for one (1) period of ten (10) years, may grant the exemption in a period of less than ten (10) years. When the initial exemption period granted is less than ten (10) years, the boards of supervisors and municipal authorities may grant a subsequent consecutive period or periods to follow the initial period of exemption, provided that the total of all periods of exemption shall not exceed ten (10) years. The date of completion of the new enterprise, from which the initial period of exemption shall begin, shall be the date on which operations of the new enterprise begin. The initial request for an exemption must be made in writing by June 1 of the year immediately following the year in which the date of completion of a new enterprise occurs. If the initial request for the exemption is not timely made, the board of supervisors or municipal authorities may grant a subsequent request for the exemption and, in such case, the exemption shall begin on the anniversary date of completion of the enterprise in the year in which the request is made and may be for a period of time extending not more than ten (10) years from the date of completion of the new enterprise. Any subsequent request for the exemption must be made in writing by June 1 of the year in which it is granted.

(2) Any board of supervisors or municipal authority which has granted an exemption for a period of less than ten (10) years may grant subsequent periods of exemption to run consecutively with the initial exemption period, or a subsequently granted exemption period, but in no case shall the total of the exemption periods granted for a new enterprise exceed ten (10) years. Any consecutive period of exemption shall be granted by entry of an order by the board or the authority granting the consecutive exemption on its minutes, reflecting the granting of the consecutive exemption period and the dates upon which such consecutive exemption period begins and expires. The entry of this order granting the consecutive period of exemption shall be made before the expiration of the exemption period immediately preceding the consecutive exemption period being granted.

(3) (a) The new enterprises for which any or all of the tangible property described in paragraph (b) of this subsection (3) may be exempt from ad valorem taxation, except state ad valorem taxation, ad valorem taxes for school district purposes, and ad valorem taxes on the products thereof or on automobiles and trucks belonging thereto and operating on and over the highways of the State of Mississippi, are enumerated as and limited to the following, as determined by the Department of Revenue:

(i) Warehouse and/or distribution centers;

(ii) Manufacturing, processors and refineries;

(iii) Research facilities;

(iv) Corporate regional and national headquarters meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(v) Movie industry studios meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(vi) Air transportation and maintenance facilities meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(vii) Recreational facilities that impact tourism meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(viii) Data/information processing enterprises meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(ix) Technology intensive enterprises or facilities meeting criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(x) Health care industry facilities as defined in Section 57-117-3;

(xi) Data centers as defined in Section 57-113-21; and

(xii) Telecommunications enterprises meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority. 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."

(b) An exemption from ad valorem taxes granted under this section may include any or all tangible property, real or personal, including any leasehold interests therein but excluding automobiles and trucks operating on and over the highways of the State of Mississippi, used in connection with, or necessary to, the operation of an enterprise enumerated in paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), whether or not such property is owned, leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise obtained by such enterprise, irrespective of the taxpayer to which any such leased property is assessed for ad valorem tax purposes. If an exemption is granted pursuant to this section with respect to any leasehold interest under a lease, sublease or license of tangible property used in connection with, or necessary to, the operation of an enterprise enumerated in paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), the corresponding ownership interest of the owner, lessor and sublessor of such tangible property shall similarly and automatically be exempt without any action being required to be taken by such owner, lessor or sublessor.

(4) Any exemption from ad valorem taxes granted under this section before March 28, 2019, and consistent herewith, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

[From and after July 1, 2022, this section shall read as follows:]

(i) Warehouse and/or distribution centers;

(ii) Manufacturing, processors and refineries;

(iii) Research facilities;

(iv) Corporate regional and national headquarters meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(v) Movie industry studios meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(vi) Air transportation and maintenance facilities meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(vii) Recreational facilities that impact tourism meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(viii) Data/information processing enterprises meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(ix) Technology intensive enterprises or facilities meeting criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(x) Data centers as defined in Section 57-113-21; and

(xi) Telecommunications enterprises meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority. 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."

(4) Any exemption from ad valorem taxes granted under this section before March 28, 2019, and consistent herewith, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

SECTION 30. Section 27-31-102, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-102. Pipelines, dehydrators, compressors and other appurtenant equipment which are used to facilitate the transportation of carbon dioxide (CO²) in connection with an enhanced oil recovery project in the State of Mississippi shall be exempt from all ad valorem taxation, excepting taxes for school district purposes, for a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the date such pipelines and equipment are first placed into service.

SECTION 31. Section 27-31-103, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-103. County boards of supervisors and municipal authorities in counties bordering on the Gulf of Mexico are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to grant exemption from ad valorem taxation in addition to those enumerated in Section 27-31-101, except state ad valorem taxation, on all tangible property, excepting motor vehicles, used in or necessary to the operation of new enterprises completed after May 6, 1958, which enterprises are commonly or are usually designated as hotels, motels, or both.

In the case of the county board of supervisors, the exemption shall not exceed five (5) years and in the case of the municipal authorities, the exemption shall not exceed ten (10) years. Said exemption may be granted in the case of domestic corporations, without regard to the date of its charter, and in the case of foreign corporations, without regard to the date on which it qualified to do business, and is authorized to do business, and in the case of an individual enterprise, said exemption shall be granted from the date said work is commenced.

No new exemption from ad valorem taxes levied for school district purposes shall be granted pursuant to this section from and after July 1, 1990.

SECTION 32. Section 27-31-104, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Through June 30, 2022, this section shall read as follows:]

27-31-104. (1) (a) County boards of supervisors and municipal authorities are each hereby authorized and empowered to enter into an agreement with an enterprise granting, and pursuant to such agreement grant a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes, including ad valorem taxes levied for school purposes, for the following:

(i) Projects totaling over Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000.00) by any new enterprises enumerated in Section 27-31-101;

(ii) Projects by a private company (as such term is defined in Section 57-61-5) having a minimum capital investment of Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000.00);

(iii) Projects by a qualified business (as such term is defined in Section 57-117-3) meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(iv) Projects, in addition to those projects referenced in Section 27-31-105, totaling over Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000.00) by an existing enterprise that has been doing business in the county or municipality for twenty-four (24) months. For purposes of this subparagraph (iv), the term "existing enterprise" includes those enterprises enumerated in Section 27-31-101; or

(v) A private company (as such term is defined in Section 57-61-5) having a minimum capital investment of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) from any source or combination of sources, provided that a majority of the capital investment is from private sources, when such project is located within a geographic area for which a Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued on or after January 1, 2014.

(b) A fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes granted in accordance with this section may include any or all tangible property, real or personal, including any leasehold interests therein but excluding automobiles and trucks operating on and over the highways of the State of Mississippi, used in connection with, or necessary to, the operation of any enterprise, private company or business described in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), as applicable, whether or not such property is owned, leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise obtained by such enterprise, private company or business, as applicable, irrespective of the taxpayer to which any such leased property is assessed for ad valorem tax purposes. If a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes is granted pursuant to this section with respect to any leasehold interest under a lease, sublease or license of tangible property used in connection with, or necessary to, the operation of an enterprise, private company or business described in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), as applicable, the corresponding ownership interest of the owner, lessor and sublessor of such tangible property shall similarly and automatically be exempt and subject to the fee-in-lieu granted in accordance herewith without any action being required to be taken by such owner, lessor or sublessor.

(2) A county board of supervisors may enter into a fee-in-lieu agreement on behalf of the county and any county school district, and a municipality may enter into such a fee-in-lieu agreement on behalf of the municipality and any municipal school district located in the municipality; however, if the project is located outside the limits of a municipality but within the boundaries of the municipal school district, then the county board of supervisors may enter into such a fee-in-lieu agreement on behalf of the school district granting a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes for school district purposes.

(3) Any grant of a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes shall be evidenced by a written agreement negotiated by the enterprise and the county board of supervisors and/or municipal authority, as the case may be, and given final approval by the Mississippi Development Authority as satisfying the requirements of this section.

(4) The minimum sum allowable as a fee-in-lieu shall not be less than one-third (1/3) of the ad valorem levy, including ad valorem taxes for school district purposes, and except as otherwise provided, the sum allowed shall be apportioned between the county or municipality, as appropriate, and the school districts in such amounts as may be determined by the county board of supervisors or municipal governing authority, as the case may be, however, except as otherwise provided in this section, from the sum allowed the apportionment to school districts shall not be less than the school districts' pro rata share based upon the proportion that the millage imposed for the school districts by the appropriate levying authority bears to the millage imposed by such levying authority for all other county or municipal purposes. Any fee-in-lieu agreement entered into under this section shall become a binding obligation of the parties to the agreement, be effective upon its execution by the parties and approval by the Mississippi Development Authority and, except as otherwise provided in Section 17-25-23 or Section 57-75-33, or any other provision of law, continue in effect for a period not to exceed thirty (30) years commencing on the date that the fee-in-lieu granted thereunder begins in accordance with the agreement; however, no particular parcel of land, real property improvement or item of personal property shall be subject to a fee-in-lieu for a duration of more than ten (10) years. Any such agreement shall be binding, according to its terms, on future boards of supervisors of the county and/or governing authorities of a municipality, as the case may be, for the duration of the agreement.

(5) The fee-in-lieu may be a stated fraction or percentage of the ad valorem taxes otherwise payable or a stated dollar amount. If the fee is a fraction or percentage of the ad valorem tax levy, it shall be annually computed on all ad valorem taxes otherwise payable, including school taxes, as the same may vary from year to year based upon changes in the millage rate or assessed value and shall not be less than one-third (1/3) of that amount. If the fee is a stated dollar amount, said amount shall be the higher of the sum provided for fixed payment or one-third (1/3) of the total of all ad valorem taxes otherwise payable as annually determined during each year of the fee-in-lieu.

(6) Notwithstanding Section 27-31-111, the parties to a fee-in-lieu may agree on terms and conditions providing for the reduction, suspension, termination or reinstatement of a fee-in-lieu agreement or any fee-in-lieu period granted thereunder upon the cessation of operations by project for twelve (12) or more consecutive months or due to other conditions set forth in the agreement.

(7) For a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxi) and located in a county that is a member of a regional economic development alliance created under Section 57-64-1 et seq., the members of the regional economic development alliance may divide the sum allowed as a fee-in-lieu in a manner as determined by the alliance agreement, and the boards of supervisors of the member counties may then apportion the sum allowed between school district purposes and all other county purposes.

(8) For a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxvi), the board of supervisors of the county in which the project is located may negotiate with the school district in which the project is located and apportion to the school district an amount of the fee-in-lieu that is agreed upon in the negotiations different than the amount provided for in subsection (3) of this section.

(9) For a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxviii), the annual amount of the fee-in-lieu apportioned to the county shall not be less than the amount necessary to pay the debt service on bonds issued by the county pursuant to Section 57-75-37(3)(c).

(10) Any fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes granted under this section before the effective date of this act, and consistent herewith, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

[From and after July 1, 2022, this section shall read as follows:]

(i) Projects totaling over Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000.00) by any new enterprises enumerated in Section 27-31-101;

(ii) Projects by a private company (as such term is defined in Section 57-61-5, Mississippi Code of 1972) having a minimum capital investment of Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000.00);

(iii) Projects, in addition to those projects referenced in Section 27-31-105, totaling over Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000.00) by an existing enterprise that has been doing business in the county or municipality for twenty-four (24) months. For purposes of this subparagraph (iii), the term "existing enterprise" includes those enterprises enumerated in Section 27-31-101; or

(iv) A private company (as such term is defined in Section 57-61-5) having a minimum capital investment of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) from any source or combination of sources, provided that a majority of the capital investment is from private sources, when such project is located within a geographic area for which a Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued on or after January 1, 2014.

(9) For a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxviii), the annual amount of the fee-in-lieu apportioned to the county shall not be less than the amount necessary to pay the annual debt service on bonds issued by the county pursuant to Section 57-75-37(3)(c).

(10) Any fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes granted under this section before the effective date of this act, and consistent herewith, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

SECTION 33. Section 27-31-105, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-105. (1) Any person, firm or corporation who owns or operates a manufacturing or other enterprise of public utility as enumerated in Section 27-31-101 and who makes additions to or expansions of the facilities or properties or replaces equipment used in connection with or necessary to the operation of such enterprise may be granted an exemption from ad valorem taxation, except state ad valorem taxation, ad valorem taxes for school district purposes, and ad valorem taxes on the products thereof or on automobiles and trucks belonging thereto and operating on and over the highways of the State of Mississippi, upon each addition to or expansion of the facility or property or replacement of equipment, used in connection with, or necessary to, the operation of an enterprise enumerated in Section 27-31-101, whether or not such property is owned, leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise obtained by such enterprise, irrespective of the taxpayer to which any such leased property is assessed for ad valorem tax purposes, within the discretion of the county board of supervisors and municipal authorities; however, such governing authorities shall not exempt ad valorem taxes for school district purposes on such additions or expansions of the facility or property, or replacement of equipment. If an exemption is granted pursuant to this subsection (1) with respect to any leasehold interest under a lease, sublease or license of tangible property used in connection with, or necessary to, the operation of an enterprise enumerated in Section 27-31-101, the corresponding ownership interest of the owner, lessor and sublessor of such tangible property shall similarly and automatically be exempt without any action being required to be taken by such owner, lessor or sublessor. In order to obtain the exemptions authorized by this section, a person, firm or corporation shall follow the same procedure prescribed for obtaining an exemption on a new enterprise, except as otherwise provided in this section. For any additions, expansions or replacements with reference to any particular new enterprise, which have been completed during any calendar year, only one (1) request must be made for the exemptions sought for the additions, expansions or replacements. The time of the exemption shall commence from the date of completion of the additions, expansions or replacements, and shall extend for a period not to exceed ten (10) years thereafter; however, boards of supervisors and municipal authorities, in lieu of granting the exemption for one (1) period of ten (10) years, may grant the exemption in consecutive periods of five (5) years each, but the total of such consecutive periods shall not exceed ten (10) years. The initial request for an exemption must be made in writing by June 1 of the year immediately following the year in which the additions, expansions or replacements are completed. If the initial request for the exemption is not timely made, the board of supervisors or municipal authorities may grant a subsequent request for the exemption and, in such case, the exemption shall begin on the anniversary date of completion of the additions, expansions or replacements in the year in which the request is made and may be for a period of time extending not more than ten (10) years from the date of completion of the additions, expansions or replacements. Any subsequent request for the exemption must be made in writing by June 1 of the year in which it is granted. Any exemption from ad valorem taxes granted under this subsection (1) before March 28, 2019, and consistent herewith, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

(2) For expansions of facilities or properties, or replacement of equipment, county boards of supervisors and municipal authorities may grant a fee in lieu of taxes in the same manner, to the same extent, and with the same qualifying threshold as provided for projects under Section 27-31-104, Mississippi Code of 1972. Any fee-in-lieu of taxes granted under this subsection (2) before March 28, 2019, and consistent herewith, is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

SECTION 34. Section 27-31-107, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-107. Any person, firm or corporation claiming exemptions from municipal or county ad valorem taxation as provided in Sections 27-31-101 through 27-31-117 shall first file an application with the governing authorities of the municipality or the county board of supervisors, as the case may be, on or before June 1 of the year following the year of completion of the new enterprise or completion of the expansion or addition; however, no such application shall be required for, nor shall this section otherwise apply to, any fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxation, granted pursuant to Section 27-31-104 or 27-31-105(2). Each copy shall be subscribed and sworn to by the individual making the application or, if a firm or corporation, by an officer or person duly authorized to do so. In the application, full information shall be given as to the property proposed to be exempted, the kind of articles to be manufactured, and the date from which exemption is claimed. Each application shall also show an itemized listing of the true value of all such property sought to be exempted. The governing authorities of the municipality or county board of supervisors may, by resolution spread on its minutes, approve such application for all or any part of the property sought to be exempted and for all or any part of the authorized period of exemption. The resolution of approval shall also have an itemized listing of the true value of all property to be exempted. The application, together with the resolution of approval, shall be forwarded to the Department of Revenue within thirty (30) days from the date of the resolution. The department shall proceed to investigate the matter and determine whether the property is eligible for the exemption. After investigation of the eligibility of the property, the department shall certify its determination to the governing authorities of the municipality or the county board of supervisors. If such property sought to be exempted is not eligible for such exemption, as above set forth, the Department of Revenue shall so certify. If the Department of Revenue certifies that the applicant is eligible for an exemption, it shall be discretionary with the board of supervisors or municipal authorities as to whether they grant the exemption, but in no event shall an exemption be granted if the Department of Revenue certifies that the applicant is not eligible for an exemption. The original copy of the application for exemption shall be returned to the governing authorities of the municipality or the county board of supervisors, as the case may be.

SECTION 35. Section 27-31-109, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-109. At its next meeting after receipt of certification from the State Tax Commission, the governing authorities of the municipality or the county board of supervisors, as the case may be, may enter an order on its minutes declaring that such property is exempted, and the date when such exemption begins and expires, and the chancery clerk or city clerk shall record such application, together with the order approving same, in a book kept in his office for that purpose, and shall file one (1) copy with the State Tax Commission.

SECTION 36. Section 27-31-111, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-111. If at any time during an authorized period of ad valorem tax exemption for a given plant there is a cessation of manufacturing operations as herein defined for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more, all unexpired tax exemptions covered by Sections 27-31-101 through 27-31-117 for that particular plant shall become void, and if manufacturing operations are begun at a later date, a new application may be filed subject to the same approval and the same certification for the unexpired balance of the period covered by the original exemption.

SECTION 37. Section 27-31-113, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-113. If, at any time after exemption from ad valorem taxation hereunder has been obtained, it comes to the attention of the governing authorities of the municipality, the county board of supervisors, the Mississippi Agricultural and Industrial Board, the state tax commission, or the attorney general, that such exemption was obtained by fraud, misstatement or misrepresentation, or that the industry does not meet the definitions of a manufacturing industry as set forth in Section 27-31-101, it shall be the duty of the governing authorities of the municipality or the county board of supervisors to cancel such exemption.

SECTION 38. Section 27-31-115, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-31-115. All municipalities may grant like exemptions from municipal ad valorem taxation for a period not exceeding ten (10) years to all manufacturers and other new enterprises mentioned in Section 27-31-101 hereof, and gasworks, waterworks, cooperative electrification associations, excepting railroads and additions or expansions or replacements mentioned in Section 27-31-105 hereof; however, municipal authorities, in lieu of granting the exemption for one (1) period of ten (10) years, may grant the exemption in consecutive periods of less than ten (10) years, but the total of such consecutive periods shall not exceed ten (10) years.

No new exemption from ad valorem taxes levied for school district purposes shall be granted pursuant to this section from and after July 1, 1990.

SECTION 39. Section 27-65-101, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-65-101. (1) The exemptions from the provisions of this chapter which are of an industrial nature or which are more properly classified as industrial exemptions than any other exemption classification of this chapter shall be confined to those persons or property exempted by this section or by the provisions of the Constitution of the United States or the State of Mississippi. No industrial exemption as now provided by any other section except Section 57-3-33 shall be valid as against the tax herein levied. Any subsequent industrial exemption from the tax levied hereunder shall be provided by amendment to this section. No exemption provided in this section shall apply to taxes levied by Section 27-65-15 or 27-65-21.

The tax levied by this chapter shall not apply to the following:

(a) Sales of boxes, crates, cartons, cans, bottles and other packaging materials to manufacturers and wholesalers for use as containers or shipping materials to accompany goods sold by said manufacturers or wholesalers where possession thereof will pass to the customer at the time of sale of the goods contained therein and sales to anyone of containers or shipping materials for use in ships engaged in international commerce.

(b) Sales of raw materials, catalysts, processing chemicals, welding gases or other industrial processing gases (except natural gas) to a manufacturer for use directly in manufacturing or processing a product for sale or rental or repairing or reconditioning vessels or barges of fifty (50) tons load displacement and over. For the purposes of this exemption, electricity used directly in the electrolysis process in the production of sodium chlorate shall be considered a raw material. This exemption shall not apply to any property used as fuel except to the extent that such fuel comprises by-products which have no market value.

(c) The gross proceeds of sales of dry docks, offshore drilling equipment for use in oil or natural gas exploration or production, vessels or barges of fifty (50) tons load displacement and over, when the vessels or barges are sold by the manufacturer or builder thereof. In addition to other types of equipment, offshore drilling equipment for use in oil or natural gas exploration or production shall include aircraft used predominately to transport passengers or property to or from offshore oil or natural gas exploration or production platforms or vessels, and engines, accessories and spare parts for such aircraft.

(d) Sales to commercial fishermen of commercial fishing boats of over five (5) tons load displacement and not more than fifty (50) tons load displacement as registered with the United States Coast Guard and licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources.

(e) The gross income from repairs to vessels and barges engaged in foreign trade or interstate transportation.

(f) Sales of petroleum products to vessels or barges for consumption in marine international commerce or interstate transportation businesses.

(g) Sales and rentals of rail rolling stock (and component parts thereof) for ultimate use in interstate commerce and gross income from services with respect to manufacturing, repairing, cleaning, altering, reconditioning or improving such rail rolling stock (and component parts thereof).

(h) Sales of raw materials, catalysts, processing chemicals, welding gases or other industrial processing gases (except natural gas) used or consumed directly in manufacturing, repairing, cleaning, altering, reconditioning or improving such rail rolling stock (and component parts thereof). This exemption shall not apply to any property used as fuel.

(i) Sales of machinery or tools or repair parts therefor or replacements thereof, fuel or supplies used directly in manufacturing, converting or repairing ships, vessels or barges of three thousand (3,000) tons load displacement and over, but not to include office and plant supplies or other equipment not directly used on the ship, vessel or barge being built, converted or repaired. For purposes of this exemption, "ships, vessels or barges" shall not include floating structures described in Section 27-65-18.

(j) Sales of tangible personal property to persons operating ships in international commerce for use or consumption on board such ships. This exemption shall be limited to cases in which procedures satisfactory to the commissioner, ensuring against use in this state other than on such ships, are established.

(k) Sales of materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales of any machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the building, or any addition thereon, to be used therein, to qualified businesses, as defined in Section 57-51-5, which are located in a county or portion thereof designated as an enterprise zone pursuant to Sections 57-51-1 through 57-51-15.

(l) Sales of materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales of any machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the building, or any addition thereon, to be used therein, to qualified businesses, as defined in Section 57-54-5.

(m) Income from storage and handling of perishable goods by a public storage warehouse.

(n) The value of natural gas lawfully injected into the earth for cycling, repressuring or lifting of oil, or lawfully vented or flared in connection with the production of oil; however, if any gas so injected into the earth is sold for such purposes, then the gas so sold shall not be exempt.

(o) The gross collections from self-service commercial laundering, drying, cleaning and pressing equipment.

(p) Sales of materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales of any machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the building, or any addition thereon, to be used therein, to qualified companies, certified as such by the Mississippi Development Authority under Section 57-53-1.

(q) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, sales of machinery and equipment to be used therein, and sales of manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment which is permanently attached to the ground or to a permanent foundation and which is not by its nature intended to be housed within a building structure, not later than three (3) months after the initial start-up date, to permanent business enterprises engaging in manufacturing or processing in Tier Three areas (as such term is defined in Section 57-73-21), which businesses are certified by the Department of Revenue as being eligible for the exemption granted in this paragraph (q).

(r) (i) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales of any machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of the building, addition or improvement thereon, to be used therein, for any company establishing or transferring its national or regional headquarters from within or outside the State of Mississippi and creating a minimum of twenty (20) jobs at the new headquarters in this state. The Department of Revenue shall establish criteria and prescribe procedures to determine if a company qualifies as a national or regional headquarters for the purpose of receiving the exemption provided in this subparagraph (i).

(ii) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales of any machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of the building, addition or improvement thereon, to be used therein, for any company expanding or making additions after January 1, 2013, to its national or regional headquarters within the State of Mississippi and creating a minimum of twenty (20) new jobs at the headquarters as a result of the expansion or additions. The Department of Revenue shall establish criteria and prescribe procedures to determine if a company qualifies as a national or regional headquarters for the purpose of receiving the exemption provided in this subparagraph (ii).

(s) The gross proceeds from the sale of semitrailers, trailers, boats, travel trailers, motorcycles, all-terrain cycles and rotary-wing aircraft if exported from this state within forty-eight (48) hours and registered and first used in another state.

(t) Gross income from the storage and handling of natural gas in underground salt domes and in other underground reservoirs, caverns, structures and formations suitable for such storage.

(u) Sales of machinery and equipment to nonprofit organizations if the organization:

(i) Is tax exempt pursuant to Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

(ii) Assists in the implementation of the contingency plan or area contingency plan, and which is created in response to the requirements of Title IV, Subtitle B of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, Public Law 101-380; and

(iii) Engages primarily in programs to contain, clean up and otherwise mitigate spills of oil or other substances occurring in the United States coastal and tidal waters.

For purposes of this exemption, "machinery and equipment" means any ocean-going vessels, barges, booms, skimmers and other capital equipment used primarily in the operations of nonprofit organizations referred to herein.

(v) Sales or leases of materials and equipment to approved business enterprises as provided under the Growth and Prosperity Act.

(w) From and after July 1, 2001, sales of pollution control equipment to manufacturers or custom processors for industrial use. For the purposes of this exemption, "pollution control equipment" means equipment, devices, machinery or systems used or acquired to prevent, control, monitor or reduce air, water or groundwater pollution, or solid or hazardous waste as required by federal or state law or regulation.

(x) Sales or leases to a manufacturer of motor vehicles or powertrain components operating a project that has been certified by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1, Section 57-75-5(f)(xxi) or Section 57-75-5(f)(xxii) of machinery and equipment; special tooling such as dies, molds, jigs and similar items treated as special tooling for federal income tax purposes; or repair parts therefor or replacements thereof; repair services thereon; fuel, supplies, electricity, coal and natural gas used directly in the manufacture of motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts or used to provide climate control for manufacturing areas.

(y) Sales or leases of component materials, machinery and equipment used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon to an enterprise operating a project that has been certified by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1, Section 57-75-5(f)(xxi), Section 57-75-5(f)(xxii) or Section 57-75-5(f)(xxviii) and any other sales or leases required to establish or operate such project.

(z) Sales of component materials and equipment to a business enterprise as provided under Section 57-64-33.

(aa) The gross income from the stripping and painting of commercial aircraft engaged in foreign or interstate transportation business.

(bb) [Repealed]

(cc) Sales or leases to an enterprise owning or operating a project that has been designated by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xviii) of machinery and equipment; special tooling such as dies, molds, jigs and similar items treated as special tooling for federal income tax purposes; or repair parts therefor or replacements thereof; repair services thereon; fuel, supplies, electricity, coal and natural gas used directly in the manufacturing/production operations of the project or used to provide climate control for manufacturing/production areas.

(dd) Sales or leases of component materials, machinery and equipment used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon to an enterprise owning or operating a project that has been designated by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xviii) and any other sales or leases required to establish or operate such project.

(ee) Sales of parts used in the repair and servicing of aircraft not registered in Mississippi engaged exclusively in the business of foreign or interstate transportation to businesses engaged in aircraft repair and maintenance.

(ff) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a facility, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales or leases of machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the facility, or any addition or improvement thereto, to be used in the building or any addition or improvement thereto, to a permanent business enterprise operating a data/information enterprise in Tier Three areas (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(gg) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a facility, or any addition or improvement thereto, and sales of machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the facility, or any addition or improvement thereto, to be used in the facility or any addition or improvement thereto, to technology intensive enterprises for industrial purposes in Tier Three areas (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), as certified by the Department of Revenue. For purposes of this paragraph, an enterprise must meet the criteria provided for in Section 27-65-17(1)(f) in order to be considered a technology intensive enterprise.

(hh) Sales of component materials used in the replacement, reconstruction or repair of a building or facility that has been destroyed or sustained extensive damage as a result of a disaster declared by the Governor, sales of machinery and equipment to be used therein to replace machinery or equipment damaged or destroyed as a result of such disaster, including, but not limited to, manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment which is permanently attached to the ground or to a permanent foundation and which is not by its nature intended to be housed within a building structure, to enterprises or companies that were eligible for the exemptions authorized in paragraph (q), (r), (ff) or (gg) of this subsection during initial construction of the building that was destroyed or damaged, which enterprises or companies are certified by the Department of Revenue as being eligible for the exemption granted in this paragraph.

(ii) Sales of software or software services transmitted by the Internet to a destination outside the State of Mississippi where the first use of such software or software services by the purchaser occurs outside the State of Mississippi.

(jj) Gross income of public storage warehouses derived from the temporary storage of raw materials that are to be used in an eligible facility as defined in Section 27-7-22.35.

(kk) Sales of component building materials and equipment for initial construction of facilities or expansion of facilities as authorized under Sections 57-113-1 through 57-113-7 and Sections 57-113-21 through 57-113-27.

(ll) Sales and leases of machinery and equipment acquired in the initial construction to establish facilities as authorized in Sections 57-113-1 through 57-113-7.

(mm) Sales and leases of replacement hardware, software or other necessary technology to operate a data center as authorized under Sections 57-113-21 through 57-113-27.

(nn) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales or leases of machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of the construction of the facility, to be used in the facility, to permanent business enterprises operating a facility producing renewable crude oil from biomass harvested or produced, in whole or in part, in Mississippi, which businesses meet minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority. As used in this paragraph, the term "biomass" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-113-1.

(oo) Sales of supplies, equipment and other personal property to an organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is the host organization coordinating a professional golf tournament played or to be played in this state and the supplies, equipment or other personal property will be used for purposes related to the golf tournament and related activities.

(pp) Sales of materials used in the construction of a health care industry facility, as defined in Section 57-117-3, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales of any machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the facility, or any addition thereon, to be used therein, to qualified businesses, as defined in Section 57-117-3. This paragraph shall be repealed from and after July 1, 2022.

(qq) Sales or leases to a manufacturer of automotive parts operating a project that has been certified by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxviii) of machinery and equipment; or repair parts therefor or replacements thereof; repair services thereon; fuel, supplies, electricity, coal, nitrogen and natural gas used directly in the manufacture of automotive parts or used to provide climate control for manufacturing areas.

(rr) Gross collections derived from guided tours on any navigable waters of this state, which include providing accommodations, guide services and/or related equipment operated by or under the direction of the person providing the tour, for the purposes of outdoor tourism. The exemption provided in this paragraph (rr) does not apply to the sale of tangible personal property by a person providing such tours.

(ss) Retail sales of truck-tractors and semitrailers used in interstate commerce and registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) or any similar reciprocity agreement or compact relating to the proportional registration of commercial vehicles entered into as provided for in Section 27-19-143.

(tt) Sales exempt under the Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disasters Act of 2015 (Sections 27-113-1 through 27-113-9).

(uu) Sales or leases to an enterprise and its affiliates operating a project that has been certified by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix) of:

(i) All personal property and fixtures, including without limitation, sales or leases to the enterprise and its affiliates of:

1. Manufacturing machinery and equipment;

2. Special tooling such as dies, molds, jigs and similar items treated as special tooling for federal income tax purposes;

3. Component building materials, machinery and equipment used in the construction of buildings, and any other additions or improvements to the project site for the project;

4. Nonmanufacturing furniture, fixtures and equipment (inclusive of all communications, computer, server, software and other hardware equipment); and

5. Fuel, supplies (other than nonmanufacturing consumable supplies and water), electricity, nitrogen gas and natural gas used directly in the manufacturing/production operations of such project or used to provide climate control for manufacturing/production areas of such project;

(ii) All replacements of, repair parts for or services to repair items described in subparagraph (i)1, 2 and 3 of this paragraph; and

(iii) All services taxable pursuant to Section 27-65-23 required to establish, support, operate, repair and/or maintain such project.

(vv) Sales or leases to an enterprise operating a project that has been certified by the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxx) of:

(i) Purchases required to establish and operate the project, including, but not limited to, sales of component building materials, machinery and equipment required to establish the project facility and any additions or improvements thereon; and

(ii) Machinery, special tools (such as dies, molds, and jigs) or repair parts thereof, or replacements and lease thereof, repair services thereon, fuel, supplies and electricity, coal and natural gas used in the manufacturing process and purchased by the enterprise owning or operating the project for the benefit of the project.

(ww) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a building, or any expansion or improvement thereon, sales of machinery and/or equipment to be used therein, and sales of processing machinery and equipment which is permanently attached to the ground or to a permanent foundation which is not by its nature intended to be housed in a building structure, no later than three (3) months after initial startup, expansion or improvement of a permanent enterprise solely engaged in the conversion of natural sand into proppants used in oil and gas exploration and development with at least ninety-five percent (95%) of such proppants used in the production of oil and/or gas from horizontally drilled wells and/or horizontally drilled recompletion wells as defined in Sections 27-25-501 and 27-25-701.

(2) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, sales of machinery and equipment to be used therein, and sales of manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment which is permanently attached to the ground or to a permanent foundation and which is not by its nature intended to be housed within a building structure, not later than three (3) months after the initial start-up date, to permanent business enterprises engaging in manufacturing or processing in Tier Two areas and Tier One areas (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), which businesses are certified by the Department of Revenue as being eligible for the exemption granted in this subsection, shall be exempt from one-half (1/2) of the taxes imposed on such transactions under this chapter.

(3) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a facility, or any addition or improvement thereon, and sales or leases of machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the facility, or any addition or improvement thereto, to be used in the building or any addition or improvement thereto, to a permanent business enterprise operating a data/information enterprise in Tier Two areas and Tier One areas (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), which businesses meet minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority, shall be exempt from one-half (1/2) of the taxes imposed on such transaction under this chapter.

(4) Sales of component materials used in the construction of a facility, or any addition or improvement thereto, and sales of machinery and equipment not later than three (3) months after the completion of construction of the facility, or any addition or improvement thereto, to be used in the building or any addition or improvement thereto, to technology intensive enterprises for industrial purposes in Tier Two areas and Tier One areas (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), which businesses are certified by the Department of Revenue as being eligible for the exemption granted in this subsection, shall be exempt from one-half (1/2) of the taxes imposed on such transactions under this chapter. For purposes of this subsection, an enterprise must meet the criteria provided for in Section 27-65-17(1)(f) in order to be considered a technology intensive enterprise.

(5) (a) For purposes of this subsection:

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

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

(iii) "Tier Two areas" mean counties designated as Tier Two areas pursuant to Section 57-73-21;

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

(v) "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.

(b) Sales of equipment to telecommunications enterprises after June 30, 2003, and before July 1, 2020, that is installed in Tier One areas and used in the deployment of broadband technologies shall be exempt from one-half (1/2) of the taxes imposed on such transactions under this chapter.

(c) Sales of equipment to telecommunications enterprises after June 30, 2003, and before July 1, 2020, that is installed in Tier Two and Tier Three areas and used in the deployment of broadband technologies shall be exempt from the taxes imposed on such transactions under this chapter.

(6) Sales of component materials used in the replacement, reconstruction or repair of a building that has been destroyed or sustained extensive damage as a result of a disaster declared by the Governor, sales of machinery and equipment to be used therein to replace machinery or equipment damaged or destroyed as a result of such disaster, including, but not limited to, manufacturing or processing machinery and equipment which is permanently attached to the ground or to a permanent foundation and which is not by its nature intended to be housed within a building structure, to enterprises that were eligible for the partial exemptions provided for in subsections (2), (3) and (4) of this section during initial construction of the building that was destroyed or damaged, which enterprises are certified by the Department of Revenue as being eligible for the partial exemption granted in this subsection, shall be exempt from one-half (1/2) of the taxes imposed on such transactions under this chapter.

SECTION 40. Section 27-65-107, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-65-107. The exemptions from the provisions of this chapter which relate to utilities or which are more properly classified as utility exemptions than any other exemption classification of this chapter shall be confined to those persons or property exempted by this section or by provisions of the Constitutions of the United States or the State of Mississippi. No utility exemption as now provided by any other section shall be valid as against the tax herein levied. Any subsequent utility exemption from the tax levied hereunder shall be provided by amendment to this section.

No exemption provided in this section shall apply to taxes levied by Section 27-65-15 or 27-65-21, Mississippi Code of 1972.

The tax levied by this chapter shall not apply to the following:

(a) Sales and rentals of locomotives, rail rolling stock and materials for their repair, locomotive water, when made to a railroad whose rates are fixed by the Interstate Commerce Commission or the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

(b) Rentals of manufacturing machinery to a manufacturer or custom processor where such manufacturer or custom processor is engaged in, and such machinery is used in, the manufacture of containers made from timber or wood for sale. The tax, likewise, shall not apply to replacement or repair parts of such machinery used in such manufacture.

(c) Sales of tangible personal property and services to nonprofit water associations or corporations in which no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder, group or individual. Only sales of property or services which are ordinary and necessary to the operation of such organizations are exempt from tax.

(d) Wholesale sales of tangible personal property for resale under Section 27-65-19.

(e) From and after July 1, 2003, sales of fuel used to produce electric power by a company primarily engaged in the business of producing, generating or distributing electric power for sale.

(f) Sales of electricity, current, power, steam, coal, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or other fuel to a manufacturer, custom processor, data center meeting the criteria provided for in Section 57-113-21, technology intensive enterprise meeting the criteria provided for in Section 27-65-17(1)(f), or public service company for industrial purposes, which shall include that used to generate electricity, to operate an electrical distribution or transmission system, to operate pipeline compressor or pumping stations, or to operate railroad locomotives.

(g) Sales of electricity, current, power, steam, coal, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or other fuel to a producer or processor for use directly in the production of poultry or poultry products, the production of livestock and livestock products, the production of domesticated fish and domesticated fish products, the production of marine aquaculture products, the production of plants or food by commercial horticulturists, the processing of milk and milk products, the processing of poultry and livestock feed, and the irrigation of farm crops.

(h) Sales of electricity, current, power, steam, coal, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or other fuel to a commercial fisherman, shrimper or oysterman.

(i) Sales exempt under the Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disasters Act of 2015 (Sections 27-113-1 through 27-113-9).

(j) Sales of electricity, current, power, steam, coal, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or other fuel to a permanent enterprise that is eligible for the exemption authorized in Section 27-65-101(1)(ww) upon completion of the expansion upon which such exemption is based; however, in order to be eligible for the exemption authorized by this paragraph, the expansion must:

(i) Create at least eighty-five (85) full-time jobs in this state with an average annual wage of at least Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00); and

(ii) Have at least Eighty Million Dollars ($80,000,000.00) in new investment at the existing facility.

SECTION 41. Section 37-148-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

37-148-1. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Strengthening Mississippi Academic Research Through Business Act."

SECTION 42. Section 37-148-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

37-148-3. As used in this act, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "College" means the state institutions of higher learning in Mississippi which are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(b) "Investor" means a natural person, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation, business trust or other business entity, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the rebate offered, which is subject to Mississippi income tax or franchise tax.

(c) "Qualified research" means the systematic investigative process that is undertaken for the purpose of discovering information. The term "qualified research" does not include research conducted outside the State of Mississippi or research to the extent funded by any grant, contract or otherwise by another person or governmental entity.

(d) "Research agreement" means a written contract, grant or cooperative agreement entered into between a person and a college or research corporation for the performance of qualified research; however, all qualified research costs generating a rebate must be spent by the college or research corporation on qualified research undertaken according to a research agreement.

(e) "Research corporation" means any research corporation formed under Section 37-147-15 if the corporation is wholly owned by a college and all income and profits of the corporation inure to the benefit of the college.

(f) "Qualified research costs" means costs paid or incurred by an investor to a college or research corporation for qualified research undertaken according to a research agreement.

(g) "State" means the State of Mississippi or a governmental entity of the State of Mississippi.

(h) "IHL" means the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in Mississippi.

(i) "SMART Business" means Strengthening Mississippi Academic Research Through Business.

SECTION 43. Section 37-148-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

37-148-5. (1) (a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, an investor incurring qualified research costs subject to a research agreement is eligible for a rebate equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the investor's qualified research costs.

(b) An investor incurring research costs may not claim a rebate pursuant to this chapter greater than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in any fiscal year.

(c) The total amount of rebates issued under this chapter by the state in any fiscal year may not exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

(2) Investors desiring to apply for the rebate authorized by this chapter shall submit an application to IHL which must contain, at a minimum, the following:

(a) A description of the qualified research to be conducted by the college or research corporation;

(b) A proposed budget;

(d) Such additional information as may be requested by IHL.

(3) IHL shall review each application to determine if the investor has satisfied all of the requirements of this section.

(4) Within sixty (60) days of receiving an application, IHL shall issue or refuse to issue a SMART Business certificate. The SMART Business certificate must include the amount of the rebate the investor is eligible to claim, subject to subsection (1) of this section. IHL must notify the Department of Revenue when a SMART Business certificate is issued.

(5) To claim a rebate, the investor must submit a rebate allocation claim to the Department of Revenue. The rebate allocation claim must include, at a minimum, the SMART Business certificate issued by IHL and proof of payment to the college or research corporation for qualified research conducted according to the research agreement.

(6) The Department of Revenue may request an audit from the investor submitting a rebate allocation claim, at the investor's expense, to verify the investor has satisfied the requirements of this chapter.

(7) The Department of Revenue shall issue rebates available under this section from current income tax collections.

(8) Rebates must be allocated to investors by the Department of Revenue in the order that SMART Business certificates are issued by IHL.

SECTION 44. Section 37-148-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

37-148-7. IHL and the Department of Revenue each may promulgate, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, rules and regulations, application forms and any other forms necessary for the implementation and administration of this chapter.

SECTION 45. Section 37-148-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

37-148-9. Before December 1 of each year, IHL shall file a report with the Governor, Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives on the implementation of the Strengthening Mississippi Academic Research Through Business Act. For each research agreement where an investor was issued a SMART Business certificate during that year, the report must include, but not necessarily be limited to, the name of the investor and the rebate amount the investor was eligible to claim.

SECTION 46. Section 57-1-16, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-16. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Extraordinary economic development opportunity" means a new or expanded business or industry which maintains a strong financial condition and minimal credit risk and creates substantial employment, particularly in areas of high unemployment.

(b) "Local economic development entities" means state institutions of higher learning or public or private nonprofit local economic development entities including, but not limited to, chambers of commerce, local authorities, commissions or other entities created by local and private legislation or districts created pursuant to Section 19-5-99.

(2) (a) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the ACE Fund, which shall consist of money from any public or private source designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. The purpose of the fund shall be to assist in maximizing extraordinary economic development opportunities related to any new or expanded business or industry or to assist a local unit of government as authorized in subsection (5) of this section. Such funds may be used to make grants to local economic development entities to assist any new or expanding business or industry that meets the criteria provided in this section when such assistance aids the consummation of a project within the State of Mississippi, or to make grants to a local unit of government as authorized in subsection (5) of this section.

(b) Monies in the fund which are derived from the proceeds of general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the MDA for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by the MDA. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained by the MDA. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued. Reimbursements made under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(3) The MDA shall establish a grant program to make grants from the ACE Fund created under this section. Local economic development entities may apply to the MDA for a grant under this section in the manner provided for in subsection (4) of this section. Local units of government may apply to the MDA for a grant under this section in the manner provided in subsection (5) of this section.

(4) (a) Any business or industry desiring assistance from a local economic development entity under this section shall submit an application to the local economic development entity which shall include, at a minimum:

(i) Evidence that the business or industry meets the definition of an extraordinary economic development opportunity;

(ii) A demonstration that the business or industry is at an economic disadvantage by locating the new or expanded project in the county;

(iii) A description, including the cost, of the requested assistance;

(iv) A description of the purpose for which the assistance is requested;

(v) A two-year business plan;

(vi) Financial statements or tax returns for the three (3) years immediately prior to the application;

(vii) Credit reports on all persons or entities with a twenty percent (20%) or greater interest in the business or industry; and

(viii) Any other information required by the MDA.

(b) The MDA shall require that binding commitments be entered into requiring that:

(i) The minimum requirements of this section and such other requirements as the MDA considers proper shall be met; and

(ii) If such requirements are not met, all or a portion of the funds provided by this section as determined by the MDA shall be repaid.

(c) Upon receipt of the application from a business or industry, the local economic development entity may apply to the MDA for assistance under this section. Such application must contain evidence that the business or industry meets the definition of an extraordinary economic development opportunity, a demonstration that the business or industry is at an economic disadvantage by locating the new or expanded project in the county, a description, including the cost, of the requested assistance, and a statement of what efforts have been made or are being made by the business or industry for securing or qualifying for other local, state, federal or private funds for the project.

(d) The MDA shall have sole discretion in the awarding of ACE funds, provided that the business or industry and the local economic development entity have met the statutory requirements of this section. However, in making grants under this section, the MDA shall attempt to provide for an equitable distribution of such grants among each of the congressional districts of this state in order to promote economic development across the entire state.

(5) (a) The MDA may make grants to local units of government to assist the local unit of government in purchasing real property for the benefit of an existing industry that commits to maintain a minimum of one thousand three hundred (1,300) jobs for a minimum of ten (10) years after the date the grant is made.

(b) Any local unit of government seeking a grant authorized under this subsection shall apply to MDA. The application shall contain such information as the MDA may require.

(i) The minimum requirements of this subsection and such other requirements as the MDA considers proper shall be met; and

(ii) If such requirements are not met, all or a portion of the funds provided by this section as determined by the MDA shall be repaid.

(6) The MDA shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, for the implementation of this section. However, before the implementation of any such rules and regulations, they shall be submitted to a committee consisting of five (5) members of the Senate Finance Committee and five (5) members of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, appointed by the respective committee chairmen.

SECTION 47. Section 57-1-18, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-18. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Limited population county" means a county in the State of Mississippi with a population of thirty thousand (30,000) or less according to the most recent federal decennial census at the time the county submits its application to the MDA under this section.

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

(c) "Project" means highways, streets and other roadways, bridges, sidewalks, utilities, airfields, airports, acquisition of equipment, acquisition of real property, development of real property, improvements to real property, and any other project approved by the MDA.

(d) "Small municipality" means a municipality in the State of Mississippi with a population of ten thousand (10,000) or less according to the most recent federal decennial census at the time the municipality submits its application to the MDA under this section. The term "small municipality" also includes a municipal historical hamlet as defined in Section 17-27-5.

(2) (a) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the "Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Fund," which shall consist of funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used to make grants to small municipalities and limited population counties or natural gas districts created by law and contained therein to assist in completing projects under this section.

(b) Monies in the fund which are derived from proceeds of bonds issued under Sections 1 through 16 of Chapter 538, Laws of 2002, Sections 1 through 16 of Chapter 508, Laws of 2003, Sections 55 through 70 of Chapter 1, Laws of 2004 Third Extraordinary Session, Sections 1 through 16 of Chapter 482, Laws of 2006, Section 15 of Chapter 580, Laws of 2007, Section 1 of Chapter 503, Laws of 2008, Section 42 of Chapter 557, Laws of 2009, Section 38 of Chapter 533, Laws of 2010, Section 41 of Chapter 480, Laws of 2011, Section 30 of Chapter 569, Laws of 2013, Section 4 of Chapter 530, Laws of 2014, Section 11 of Chapter 472, Laws of 2015, Section 19 of Chapter 511, Laws of 2016, Section 5 of Chapter 452, Laws of 2018, or Section 19 of Chapter 454, Laws of 2019, may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the MDA for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by the MDA. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained by the MDA. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued. Reimbursements under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(3) The MDA shall establish a grant program to make grants to small municipalities and limited population counties from the Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Fund. Grants made under this section to a small municipality or a limited population county shall not exceed Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) during any grant period established by the MDA. A small municipality or limited population county may apply to the MDA for a grant under this section in the manner provided for in this section.

(4) A small municipality or limited population county desiring assistance under this section must submit an application to the MDA. The application must include a description of the project for which assistance is requested, the cost of the project for which assistance is requested, the amount of assistance requested and any other information required by the MDA.

(5) The MDA shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, and the department shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation of this section.

(6) The MDA shall file an annual report with the Governor, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives not later than December 1 of each year, describing all assistance provided under this section.

SECTION 48. Section 57-1-221, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-221. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Approved business enterprise" means any project that:

(i) Locates or expands in this state and creates a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) new, full-time jobs with a total capital investment in the state of a minimum of Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000.00) in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties;

(ii) Locates or expands in this state and creates a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) new, full-time jobs with a total capital investment in the state of a minimum of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) in areas federally designated as low-income census tracts;

(iii) Locates or expands in this state and creates a minimum of one thousand (1,000) new, full-time jobs;

(iv) Is a manufacturer of high-end kitchen appliances having at least four hundred (400) employees working at its Mississippi facilities on January 1, 2015, and with a capital investment of at least Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) made after July 1, 2014, through four (4) years after July 1, 2015, that expands in this state, and retains a minimum of four hundred (400) jobs; or

(v) Locates or expands in this state with significant regional impact as determined by MDA.

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

(i) Facilities to provide potable and industrial water supply systems, sewage and waste disposal systems and water, natural gas and electric transmission systems to the site of the project;

(ii) Building facilities and equipment necessary to operate the facility;

(iii) Rail lines;

(iv) Airports, airfields, air terminals and port facilities;

(v) Highways, streets and other roadways; and

(vi) Fire protection facilities, equipment and elevated water tanks.

(d) "Project" means any industrial, commercial, research and development, warehousing, distribution, transportation, processing, mining, United States government or tourism enterprise together with all real property required for construction, maintenance and operation of the enterprise that is approved by the MDA.

(2) (a) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund which shall consist of monies from any source designated for deposit into the fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be disbursed by the Mississippi Development Authority for the purposes authorized in subsection (3) of this section.

(b) Monies in the fund that are derived from the proceeds of general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the MDA for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by the MDA. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained by the MDA. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued. Reimbursements made under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(3) The MDA shall establish a program to make grants or loans from the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund to local governments, including, but not limited to, counties, municipalities, industrial development authorities and economic development districts, and approved business enterprises to construct or otherwise provide facilities related to the project. Local governments are authorized to accept grants and enter into loans authorized under the program, and to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of a project or any property related to the project in whole or in part.

(4) (a) Any business enterprise or local government desiring a grant or loan under this section shall submit an application to the MDA which shall include, at a minimum:

(i) Evidence that the business or industry meets the definition of an approved business enterprise;

(ii) A description, including the cost, of the requested assistance;

(iii) A description of the purpose for which the assistance is requested; and

(iv) Any other information required by the MDA.

(b) The MDA shall require that binding commitments be entered into requiring that:

(i) The minimum requirements of this section and such other requirements as the MDA considers proper shall be met; and

(ii) If such requirements are not met, all or a portion of the funds provided by this section as determined by the MDA shall be repaid.

(c) Upon receipt of the application from a business enterprise or local government for a grant or loan under this section, the MDA shall determine whether the enterprise meets the definition of an approved business enterprise and determine whether to provide the assistance requested in the form of a grant or a loan.

(d) The MDA shall have sole discretion in providing grants or loans under this section. The terms of a grant or loan provided under this section and the manner of repayment of any loan shall be within the discretion of the MDA. Repayments of loans made under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund until the uncommitted balance in the fund reaches Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00). Once the uncommitted balance in the fund reaches Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), repayments of loans under this section shall be deposited to the credit of Fund No. 3951 in the State Treasury to pay debt service on bonds until such time as the uncommitted balance in the fund falls below Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

(e) The MDA shall notify the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee of the approval of any grant or loan application thirty (30) days prior to the disbursement of any monies for the loan or grant from the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund. The notification shall identify the applicant and the purposes for which the loan or grant is made.

(5) (a) Contracts, by local governments, including, but not limited to, design and construction contracts, for the acquisition, purchase, construction or installation of a project shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 31-7-13 if:

(i) The MDA finds and records such finding on its minutes, that because of availability or the particular nature of a project, it would not be in the public interest or would less effectively achieve the purposes of this section to enter into such contracts on the basis of Section 31-7-13; and

(ii) The approved business enterprise that is involved in the project concurs in such finding.

(b) When the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection are met:

(i) The requirements of Section 31-7-13 shall not apply to such contracts; and

(ii) The contracts may be entered into on the basis of negotiation.

(6) It is the policy of the MDA and the MDA is authorized to accommodate and support any enterprise that receives a loan under this section for a project defined in Section 17-25-23 that wishes to have a program of diversity in contracting, and/or that wishes to do business with or cause its prime contractor to do business with Mississippi companies, including those companies that are small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The term "socially and economically disadvantaged individuals" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 USCS 637(d)) and relevant subcontracting regulations promulgated pursuant thereto; except that women shall be presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for the purposes of this subsection.

(7) The MDA shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, for the implementation of this section.

SECTION 49. Section 57-1-301, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-301. (1) There is established a local governments capital improvements revolving loan program to be administered by the Mississippi Development Authority for the purpose of assisting counties and municipalities in making capital improvements.

(2) For purposes of Sections 57-1-301 through 57-1-335, "capital improvements" include any combination of the following:

(a) Construction or repair of water and sewer facilities;

(b) Construction or repair of drainage systems for industrial development;

(d) Construction of new buildings for economic development purposes;

(e) Renovation or repair of existing buildings for economic development purposes;

(f) Construction or repair of access roads for industrial development;

(g) Purchase of buildings for economic development purposes;

(h) Construction or repair of railroad spurs for industrial development;

(i) Construction of any county or municipally owned health care facilities, excluding any county health departments;

(j) Construction, purchase, renovation or repair of any building to be utilized as an auditorium or convention center;

(k) Construction of multipurpose facilities for tourism development;

(l) Loans to a county to aid in retiring interest-bearing loans utilized for the purchase of a motion picture sound stage;

(m) Construction, repair and renovation of parks, swimming pools and recreational and athletic facilities; or

(n) Remediation of brownfield agreement sites in accordance with Sections 49-35-1 through 49-35-25.

SECTION 50. Section 57-1-303, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-303. (1) (a) (i) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be designated as the "Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund," which fund shall consist of such monies as provided in Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335. The fund shall be maintained in perpetuity for the purposes established in Sections 57-1-301 through 57-1-335. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund may not be used or expended for any purpose except as authorized under Sections 57-1-301 through 57-1-335.

(ii) Monies in the Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund which are derived from interest on loan payments received by the Mississippi Development Authority after January 1, 2002, for loans funded with proceeds of bonds whose interest is not exempt from income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may be used by the Mississippi Development Authority for the ordinary and necessary general support of the Mississippi Development Authority. However, such monies may not be used for the purpose of providing salary increases for Mississippi Development Authority employees. The Mississippi Development Authority may escalate its budget and expend such monies in accordance with rules and regulations of the Department of Finance and Administration in a manner consistent with the escalation of federal funds. This subparagraph (ii) shall be repealed from and after July 1, 2022.

(b) The Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund shall be divided into the Taxable Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Subaccount and the Nontaxable Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Subaccount. Funds allocated to the Nontaxable Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Subaccount shall be utilized to provide loans for capital improvements that would qualify for the issuance of bonds whose interest is exempt from income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Funds allocated to the Taxable Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Subaccount shall be utilized to provide loans for any eligible capital improvements, including, but not limited to, capital improvements that would qualify for the issuance of bonds whose interest is exempt from income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

(c) Of the funds deposited into the Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund, not less than Twenty-five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00) shall be allocated to the Nontaxable Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Subaccount, and the remainder of such funds shall be allocated to the Taxable Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Subaccount.

(2) A county or an incorporated municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a loan under the local governments capital improvements revolving loan program established under Sections 57-1-301 through 57-1-335.

(3) (a) The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish a loan program by which loans, at the rate of interest provided for in paragraph (b) of this subsection, may be made available to counties and incorporated municipalities to assist counties and incorporated municipalities in making capital improvements. Loans from the revolving fund may be made to counties and municipalities as set forth in a loan agreement in amounts not to exceed one hundred percent (100%) of eligible project costs as established by the Mississippi Development Authority. The Mississippi Development Authority may require county or municipal participation or funding from other sources, or otherwise limit the percentage of costs covered by loans from the revolving fund. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish a maximum amount for any loan in order to provide for broad and equitable participation in the program and loans for projects described in Section 57-1-301(1)(m) shall not exceed Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) per project.

(b) (i) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (b), the rate of interest on loans made from the Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund for capital improvements that would qualify for the issuance of bonds whose interest is exempt from income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code shall be at the rate of three percent (3%) per annum, calculated according to the actuarial method. The rate of interest on loans for all other capital improvements shall be at the true interest cost on the most recent issue of twenty-year state general obligation bonds occurring prior to the date such loan is made.

(ii) The rate of interest on loans made after April 9, 2002, from the Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund for capital improvements that would qualify for the issuance of bonds whose interest is exempt from income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code shall be at the rate of the lesser of two percent (2%) per annum, calculated according to the actuarial method, or the true interest cost on the most recent issue of state general obligation bonds occurring prior to the date such loan is made. The rate of interest on loans made after April 9, 2002, for all other capital improvements shall be at the rate of three percent (3%) per annum, calculated according to the actuarial method.

(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph to the contrary, loans made for the purposes of the capital project described in Section 57-1-301(2)(l) shall bear no interest.

(4) A county that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the homestead exemption annual tax loss reimbursement to which it may be entitled under Section 27-33-77. An incorporated municipality that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the sales tax revenue distribution to which it may be entitled under Section 27-65-75. Each loan agreement shall provide for (i) monthly payments, (ii) semiannual payments, or (iii) other periodic payments, the annual total of which shall not exceed the annual total for any other year of the loan by more than fifteen percent (15%). The loan agreement shall provide for the repayment of all funds received within not more than twenty (20) years from the date of project completion.

(5) The State Auditor, upon request of the Mississippi Development Authority, shall audit the receipts and expenditures of a county or an incorporated municipality whose loan payments appear to be in arrears, and if he finds that the county or municipality is in arrears in such payments, he shall immediately notify the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration who shall withhold all future payments to the county of homestead exemption reimbursements under Section 27-33-77 and all sums allocated to the county or the municipality under Section 27-65-75 until such time as the county or the municipality is again current in its loan payments as certified by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(6) Evidences of indebtedness which are issued pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed indebtedness within the meaning specified in Section 21-33-303 with regard to cities or incorporated towns, and in Section 19-9-5 with regard to counties.

(7) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be designated as the "Local Governments Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Fund." The fund shall consist of those monies as provided in Section 57-1-307. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund may not be used or expended for any purpose except as authorized in this section. From and after July 1, 2009, the Local Governments Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Fund is abolished and all money in the fund shall be transferred to the Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund.

(8) The Mississippi Development Authority may, on a case-by-case basis, renegotiate the payment of principal and interest on loans made under Sections 57-1-301 through 57-1-335 to the six (6) most southern counties of the state covered by the Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for the State of Mississippi (FEMA-1604-DR) dated August 29, 2005, and to political subdivisions located in such counties; however, the interest on the loans shall not be forgiven for a period of more than twenty-four (24) months and the maturity of the loans shall not be extended for a period of more than forty-eight (48) months.

SECTION 51. Section 57-1-307, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-307. (1) The State Bond Commission, at one time, or from time to time, may declare by resolution the necessity for issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Mississippi to provide funds for all costs incurred or to be incurred for the purposes described in Section 57-1-303. Upon the adoption of a resolution by the Mississippi Development Authority, declaring the necessity for the issuance of any part or all of the general obligation bonds authorized by this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall deliver a certified copy of its resolution or resolutions to the State Bond Commission. Upon receipt of such resolution, the State Bond Commission, in its discretion, may act as the issuing agent, prescribe the form of the bonds, determine the appropriate method for sale of the bonds, advertise for and accept bids or negotiate the sale of the bonds, issue and sell the bonds so authorized to be sold and do any and all other things necessary and advisable in connection with the issuance and sale of such bonds. The total amount of bonds issued under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall not exceed One Hundred Fifteen Million Dollars ($115,000,000.00); provided, however, that an additional amount of bonds may be issued under Sections 57-1-307 and 57-1-335 in an amount not to exceed Thirteen Million Dollars ($13,000,000.00), and the proceeds of any such additional amount of bonds so issued shall be utilized solely to provide loans for capital improvements that would qualify for the issuance of bonds whose interest is exempt from income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) Proceeds from the sale of bonds shall be deposited in the special fund created in Section 57-1-303. Any investment earnings on amounts deposited into the special fund created in Section 57-1-303 shall be used to pay debt service on bonds issued under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335, in accordance with the proceedings authorizing issuance of such bonds.

SECTION 52. Section 57-1-309, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-309. The principal of and interest on the bonds authorized under Section 57-1-307 shall be payable in the manner provided in this section. Such bonds shall bear such date or dates, be in such denomination or denominations, bear interest at such rate or rates (not to exceed the limits set forth in Section 75-17-101, Mississippi Code of 1972), be payable at such place or places within or without the State of Mississippi, shall mature absolutely at such time or times not to exceed twenty-five (25) years from date of issue, be redeemable before maturity at such time or times and upon such terms, with or without premium, shall bear such registration privileges, and shall be substantially in such form, all as shall be determined by resolution of the State Bond Commission.

SECTION 53. Section 57-1-311, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-311. The bonds authorized by Section 57-1-307 shall be signed by the Chairman of the State Bond Commission, or by his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the commission shall be affixed thereto, attested by the Secretary of the State Bond Commission. The interest coupons, if any, to be attached to such bonds may be executed by the facsimile signatures of such officers. Whenever any such bonds shall have been signed by the officials designated to sign the bonds who were in office at the time of such signing but who may have ceased to be such officers before the sale and delivery of such bonds, or who may not have been in office on the date such bonds may bear, the signatures of such officers upon such bonds and coupons shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes and have the same effect as if the person so officially signing such bonds had remained in office until their delivery to the purchaser, or had been in office on the date such bonds may bear. However, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, such bonds may be issued as provided in the Registered Bond Act of the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 54. Section 57-1-313, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-313. All bonds and interest coupons issued under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 have all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, and in exercising the powers granted by this chapter, the State Bond Commission shall not be required to and need not comply with the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.

SECTION 55. Section 57-1-315, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-315. The State Bond Commission shall act as issuing agent for the bonds authorized under Section 57-1-307, prescribe the form of the bonds, determine the appropriate method for sale of the bonds, advertise for and accept bids or negotiate the sale of the bonds, issue and sell the bonds so authorized to be sold, pay all fees and costs incurred in such issuance and sale, and do any and all other things necessary and advisable in connection with the issuance and sale of such bonds. The State Bond Commission is authorized and empowered to pay the costs that are incident to the sale, issuance and delivery of the bonds authorized under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 from the proceeds derived from the sale of such bonds. The State Bond Commission may sell such bonds on sealed bids at public sale or may negotiate the sale of the bonds for such price as it may determine to be for the best interest of the State of Mississippi. All interest accruing on such bonds so issued shall be payable semiannually or annually.

If such bonds are sold by sealed bids at public sale, notice of the sale shall be published at least one time, not less than ten (10) days before the date of sale, and shall be so published in one or more newspapers published or having a general circulation in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, selected by the commission.

The State Bond Commission, when issuing any bonds under the authority of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335, may provide that bonds, at the option of the State of Mississippi, may be called in for payment and redemption at the call price named therein and accrued interest on such date or dates named therein.

SECTION 56. Section 57-1-317, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-317. The bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 are general obligations of the State of Mississippi, and for the payment thereof the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi is irrevocably pledged. If the funds appropriated by the Legislature are insufficient to pay the principal of and the interest on such bonds as they become due, then the deficiency shall be paid by the State Treasurer from any funds in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated. All such bonds shall contain recitals on their faces substantially covering the provisions of this section.

SECTION 57. Section 57-1-319, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-319. Upon the issuance and sale of bonds under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335, the State Bond Commission shall transfer the proceeds of any such sale or sales to the special fund created in Section 57-1-303. The proceeds of such bonds shall be disbursed solely upon the order of the * * * Mississippi Development Authority under such restrictions, if any, as may be contained in the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds.

SECTION 58. Section 57-1-321, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-321. The bonds authorized under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 may be issued without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things other than those proceedings, conditions and things which are specified or required by Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335. Any resolution providing for the issuance of bonds under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the State Bond Commission, and any such resolution may be adopted at any regular or special meeting of the State Bond Commission by a majority of its members.

SECTION 59. Section 57-1-323, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-323. The bonds authorized under the authority of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 may be validated in the Chancery Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi, in the manner and with the force and effect provided by Chapter 13, Title 31, Mississippi Code of 1972, for the validation of county, municipal, school district and other bonds. The notice to taxpayers required by such statutes shall be published in a newspaper published or having a general circulation in the City of Jackson, Mississippi.

SECTION 60. Section 57-1-325, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-325. Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 or of any of the interest coupons pertaining thereto may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights granted under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335, or under such resolution, and may enforce and compel performance of all duties required by Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 to be performed, in order to provide for the payment of bonds and interest thereon.

SECTION 61. Section 57-1-327, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-327. All bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall be legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries, and for savings banks, trust companies and insurance companies organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi, and such bonds shall be legal securities which may be deposited with and shall be received by all public officers and bodies of this state and all municipalities and political subdivisions for the purpose of securing the deposit of public funds.

SECTION 62. Section 57-1-329, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-329. Bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 and income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 63. Section 57-1-331, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-331. The proceeds of the bonds issued under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall be used solely for the purposes herein provided, including the costs incident to the issuance and sale of such bonds.

SECTION 64. Section 57-1-333, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-333. The State Treasurer is authorized to certify to the Department of Finance and Administration the necessity for warrants, and the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration is authorized and directed to issue such warrants, in such amounts as may be necessary to pay when due the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, or the accreted value of, all bonds issued under Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335; and the State Treasurer shall forward the necessary amount to the designated place or places of payment of such bonds in ample time to discharge such bonds, or the interest thereon, on the due dates thereof.

SECTION 65. Section 57-1-335, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-335. Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall be deemed to be full and complete authority for the exercise of the powers herein granted, but Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall not be deemed to repeal or to be in derogation of any existing law of this state.

SECTION 66. Section 57-1-401, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-401. (1) A special fund, to be designated as the "Mississippi Development Authority Workforce Training Fund," is created within the State Treasury into which shall be deposited money from any source that is designated for deposit therein. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited into such fund.

(2) All money deposited into the Mississippi Development Authority Workforce Training Fund shall be disbursed by the Mississippi Development Authority to provide workforce training through state institutions of higher learning, community and junior colleges, and Workforce Investment Network job centers to meet workforce training needs not met by other resources. Employers may request training for existing employees and/or newly hired employees from the Mississippi Development Authority. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish criteria for utilization of the money in the fund and be responsible for approving the training.

SECTION 67. Section 57-1-421, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-421. (1) As used in this subsection:

(a) "Alternative fuel" means compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, as defined in Section 27-59-3, and propane fuel when used as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motor vehicles on the highways of the state.

(b) "Alternative fuel school bus" means a school bus propelled by alternative fuel either as a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle, as a bi-fuel vehicle using alternative fuel as one of its fuels, or as a dual-fuel vehicle using alternative fuel as one of its fuels.

(c) "Conversion kit" means the fuel system equipment necessary in order to retrofit a motor vehicle propelled by gasoline, diesel or other fuel so that the motor vehicle may be converted or modified into an alternative fuel motor vehicle.

(d) "Cost of qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property" means any of the following:

(i) The actual cost per school bus paid by the school district for the purchase and installation of qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property described in paragraph (l)(i) of this subsection.

(ii) The incremental cost per school bus paid by the school district upon the purchase of an OEM alternative fuel school bus for the qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property (including installation) described in paragraph (l)(ii) of this subsection.

(iii) The cost of the qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property described in paragraph (l)(iii) of this subsection and its installation.

(iv) The cost of the qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property described in paragraph (l)(iv) of this subsection and its construction and installation. The cost directly related to a refueling station shall not include costs associated with exploration and development activities necessary for severing natural resources from the soil or ground.

(e) "Fuel system equipment" means tanks, pumps, hoses, injectors, electronic controls and related supplies, materials, parts and components for the storage of alternative fuel as fuel for an alternative fuel school bus, the delivery of alternative fuel to the engine of an alternative fuel school bus, and the exhaust from an alternative fuel school bus of gases from combustion of alternative fuel used to propel an alternative fuel school bus, excluding equipment necessary for operation of a school bus on gasoline, diesel or any fuel other than alternative fuel.

(f) "Incremental cost" means:

(i) The stated MSRP of the fuel system equipment and its installation for an OEM alternative fuel school bus; or

(ii) If no separate MSRP is stated, the difference between the MSRP of the OEM alternative fuel school bus and the MSRP of the same make and model of school bus manufactured without the fuel system equipment but otherwise identically equipped.

When an OEM alternative fuel school bus is sold for less (or more) than its MSRP, the amount determined in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of this paragraph (f) shall be proportionately reduced (or increased) by the same percentage as the discount (or premium) on the MSRP, as applicable.

(g) "School district" means a public school district.

(h) "OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle" means an alternative fuel school bus manufactured by the original vehicle manufacturer (or its contractor) with the fuel system equipment installed as original equipment by the manufacturer (or its contractor) at the factory or at another installation site approved by the manufacturer (or its contractor).

(i) "Motor vehicle" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 27-59-3.

(j) "MSRP" means manufacturer's suggested retail price.

(k) "Original purchase" means the purchase directly from a dealer at retail of a new OEM alternative fuel school bus which has never been titled.

(l) "Qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property" means any of the following:

(i) A conversion kit which has not previously been used to retrofit any motor vehicle and is installed and results in a reduction in emissions.

(ii) The fuel system equipment on an OEM alternative fuel school bus which results in a reduction in emissions.

(iii) A refueling system installed at a governmental entity location for the nonpublic refueling with alternative fuel of the governmental entity's alternative fuel school buses.

(iv) A refueling station located in the state and operated by a school district for refueling of alternative fuel motor vehicles owned by the school district.

(v) Upgrades to a refueling system included in subparagraphs (iii) and (iv) of this paragraph (l).

(vi) Portable or mobile refueling systems.

(m) "Reduction in emissions" means a reduction in atmospheric emissions from fuel consumption by an alternative fuel motor vehicle as demonstrated by certification of the fuel system equipment by the federal Environmental Protection Agency or the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality or any other test or standard recognized by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

(n) "Refueling system" means compressors (whether used separately or in combination with cascade tanks), process piping, hoses, dispensing units at the point where alternative fuel is delivered as a fuel, meters and other parts and equipment and installation supplies and materials therefor that constitute a refueling system capable of dispensing alternative fuel into fuel tanks of alternative fuel motor vehicles for use as a fuel.

(o) "Refueling station" means property constituting a facility operated for dispensing alternative fuel into fuel tanks of alternative fuel motor vehicles, which shall include:

(i) A refueling system; and

(ii) A building or other structural components constructed or installed as part of and directly related to such refueling system.

(p) "Retrofit" means the installation of a conversion kit in a school bus designed to operate on gasoline, diesel or other fuel in order to convert or modify the bus vehicle into an alternative fuel school bus.

(q) "School bus" means a vehicle owned by a school district that is primarily used by the school district to transport students.

(2) As used in this subsection:

(b) "Conversion kit" means the fuel system equipment necessary in order to retrofit a motor vehicle propelled by gasoline, diesel or other fuel so that the motor vehicle may be converted or modified into an alternative fuel motor vehicle.

(i) The actual cost per vehicle paid by the municipality for the purchase and installation of qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property described in paragraph (l)(i) of this subsection.

(ii) The incremental cost per vehicle paid by the municipality upon the purchase of an OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle for the qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property (including installation) described in paragraph (l)(ii) of this subsection.

(iii) The cost of the qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property described in paragraph (l)(iii) of this subsection and its installation.

(d) "Fuel system equipment" means tanks, pumps, hoses, injectors, electronic controls and related supplies, materials, parts and components for the storage of alternative fuel as fuel for an alternative fuel motor vehicle, the delivery of alternative fuel to the engine of an alternative fuel motor vehicle, and the exhaust from an alternative fuel motor vehicle of gases from combustion of alternative fuel used to propel an alternative fuel motor vehicle, excluding equipment necessary for operation of a motor vehicle on gasoline, diesel or any fuel other than alternative fuel.

(e) "Incremental cost" means:

(i) The stated MSRP of the fuel system equipment and its installation for an OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle; or

(ii) If no separate MSRP is stated, the difference between the MSRP of the OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle and the MSRP of the same make and model of motor vehicle manufactured without the fuel system equipment but otherwise identically equipped.

When an OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle is sold for less (or more) than its MSRP, the amount determined in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of this paragraph (e) shall be proportionately reduced (or increased) by the same percentage as the discount (or premium) on the MSRP, as applicable.

(f) "Municipality" means an incorporated city, town or village in the State of Mississippi.

(g) "OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle" means an alternative fuel motor vehicle manufactured by the original vehicle manufacturer (or its contractor) with the fuel system equipment installed as original equipment by the manufacturer (or its contractor) at the factory or at another installation site approved by the manufacturer (or its contractor).

(h) "Motor vehicle" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 27-59-3.

(i) "MSRP" means manufacturer's suggested retail price.

(j) "Alternative fuel motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle propelled by alternative fuel either as a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle, as a bi-fuel vehicle using alternative fuel as one of its fuels, or as a dual fuel vehicle using alternative fuel as one of its fuels.

(k) "Original purchase" means the purchase directly from a dealer at retail of a new OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle which has never been titled.

(l) "Qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property" means any of the following:

(i) A conversion kit which has not previously been used to retrofit any motor vehicle and is installed and results in a reduction in emissions.

(ii) The fuel system equipment on an OEM alternative fuel motor vehicle which results in a reduction in emissions.

(iii) A refueling system installed at a municipality location for the nonpublic refueling with alternative fuel of the municipality's alternative fuel motor vehicles.

(iv) A refueling station located in the state and operated by a municipality for refueling of alternative fuel motor vehicles owned by the municipality.

(v) Upgrades to a refueling system included in subparagraphs (iii) and (iv) of this paragraph (l).

(vi) Portable or mobile refueling systems.

(o) "Refueling station" means property constituting a facility operated for dispensing alternative fuel into fuel tanks of alternative fuel motor vehicles, which shall include:

(i) A refueling system; and

(ii) A building or other structural components constructed or installed as part of and directly related to such refueling system.

(p) "Retrofit" means the installation of a conversion kit in a motor vehicle designed to operate on gasoline, diesel or other fuel in order to convert or modify such motor vehicle into an alternative fuel motor vehicle.

(3) (a) The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish a revolving loan program to provide loans to (i) school districts for the purpose of assisting school districts with paying the cost of qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property and (ii) municipalities for the purpose of assisting municipalities with paying the cost of qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle fuel property. Loans made under this section shall bear no interest.

(b) A school district or municipality desiring a loan under this section must submit an application to the Mississippi Development Authority. The application shall include:

(i) A description of the purpose for which the loan is requested;

(ii) The amount of the loan requested; and

(iii) Any other information required by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(c) Repayments of loans made under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Mississippi Alternative Fuel School Bus and Municipal Motor Vehicle Revolving Loan Fund.

(4) (a) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the "Mississippi Alternative Fuel School Bus and Municipal Motor Vehicle Revolving Loan Fund," which shall consist of funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used by the Mississippi Development Authority for the purposes described in this section.

(b) Monies in the fund which are derived from the proceeds of general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the Mississippi Development Authority for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by the authority. Reimbursements made under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(5) The Mississippi Development Authority shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, and the Mississippi Development Authority shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation of this section.

SECTION 68. Section 57-1-451, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-451. (1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the "Mississippi Development Authority Job Training Grant Fund" into which shall be deposited such money as provided in Section 27-65-75(21)(b). The money in the fund shall be used for the purpose of making job training grants to community and junior colleges, public universities and local workforce investment areas to pay a portion of the costs of providing training or retraining for employees of business enterprises that are eligible for the jobs tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21. The fund shall be administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA). Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on or investment earnings on the amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. The MDA may use not more than one percent (1%) of interest earned or investment earnings, or both, on amounts in the fund for administration and management of the incentive program authorized under this section.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, job training grants may be made by the MDA to a community or junior college, public university or local workforce investment area to pay costs incurred in training or retraining employees for a business enterprise that is eligible for the jobs tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21. A business enterprise that chooses to utilize a job training grant under this section shall not be eligible for the job tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21. The election to utilize a job training grant shall be made by the business enterprise before the creation of any jobs. The grant payments may be made during a five-year period beginning with years two (2) through six (6) after the creation of the minimum number of jobs required by the MDA. The amount of the grants authorized by this section shall be seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs of training or retraining employees not to exceed:

(a) One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per job in counties designated as Tier One areas under Section 57-73-21;

(b) One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) per job in counties designated as Tier Two areas under Section 57-73-21; and

(3) The MDA shall cease making job training grant payments if it determines the required number of jobs are not being maintained by the business enterprise.

(4) The MDA shall require that the business enterprise shall enter into binding commitments requiring that:

(a) A minimum number of jobs be maintained that shall not be less than the number of jobs required to be eligible for the jobs tax credit authorized in Section 57-73-21; and

(b) That if the minimum number of jobs are not maintained, all or a portion of the grant funds paid under this section, as determined by the MDA, shall be repaid by the business enterprise.

(5) The MDA shall develop, implement and administer the job training grant program authorized under this section and shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the development, implementation and administration of the program.

(6) A business enterprise desiring to utilize job training grants under this section must submit requests for job training grants to the MDA. The MDA shall review the request and determine if the business enterprise is eligible and if a payment shall be made from the fund. The liability of the State of Mississippi to make the job training grants authorized under this section shall be limited to the balance contained in the fund.

SECTION 69. Section 57-1-471, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-471. (1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Air Service Development Program Act."

(2) There is created in the State Treasury a fund designated as the "Mississippi Air Service Development Program Fund" referred to in this section as "fund."

(3) (a) The fund shall be used to provide grants to commercial service airports, as provided in this section, for one or more of the following air service development goals:

(i) Adding air service to a new destination;

(ii) Adding frequencies to current services;

(iii) Lowering fares/introducing new competitive service;

(iv) Upgauging aircraft; and

(v) Adding a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 121 commercial air carrier.

(b) Eligible projects for grants shall include marketing and advertising of new service and routes and additional frequencies, as well as other risk abatement plans; however, use of grant funds to purchase airline passenger seats is prohibited.

(4) (a) The fund shall be administered by the Mississippi Development Authority which shall promulgate reasonable regulations consistent with the purposes of this section.

(b) The Mississippi Development Authority shall monitor and evaluate the Air Service Development Program and shall also report its evaluation of the program to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House on an annual basis.

(5) (a) Airline grant recipients shall be limited to scheduled air carriers that hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 121 Certificate and that provide scheduled air service at Mississippi airports that maintain FAA Part 139 Certification. An airport grant recipient shall only utilize grant funds in accordance with FAA regulation.

(b) The amount of a grant shall be based on a formula of Ten Dollars ($10.00) per seat per day calculation, not to exceed an annual total of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) per grant per FAA Part 139 airport. In no instance will a combination of airline or airport grants exceed a combined total of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) per year per airport.

(c) Seasonal service is also eligible for grants based on the per seat per day calculation provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (5). For the purposes of this subsection (5), "seasonal service" means any service flown which lasts less than twelve (12) months and more than two (2) months in length. Multiple seasons may be flown by a particular air carrier within a twelve (12) month period with a gap in service between seasons of not less than two (2) months.

(d) (i) Except as otherwise provided in this section, grants shall be disbursed by the Mississippi Development Authority within twelve (12) consecutive months as follows:

1. Thirty-five percent (35%) at the end of the first three (3) months of service;

2. Twenty-five percent (25%) at the end of the second three (3) months of service;

3. Twenty-five percent (25%) at the end of the third three (3) months of service; and

4. Fifteen percent (15%) at the end of the fourth three (3) months of service.

(ii) Grants for seasonal service shall be disbursed by the Mississippi Development Authority at the rate of one hundred percent (100%) at the end of the seasonal service.

(e) (i) Each grant shall require a forty percent (40%) match, which may be provided by private sources and/or public sources.

(ii) Of the forty percent (40%) match prescribed under this subsection, only one-half (1/2) or twenty percent (20%) of the grant may derive from in-kind sources.

(f) All expenditures of the fund by airport or airline grant recipients shall be utilized for the purposes prescribed under subsection (3) of this section.

SECTION 70. Section 57-1-501, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-501. (1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the "Economic Development and Infrastructure Fund." The special fund shall consist of monies deposited into the fund from any source that is designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used by the Mississippi Development Authority for the purposes authorized in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) (a) The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish a program to provide grants (i) to assist with construction and repair of infrastructure in counties in this state where legal gaming is being conducted or is authorized and for structures designed to promote the gaming and entertainment industry in such counties, and (ii) to aid in increasing commercial air service at existing commercial service airports in counties in this state in which legal gaming is being conducted or is authorized by offering to assist Part 121 carriers through the following air service development methods: revenue guaranty, seat guaranty, seat cost mitigation, ground handling and marketing.

(b) The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish a procedure for accepting and reviewing applications for grants under this section.

(c) If funds are available in the fund created under this section, not less than Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) shall be used annually for grants provided for under paragraph (a)(ii) of this subsection (2). Thereafter, the funds may be used for grants provided for under paragraph (a)(i) of this subsection (2).

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, and the Mississippi Development Authority shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation of this section.

SECTION 71. Section 57-1-701, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-1-701. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Eligible entity" means any (i) county, (ii) municipality or (iii) public or private nonprofit local economic development entity including, but not limited to, local authorities, commissions, or other entities created by local and private legislation or pursuant to Section 19-5-99.

(b) "Eligible expenditures" means:

(i) Fees for architects, engineers, environmental consultants, attorneys, and such other advisors, consultants and agents that MDA determines are necessary to complete site due diligence associated with site development improvements located on industrial property that is publicly owned; and/or

(ii) Contributions toward site development improvements, as approved by MDA, located on industrial property that is publicly owned.

(d) "Site development improvements" means site clearing, grading, and environmental mitigation; improvements to drainage systems; easement and right-of-way acquisition; sewer systems; transportation directly affecting the site, including roads, bridges or rail; bulkheads; land reclamation; water supply (storage, treatment and distribution); aesthetic improvements; the dredging of channels and basins; or other improvements as approved by MDA.

(2) (a) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the "Mississippi Site Development Grant Fund," which shall consist of funds made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used to make grants to assist eligible entities as provided in this section.

(b) Monies in the fund which are derived from proceeds of bonds issued under Section 2 of Chapter 390, Laws of 2017, Section 5 of Chapter 412, Laws of 2018, or Section 1 of Chapter 421, Laws of 2019, may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by MDA for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by MDA. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained by MDA. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued. Reimbursements under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(3) (a) MDA shall establish a program to make grants to eligible entities to match local or other funds associated with improving the marketability of publicly owned industrial property for industrial economic development purposes and other property improvements as approved by MDA. An eligible entity may apply to MDA for a grant under this program in the manner provided for in this section. An eligible entity desiring assistance under this section must provide matching funds in an amount determined by MDA. Matching funds may be provided in the form of cash and/or in-kind services as determined by MDA.

(b) An eligible entity desiring assistance under this section must submit an application to MDA. The application must include:

(i) A description of the eligible expenditures for which assistance is requested;

(ii) The amount of assistance requested;

(iii) The amount and type of matching funds to be provided by the eligible entity; and

(iv) Any other information required by MDA.

(c) Upon request by MDA, an eligible entity shall provide MDA with access to all studies, reports, documents and/or plans developed as a result of or related to an eligible entity receiving assistance under this section.

(4) MDA shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, and the department shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation of this section.

(5) MDA shall file an annual report with the Governor, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives not later than December 1 of each year, describing all assistance provided under this section.

SECTION 72. Section 57-10-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-1. It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state and the purpose of this article to improve and stimulate the state's economy in general, and the small business segment thereof in particular, by establishing a program to stimulate and supplement the flow of private equity capital and long-term loan funds which small business concerns of this state need for the sound financing of their business operations and for their growth, expansion and modernization, and which are not available in adequate supply. It is the intent of the legislature that this policy shall be carried out in such manner as to insure the maximum participation of private financing sources. It is further hereby declared that the public welfare of the state demands the establishment of such a program to provide for the maximum development of this state's agricultural, industrial and commercial resources, offering increased employment opportunities for all of the citizens of the state, encouraging the establishment of new agricultural, industrial and commercial enterprises and providing the citizens of the state of all races greater opportunities for entrepreneurship.

SECTION 73. Section 57-10-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-3. The * * * Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, created pursuant to Section 57-10-167, hereinafter referred to as the "corporation," shall exercise the powers and duties and discharge the responsibilities as provided herein.

SECTION 74. Section 57-10-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-9. This corporation is organized, and it shall be operated primarily for the purpose of providing financial resources necessary to implement the economic development of the state by creating a pool of capital assets to expand the agricultural, industrial and commercial enterprises of the state and to provide loan guaranties for term loans to improve the marketability of such loans, and to encourage the expansion of available equity financing through small business investment companies.

SECTION 75. Section 57-10-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-17. The board of directors of the corporation is hereby authorized, in its discretion, based on sound business principles, to:

(a) Receive applications for and make direct term loans to small businesses, including any person, firm, corporation, joint-stock company, partnership, association or trust located within the state unable to obtain sufficient funds for the successful operation of such businesses from conventional commercial sources or other governmental agencies or in the event the financial needs of such businesses exceed the legal loan limits of local banks or other financial institutions or in the event the degree of risk involved in extending loans to such businesses exceed local standards;

(b) Make direct equity investments and/or seed money loans to local economic development corporations;

(c) Seek the participation of private banks or financial institutions, either within or without the state, in the term loans extended by the corporation;

(d) Sell its own commercial paper and other evidences of indebtedness to obtain funds for the making of term loans to creditworthy businesses;

(e) Provide a loan guaranty program for conventional loans extended to qualified small businesses in the State of Mississippi;

(f) Sell its debenture bonds to banks and other financial institutions;

(g) Apply for and receive funds in any amount from any private source or federal governmental entity, or the Small Businessman's Loan Fund or Guaranty Fee Fund as authorized by Sections 57-10-101 through 57-10-137, whether by way of grant, donation or loan;

(h) Make contracts, including contracts for services, and incur liabilities for any of the purposes authorized herein;

(i) Borrow money for any of the purposes authorized herein; incur debt, including the power to issue therefor its bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured; and secure the same by mortgage, pledge, deed of trust or other lien on its property, rights and privileges of every kind and nature, or any part thereof, or interest therein;

(j) Purchase, receive, hold, lease or acquire by foreclosure, and sell, convey, transfer or lease real and personal property, together with such rights and privileges as may be incidental and appurtenant thereto and the use thereof, including, but not restricted to, any real or personal property acquired by the corporation from time to time in the satisfaction of debts or enforcement of obligations;

(k) Make all expenditures and incur any obligations reasonably required in the exercise of sound business principles to secure possession of, preserve, maintain, insure and, if necessary, improve real and personal property acquired in the liquidation of investments in order to realize the maximum return for the corporation on any sale or disposition thereof;

(l) Acquire, subscribe for, own, hold, sell, assign, transfer, mortgage or pledge the stock, shares, bonds, debentures, notes or other securities and evidences of interest in or indebtedness of any person, firm, corporation, joint-stock company, partnership, association or trust, and, while the owner or holder thereof, exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of ownership, including the right to vote thereon;

(m) Mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber any property right or thing of value acquired pursuant to the powers contained in paragraphs (j), (k) or (l) as security for the payment of any part of the purchase price thereof;

(n) Cooperate with and assist and otherwise encourage agencies, organizations, local or regional, private or public, in the various communities of the state in the promotion, assistance and development of the business prosperity and economic welfare of such communities or of this state or of any part thereof;

(o) Do all acts and things necessary and proper to create, form, participate in or fund a State SBA 503 program as authorized under Title V, Section 503 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, Section 697, Title XV, United States Code;

(p) Do all acts and things necessary and proper to carry out the powers expressly granted in this article, including, but not limited to, employment of administrative and clerical staff, and such other employees as may be necessary in its judgment and to fix their compensation, and to perform its powers and functions through its officers, agents and employees;

(q) Do all acts and things necessary and proper for the issuance of bonds for solid waste facilities;

(r) Do all acts and things necessary to operate the Mississippi Development Bank pursuant to Section 31-25-1 et seq.;

(s) Maintain an office in the name of the corporation at such place or places within this state as it may designate without the approval of any other state agency or department.

SECTION 76. Section 57-10-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-19. In addition to the other powers and authority prescribed by this article, the corporation may purchase debentures or the common stock of small business investment companies or minority enterprise small business investment companies, incorporated or domiciled in the state under the provisions of the Small Business Investment Law of 1958, as amended, which debentures may be subordinate to any other debenture bonds, promissory notes or other debts and obligations of such small business investment companies except for those purchased by the Small Business Administration in accordance with the Federal Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (15 USCS Section 661 et seq.); any purchases by the corporation of stock shall be made from funds derived from sources other than the State of Mississippi. The corporation is prohibited from investing in both the stock and evidences of indebtedness of any company.

SECTION 77. Section 57-10-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-21. Any loans by the corporation to a small business investment company or minority enterprise small business investment company, shall be conditioned on the following:

(a) A loan to a small business investment company or minority enterprise small business investment company shall not exceed the amount of its outstanding portfolio investments or the amount of its private paid-in capital and paid-in surplus, whichever is less.

(b) The small business investment company or minority enterprise small business investment company must agree that the entire loan will be invested in firms located in this state.

(d) Such other conditions as may be prescribed by the board of directors of the corporation.

SECTION 78. Section 57-10-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-23. Any small business investment company or minority enterprise small business investment company wishing to participate under this article shall pay a five hundred dollar ($500.00) fee annually on July 1 to the corporation which shall be deposited in a qualified state depository, to the credit of the "Mississippi Economic Development Corporation." The annual fee paid on its initial application shall be prorated according to the date of application.

SECTION 79. Section 57-10-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-25. It is the further intention of this article that the initial capital base of the corporation be raised from a combination of private foundation grants, any funds available from various federal programs, and such funds as may be appropriated by the state. Additional funding of the corporation may be derived from the sale of debenture bonds or long-term funding from the sale of the corporation's commercial paper and notes. Such additional funding and any guaranty executed by the corporation of any loan or investment, and any other obligations incurred by the corporation, shall be based solely on the credit of the corporation and shall not pledge or loan the credit of the state in aid of any person, association or corporation. Funds of the corporation shall be primarily invested in amortized loans of ten (10) years or shorter maturity. If feasible and possible, all loans extended by the corporation shall be made in participation with existing banks or other financial institutions.

SECTION 80. Section 57-10-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-29. All funds received by the corporation from any source whatsoever shall be deposited in a qualified state depository to the credit of the "Mississippi Economic Development Corporation," said funds to be disbursed therefrom upon checks drawn upon said account after approval of said board and signed by the chairman and treasurer of the corporation. The post audit division of state government shall audit said corporation's books not less than once each year.

SECTION 81. Section 57-10-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-31. No officer or director of this corporation shall ever be held personally liable for contracts, debts or defaults of this corporation nor shall any mere informality in organization have the effect of rendering these null or of exposing the officers or directors to any such liability or responsibility. However, the officers, directors, agents and employees of the corporation shall be liable for any fraudulent or illegal diversion or misappropriation of the funds of the corporation which any such person knowingly and willfully caused, permitted or conspired to permit to be made, and all such officers, directors, agents and employees entrusted with the custody of the securities of or authorized to disburse the funds of the corporation shall be bonded, either by a blanket bond or by individual bonds, with a surety bond or bonds with a minimum limitation of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) coverage for each person covered thereby, conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties, the premium for which shall be paid out of the assets of the corporation.

SECTION 82. Section 57-10-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-35. All state agencies shall cooperate with the corporation, and all public institutions of higher education shall work with the corporation to facilitate the utilization of technological information by small businesses in this state.

SECTION 83. Section 57-10-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-39. An annual report concerning the operation of this article shall be submitted by the corporation to the Legislature.

SECTION 84. Section 57-10-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-41. In the event of dissolution and liquidation of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary or by reason of the repeal of this article and thereby terminating its corporate existence, any surplus assets of the corporation in excess of the corporation's outstanding liabilities shall be transferred to the State of Mississippi and shall automatically vest in said state, and the chairman and treasurer of the corporation shall execute and deliver such conveyances or documents as are necessary to show title in the state or to vest such assets in the state.

SECTION 85. Section 57-10-401, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-401. As used in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Approved company" means any eligible company seeking to locate an economic development project in a county, which eligible company is approved by the corporation.

(b) "Approved costs" means:

(i) Obligations incurred for equipment and labor and to contractors, subcontractors, builders and materialmen in connection with the acquisition, construction and installation of an economic development project;

(ii) The cost of acquiring land or rights in land and any cost incidental thereto, including recording fees;

(iii) The cost of contract bonds and of insurance of all kinds that may be required or necessary during the course of acquisition, construction and installation of an economic development project which is not paid by the contractor or contractors or otherwise provided for;

(iv) All costs of architectural and engineering services, including test borings, surveys, estimates, plans and specifications, preliminary investigations, and supervision of construction, as well as for the performance of all the duties required by or consequent upon the acquisition, construction and installation of an economic development project;

(v) All costs which shall be required to be paid under the terms of any contract or contracts for the acquisition, construction and installation of an economic development project;

(vi) All costs, expenses and fees incurred in connection with the issuance of bonds pursuant to Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445;

(vii) All costs funded by a loan made under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act; and

(viii) All costs of professionals permitted to be engaged under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act for a loan made under such act.

(d) "Bonds" means the revenue bonds, notes or other debt obligations of the corporation authorized to be issued by the corporation on behalf of an eligible company or other state agency.

(e) "Corporation" means the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation created under Section 57-10-167, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(f) "Economic development project" means and includes the acquisition of any equipment or real estate in a county and the construction and installation thereon, and with respect thereto, of improvements and facilities necessary or desirable for improvement of the real estate, including surveys, site tests and inspections, subsurface site work, excavation, removal of structures, roadways, cemeteries and other surface obstructions, filling, grading and provision of drainage, storm water detention, installation of utilities such as water, sewer, sewage treatment, gas, electricity, communications and similar facilities, off-site construction of utility extensions to the boundaries of the real estate, and the acquisition, construction and installation of manufacturing, telecommunications, data processing, distribution or warehouse facilities on the real estate, for lease or financial arrangement by the corporation to an approved company for use and occupancy by the approved company or its affiliates for manufacturing, telecommunications, data processing, distribution or warehouse purposes. Such term also includes, without limitation, any project the financing of which has been approved under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act. From and after January 1, 2014, such term also includes the economic development project of a related approved company that is merged into or consolidated with another approved company where the approved companies are engaged in a vertically integrated manufacturing or warehouse operation.

(g) "Eligible company" means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust, or other entity which is:

(i) Engaged in manufacturing which meets the standards promulgated by the corporation under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445;

(ii) A private company approved by the corporation for a loan under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act;

(iii) A distribution or warehouse facility employing a minimum of fifty (50) people or employing a minimum of twenty (20) people and having a capital investment in such facility of at least Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00); or

(iv) A telecommunications or data processing business.

(h) "Executive director" means the Executive Director of the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

(i) "Financing agreement" means any financing documents and agreements, indentures, loan agreements, lease agreements, security agreements and the like, entered into by and among the corporation, private lenders and an approved company with respect to an economic development project.

(j) "Manufacturing" means any activity involving the manufacturing, processing, assembling or production of any property, including the processing resulting in a change in the conditions of the property and any activity functionally related thereto, together with the storage, warehousing, distribution and related office facilities in respect thereof as determined by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation; however, in no event shall "manufacturing" include mining, coal or mineral processing, or extraction of Mississippi minerals.

(k) "State agency" means any state board, commission, committee, council, university, department or unit thereof created by the Constitution or laws of this state.

(l) "Revenues" shall not be considered state funds.

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

(n) "Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act" means the provisions of law contained in Section 57-71-1 et seq.

57-10-401. As used in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Approved company" means any eligible company seeking to locate an economic development project in a county, which eligible company is approved by the corporation.

(b) "Approved costs" means:

(ii) The cost of acquiring land or rights in land and any cost incidental thereto, including recording fees;

(v) All costs which shall be required to be paid under the terms of any contract or contracts for the acquisition, construction and installation of an economic development project;

(vi) All costs, expenses and fees incurred in connection with the issuance of bonds pursuant to Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445;

(vii) All costs funded by a loan made under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act; and

(viii) All costs of professionals permitted to be engaged under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act for a loan made under such act.

(d) "Bonds" means the revenue bonds, notes or other debt obligations of the corporation authorized to be issued by the corporation on behalf of an eligible company or other state agency.

(e) "Corporation" means the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation created under Section 57-10-167, Mississippi Code of 1972.

If an eligible company closes a facility in this state and becomes an approved company under the provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-449, only that portion of the project for which such company is attempting to obtain financing that is in excess of the value of the closed facility shall be included within the definition of the term "economic development project." The Mississippi Business Finance Corporation shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the determination of the difference between the value of the closed facility and the new facility.

(g) "Eligible company" means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust, or other entity which:

(i) Engaged in manufacturing which meets the standards promulgated by the corporation under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445;

(ii) A private company approved by the corporation for a loan under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act;

(iv) A telecommunications or data/information processing business meeting criteria established by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation;

(v) National or regional headquarters meeting criteria established by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation;

(vi) Research and development facilities meeting criteria established by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation; or

(vii) Technology intensive enterprises or facilities meeting criteria established by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

(h) "Executive director" means the Executive Director of the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

(k) "State agency" means any state board, commission, committee, council, university, department or unit thereof created by the Constitution or laws of this state.

(l) "Revenues" shall not be considered state funds.

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

(n) "Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act" means the provisions of law contained in Section 57-71-1 et seq.

SECTION 86. Section 57-10-403, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-403. (1) The Legislature finds and declares that the general welfare and material well-being of citizens of the state depend in large measure upon the development and growth of industry in the state.

(2) The Legislature finds and declares further that it is in the best interest of the state to induce the location or expansion of manufacturing facilities within this state in order to advance the public purposes of relieving unemployment by creating new jobs within this state that, but for the inducements to be offered by the corporation to approved companies as herein provided, would not exist, and of creating new sources of tax revenues for the support of the public services provided by this state and country.

(3) The Legislature finds and declares further that the authority granted by this article and the purposes to be accomplished hereby are proper governmental and public purposes for which public monies may be expended, and that the inducement of the location or expansion of manufacturing facilities within the state is of paramount importance, mandating that the provisions of this article be liberally construed and applied in order to advance the public purposes.

SECTION 87. Section 57-10-405, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-405. In addition to its other powers and duties, the corporation shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power:

(a) To provide and finance economic development projects under the provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, and cooperate with counties, municipalities and eligible companies in order to promote, foster and support economic development within the counties and municipalities;

(b) To conduct hearings and inquiries, in the manner and by the methods as it deems desirable, including, without limitation, appointment of special committees, for the purpose of gathering information with respect to counties, municipalities, eligible companies and economic development projects, for the purpose of making any determinations necessary or desirable in the furtherance of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445;

(c) To negotiate the terms of, and enter into financing agreements with, approved companies, and in connection therewith to acquire, convey, sell, own, lease, mortgage, finance, foreclose or otherwise dispose of any property, real or personal, in connection with an economic development project, and to pay, or cause to be paid, in accordance with the provisions of a financing agreement, the approved costs of an economic development project from any funds available therefor, including, without limitation, funds available as the result of the issuance of bonds under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act;

(d) To delegate to the executive director the rights and powers of the corporation required for the proper and desirable execution of the purposes of this article;

(e) To consent, if it deems it necessary or desirable in the fulfillment of its purposes, to the modification of the terms of any financing agreements of any kind to which the corporation is a party;

(f) To include in any borrowing the amounts deemed necessary by the corporation to pay financing charges, consultant, advisory and legal fees, fees for bond insurance, letters of credit or other forms of credit enhancement, investment advisory fees, trustees' fees and other expenses necessary or incident to the borrowing;

(g) To make and publish administrative regulations respecting its programs and other administrative regulations necessary or appropriate to effectuate the purposes of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, and necessary to administer the procedures and program as provided for in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445;

(h) To make, execute and effectuate any and all agreements or other documents with any governmental agency or any person, corporation, association, partnership, or other organization or entity, necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, including any financing agreements with state agencies or any political subdivisions of the state under which funds may be pledged by or to the corporation for the payment of its bonds;

(i) To accept gifts, devises, bequests, grants, loans, appropriations, revenue sharing, other financing and assistance and any other aid from any source and to agree to, and to comply with, conditions attached thereto;

(j) To sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded; and

(k) To invest any funds held by the corporation or its agents or trustees, under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, including, but not limited to, the proceeds of bonds issued under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, reserve or other funds, or any monies not required for immediate disbursement, and the investment income on any of the foregoing, in obligations authorized by Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

SECTION 88. Section 57-10-407, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-407. The corporation may accept and expend: (a) monies which may be appropriated from time to time by the Legislature; (b) monies which may be available under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act; or (c) monies which may be received from any source, including income from the corporation's operations, under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, for effectuating the purposes of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, including, without limitation, the payment of the expenses of administration and operation incurred pursuant to Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 and the establishment and, if deemed desirable, maintenance of a reserve or contingency fund for the administration of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

SECTION 89. 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 90. Section 57-10-411, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-411. Ninety (90) days after the filing of the tax return of the approved company, the Department of Revenue shall certify to the corporation the state income tax liability for the preceding year of each approved company with respect to an economic development project financed under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, and the amounts of any tax credits taken under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

SECTION 91. Section 57-10-413, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-413. (1) The approved company may require that each employee whose gross wages are equivalent to Five Dollars ($5.00) or more per hour, as a condition of employment, agrees to pay a job development assessment fee not to exceed a certain percentage of the gross wages of each such employee whose job was created as a result of the economic development project, for the purpose of retiring the bonds which fund the economic development project or other indebtedness. The job development assessment fee shall not exceed the following percentages of the gross wages of the employee:

(a) Two percent (2%), if the gross wages of the employee are equivalent to Five Dollars ($5.00) or more per hour but less than Seven Dollars ($7.00) per hour;

(b) Four percent (4%), if the gross wages of the employee are equivalent to Seven Dollars ($7.00) or more per hour but less than Nine Dollars ($9.00) per hour; and

(2) Each employee so assessed shall be entitled to credits against Mississippi income taxes as provided in Section 27-7-22.3.

(3) If an approved company shall elect to impose the assessment as a condition of employment, it shall deduct the assessment from each paycheck of each employee.

(4) Any approved company collecting an assessment as provided in subsection (1) of this section shall make its payroll books and records available to the corporation at such reasonable times as the corporation shall request and shall file with the corporation documentation respecting the assessment as the corporation may require.

(5) Any assessment of the wages of employees of an approved company in connection with their employment at an economic development project under subsection (1) of this section shall lapse on the date the bonds are retired.

57-10-413. (1) Except as otherwise provided for in subsection (6) of this section, the approved company may require that each employee whose gross wages are equivalent to Five Dollars ($5.00) or more per hour, as a condition of employment, agrees to pay a job development assessment fee not to exceed a certain percentage of the gross wages of each such employee whose job was created as a result of the economic development project, for the purpose of retiring the bonds which fund the economic development project or other indebtedness. The job development assessment fee shall not exceed the following percentages of the gross wages of the employee:

(a) Two percent (2%), if the gross wages of the employee are equivalent to Five Dollars ($5.00) or more per hour but less than Seven Dollars ($7.00) per hour;

(b) Four percent (4%), if the gross wages of the employee are equivalent to Seven Dollars ($7.00) or more per hour but less than Nine Dollars ($9.00) per hour; and

(2) Each employee so assessed shall be entitled to credits against Mississippi income taxes as provided in Section 27-7-22.3.

(3) If an approved company shall elect to impose the assessment as a condition of employment, it shall deduct the assessment from each paycheck of each employee.

(6) If an eligible company closes a facility in this state and becomes an approved company under the provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-449, only those jobs created in excess of those that existed at the closed facility at the time of the closure shall be eligible for the imposition of the job development assessment fee. The Mississippi Business Finance Corporation shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the determination of the number of jobs upon which the job development assessment fee may be imposed.

SECTION 92. Section 57-10-415, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-415. Every issue of bonds under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be payable solely out of any revenues of the corporation as provided in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445. The bonds additionally may be secured by a pledge of any grant, contribution or guarantee from the federal government or any person or a pledge by the corporation of any revenues from any source.

SECTION 93. Section 57-10-417, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-417. The bonds issued by the corporation under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be limited obligations of the corporation and shall not constitute a debt, liability or general obligation of the state or any political subdivision thereof (other than the corporation), or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state or any political subdivision thereof (other than the corporation), but shall be payable solely as provided by the corporation under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445. No member or officer of the board of directors of the corporation nor any person executing the bonds shall be liable personally on the bonds by reason of the issuance thereof. Each bond issued under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall contain on the face thereof a statement that neither the state, nor any other political subdivision thereof, shall be obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon or other costs incident thereto except from the revenue or money pledged by the corporation and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the state or any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of, or the interest on, such bond.

SECTION 94. Section 57-10-419, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-419. (1) The corporation may issue in its own name, from time to time, for the purpose of financing the approved costs of an economic development project, its bonds and may pledge for the payment thereof funds derived in respect of any financing agreement or other arrangement entered into by the corporation and an approved company under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

(2) In anticipation of the issuance of bonds, the corporation may provide for the issuance, at one time or from time to time, of bond anticipation notes. The principal of and the interest on the notes shall be payable solely from the funds herein provided for the payment. Any notes may be made payable from the proceeds of bonds or renewal notes; or, if bond or renewal note proceeds are not available, the notes may be paid from any available revenues or assets of the corporation.

(3) The bonds issued under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be authorized by a resolution of the corporation, shall bear such date or dates, and shall mature at such time or times as such resolution may provide, except that no bond shall mature more than twenty-five (25) years from the date of issue. Bonds which are not subject to taxation shall bear interest at such rate or rates, be in such denominations, be in such form, carry such registration privileges, be executed in such manner, be payable in such medium of payment, at such place or places, and be subject to such terms of redemption, including redemption before maturity, as such resolution may provide. Except as expressly provided otherwise in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, the provisions of other laws of the state relating to the issuance of revenue bonds shall not apply to bonds issued by the corporation. As to bonds issued hereunder and designated as taxable bonds by the corporation, any immunity to taxation by the United States government of interest on such bonds or notes is hereby waived. Bonds of the corporation may be sold by the corporation at public or private sale, from time to time, and at such price or prices as the corporation shall determine.

(4) The proceeds of any bonds shall be used solely for the purposes for which issued and shall be disbursed in the manner and under the restrictions, if any, that the corporation may provide in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in a trust indenture securing the same.

(5) The principal and interest on the bonds issued by the corporation shall be payable solely and only from proceeds derived under a financing agreement and shall be secured solely by the economic development project, the proceeds of the financing agreement, and such other assets as may be available, but not including revenues of the state.

(6) Before the preparation of definitive certificates evidencing the bonds, the corporation may issue, under like restrictions, interim receipts or temporary certificates, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive certificates when the certificates have been executed and are available for delivery. The corporation may also provide for the replacement of any certificates which become mutilated or are destroyed or lost.

SECTION 95. Section 57-10-421, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-421. In addition to the requirements provided for in Section 57-10-419, any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 may contain provisions as to:

(a) The setting aside of reserves or sinking funds and the regulations and disposition thereof;

(b) Limitations on the issuance of additional bonds, the terms upon which additional bonds may be issued and secured, and the refunding of outstanding or other bonds;

(c) The procedure, if any, by which the terms of any of the proceedings under which the bonds are being issued may be amended or abrogated, the number or percentage of bondholders who or which must consent thereto, and the manner in which the consent may be given;

(d) The vesting in a trustee or trustees of such property, rights, powers and duties in trust as the company may determine, and limiting or abrogating the right of bondholders to appoint a trustee or limiting the rights, powers and duties of the trustee;

(e) Defining the act or omissions to act which shall constitute a default and the obligations or duties of the corporation to the holders of the bonds, and providing for the rights and remedies of the holders of the bonds in the event of default, which rights and remedies may include the general laws of the state and other provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445; or

(f) Any other matter, of like or different character, which in any way affects the security or protection of the holders of the bonds.

SECTION 96. Section 57-10-423, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-423. Any pledge made by the corporation shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge was made. The revenues or properties so pledged and thereafter received by the corporation shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the corporation, irrespective of whether the parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded.

SECTION 97. Section 57-10-425, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-425. The corporation, subject to the provisions in proceedings relating to outstanding bonds as may then exist, may purchase bonds out of any funds available therefor, which shall thereupon be canceled, at any reasonable price which, if the bonds are then redeemable, shall not exceed the redemption price (and premium, if any) then applicable plus accrued interest to the redemption date thereof.

SECTION 98. Section 57-10-427, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-427. The bonds may be secured by an indenture by and between the corporation and a corporate trustee which may be any bank or other corporation having the power of a trust company or any trust company within or without this state. Such indenture may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the corporation in relation to the exercise of its powers and the custody, safekeeping and application of all money. The corporation may provide by the indenture for the payment of the proceeds of the bonds and revenues to the trustee under the indenture or other depository, and for the method of disbursement thereof, with such safeguards and restrictions as the corporation may determine. If the bonds shall be secured by an indenture, the bondholders shall have no authority to appoint a separate trustee to represent them.

SECTION 99. Section 57-10-429, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-429. In the event that any of the members or officers of the board of directors of the corporation shall cease to be members or officers of the board prior to the delivery of any bonds signed by them, their signatures or facsimiles thereof shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if such members or officers had remained in office until such delivery.

SECTION 100. Section 57-10-431, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-431. The corporation may create and establish such funds and accounts as may be necessary or desirable for its purposes under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

SECTION 101. Section 57-10-433, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-433. The corporation shall have the power to contract with the holders of any of its bonds issued under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 as to the custody, collection, securing, investment and payment of any money of the corporation, and of any money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds, and to carry out such contract. Money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure bonds and deposits of money may be secured in the same manner as money of the corporation, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits.

SECTION 102. Section 57-10-435, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-435. Amendments to Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, enacted after July 1, 1993, shall not limit the rights vested in the corporation with respect to any agreements made with, or remedies available to, the holders of bonds issued under this article or Section 27-7-22.3 prior to the enactment of the amendments until the bonds, together with all interest thereon, and all costs and expenses in connection with any proceeding by or on behalf of the holders, are fully met and discharged.

SECTION 103. Section 57-10-437, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-437. All expenses incurred by the corporation in carrying out the provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be payable solely from funds provided under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, or other funds of the corporation. Nothing in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be construed to authorize the corporation to incur indebtedness or liability on behalf of or payable by the state or any other political subdivision thereof.

SECTION 104. Section 57-10-439, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-439. (1) The corporation is hereby declared to be performing a public function and to be a public body corporate and a political subdivision of the state. Accordingly, the income, including any profit made on the sale thereof from all bonds issued by the corporation, shall at all times be exempt from all taxation by the state or any political subdivision thereof. If, after all indebtedness and other obligations of the corporation are discharged, the corporation is dissolved, its remaining assets shall inure to the benefit of the state.

(2) With the approval of the appropriate local taxing authority, all mortgages or deeds of trust executed as security therefor, all lease or purchase agreements made pursuant to the provisions hereof, and all purchases required to establish the industrial enterprise and financed by proceeds from bonds issued under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, shall likewise be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi except the contractors' tax imposed by Section 27-65-21 and the tax levied by Section 27-65-24(1)(b), and except ad valorem taxes levied for school district purposes. All projects and the revenue derived therefrom from any lease thereof shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi, except the tax levied by Sections 27-65-21 and 27-65-24(1)(b), except the tax levied under Chapter 7, Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972, and except ad valorem taxes levied for school district purposes.

SECTION 105. Section 57-10-441, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-441. The bonds issued by and under the authority of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 by the corporation are declared to be legal investments in which all public officers or public bodies of the state, its political subdivisions, all municipalities and municipal subdivisions, all insurance companies and associations, and other persons carrying on insurance business, all banks, bankers, banking associations, trust companies, savings associations, including savings and loan associations, building and loan associations, investment companies, and other persons carrying on a banking business, all administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries, and all other persons who are now or may later be authorized to invest in bonds or in other obligations of the state, may invest funds, including capital, in their control or belonging to them. Such bonds are also hereby made securities which may be deposited with and received by all public officers and bodies of the state or any agency or political subdivision of the state and all municipalities and public corporations for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the state is now or may be later authorized by law.

SECTION 106. Section 57-10-443, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-443. The corporation, within one hundred twenty (120) days of the close of each fiscal year, shall submit an annual report of its activities in regard to Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 for the preceding year to the Governor. The Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate each shall receive a copy of the report by making a request for it to the corporation. Each report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement in regard to Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 for the corporation during the fiscal year it covers.

SECTION 107. Section 57-10-445, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-445. Nothing contained in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 is to be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers which the corporation might otherwise have under any other law of the state. Insofar as the provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be controlling, and the powers conferred by Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by any other laws. No proceedings, notice or approval shall be required for the issuance of any bonds or any instrument or the security therefor, except as provided in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

The provisions of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445.

The powers granted and the duties imposed in Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be construed to be independent and severable. If any one or more sections, subsections, sentences or parts of any of Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 shall be adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, such adjudication shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remaining provisions thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provisions so held unconstitutional or invalid.

SECTION 108. Section 57-10-447, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-447. No elected or appointed official shall derive any pecuniary benefit, directly or indirectly, as a result of such elected or appointed official's duties under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445. Any member of the Legislature, any elected or appointed official, any member of the immediate family of a member of the Legislature, or any partner or associate of such a member of the Legislature or elected or appointed official, shall not derive any income from the issuance of any bonds under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, contrary to the provisions of Section 109, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, or Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 25, Mississippi Code of 1972. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person performing clerical or administrative functions, which are other than legal services provided by an attorney, that are associated with the issuance of any bonds under Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445, such as the printing of bonds or other materials. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one (1) year and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) and not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).

SECTION 109. Section 57-10-449, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-449. Sections 57-10-401 through 57-10-445 and 27-7-22.3 shall be repealed from and after October 1, 2022.

SECTION 110. Section 57-10-601, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-601. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Act" means the State Small Business Credit Initiative Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-240).

(b) "State program" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the State Small Business Credit Initiative Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-240).

(2) The MDA is designated as the agency to implement a state program and participate in the State Small Business Credit Initiative established under the act.

(3) The MDA is authorized and empowered to take any action necessary to establish and implement a state program that meets all the requirements of the act.

(4) The MDA is authorized and empowered to administer funds transferred to the state under the act.

(5) The Executive Director of MDA is authorized and empowered to promulgate and put into effect all reasonable rules and regulations that he may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this section and comply with the act.

SECTION 111. Section 57-10-701, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-701. This article shall be known as the "Small Business and Grocer Investment Act."

SECTION 112. Section 57-10-703, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-703. The Legislature finds the following:

(a) Developing quality retail food outlets creates jobs, expands markets for Mississippi farmers, and supports economic vitality in underserved communities.

(b) Increasing access to retail food outlets that sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food is an important strategy for fighting the obesity epidemic and improving health. Studies have shown that people with better access to supermarkets and fresh produce tend to have healthier diets and lower levels of obesity.

(c) The program established under this article is intended to provide a dedicated source of financing for healthy food retailers operating in underserved communities in Mississippi, in both urban and rural areas; to increase access to affordable healthy food so as to improve diets and health; to promote the sale and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, in natural and/or frozen form, particularly those that are Mississippi grown; and to support expanded economic opportunities in low-income and rural communities.

SECTION 113. Section 57-10-705, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-705. As used in this article:

(a) "Agency" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(b) "Funding" means grants, loans, or a combination of grants and loans.

(c) "Healthy food retailers" means retailers that sell quality fresh fruits and vegetables, in natural and/or frozen form, including, but not limited to, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers' markets.

(d) "Program" means technical assistance and a public-private partnership established in the state by the Mississippi Development Authority to identify and/or provide a dedicated source of funding and other financing for food retailers that increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, in natural and/or frozen form, and other affordable healthy food for Mississippi residents overseen by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(e) "Underserved community" means a geographic area that has limited access to healthy food retailers, or an area that is otherwise determined to have serious healthy food access limitations, that is located in a county that has been designated by the Department of Revenue as a Tier Two or Tier Three area under the provisions of Section 57-73-21(1).

SECTION 114. Section 57-10-709, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-709. Funding described in this article, to the extent practicable, may be used to leverage other sources of funds, including, but not limited to, New Markets Tax Credits, federal and foundation grant programs, incentives available to designated Enterprise Zones or Renewal Communities, operator equity and funds from private sector financial institutions under the federal Community Reinvestment Act.

SECTION 115. Section 57-10-711, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-711. Sections 57-10-701 through 57-10-709 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2022.

SECTION 116. Section 57-21-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-21-3. This chapter hereby creates and duly authorizes the operation of the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, hereinafter referred to as the laboratory, in the State of Mississippi. Its organization, purposes, funding, location, chief executive officer, and duties are set out in the following sections.

SECTION 117. Section 57-26-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-26-1. As used in Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Approved project costs" means actual costs incurred by an approved participant for land acquisition, construction, engineering, design and other costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority relating to a tourism project; however, for the purposes of a tourism project described in paragraph (d)(iv) of this section, such costs include only those incurred after January 1, 2011, relating to the hotel portion of the project consisting of facilities used for lodging and common areas in that portion of the project. All costs must be verified by an independent third party approved by the MDA. An approved participant shall pay the costs for the third-party verification of costs. Approved project costs may not increase regardless of the actual costs incurred by the project.

(b) "Approved participant" means a person, corporation or other entity issued a certificate by the Mississippi Development Authority under Section 57-26-5.

(d) "Tourism project" shall include any of the following as may be approved by the MDA:

(i) Theme parks, water parks, entertainment parks or outdoor adventure parks, cultural or historical interpretive educational centers or museums, motor speedways, indoor or outdoor entertainment centers or complexes, convention centers, professional sports facilities, spas, attractions created around a natural phenomenon or scenic landscape and marinas open to the public with a minimum private investment of not less than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00);

(ii) A hotel with a minimum private investment of Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority, and having a minimum private investment of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) per guest room which amount shall be included within the minimum private investment of Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00);

(iii) A public golf course with a minimum private investment of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00);

(iv) A full service hotel with a minimum private investment of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority, and having a minimum private investment of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) per guest room or suite which amount shall be included within the minimum private investment of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), a minimum of twenty-five (25) guest rooms or suites, and guest amenities such as restaurants, spas and other amenities as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority; however, in a county in which the Grammy Museum Mississippi or the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center is located, the minimum private investment per guest room or suite shall be One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) which amount shall be included within the minimum private investment of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00);

(v) A tourism attraction located within an "entertainment district" as defined in Section 17-29-3 that is open to the public, has seating to accommodate at least forty (40) persons, is open at least five (5) days per week from at least 6:00 p.m. until midnight, serves food and beverages, and provides live entertainment at least three (3) nights per week;

(vi) A cultural retail attraction;

(vii) A tourism attraction located within a historic district where the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, where the tourism attraction is open to the public, has seating to accommodate at least forty (40) persons, is open at least five (5) days per week from at least 6:00 p.m. until midnight, serves food and beverages, and provides live entertainment at least three (3) nights per week.

The term "tourism project" does not include any licensed gaming establishment owned, leased or controlled by a business, corporation or entity having a gaming license issued under Section 75-76-1 et seq.; however, the term "tourism project" may include a project described in this paragraph (d) that is owned, leased or controlled by such a business, corporation or entity or in which the business, corporation or entity has a direct or indirect financial interest if the project is in excess of development that the State Gaming Commission requires for the issuance or renewal of a gaming license and is not part of a licensed gaming establishment in which gaming activities are conducted.

The term "tourism project" does not include any facility within the project whose primary business is retail sales or any expansions of existing projects; however, pro shops, souvenir shops, gift shops, concessions and similar retail activities, and cultural retail attractions may be included within the definition of the term "tourism project." In addition, retail activities, regardless of whether the primary business is retail sales, that are part of a resort development may be included within the definition of "tourism project."

(e) "Resort development" means a travel destination development with a minimum private investment of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) and which consists of (i) a hotel with a minimum of two hundred (200) guest rooms or suites and having a minimum private investment of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) per guest room or suite, and (ii) guest amenities such as restaurants, golf courses, spas, fitness facilities, entertainment activities and other amenities as determined by the MDA. Not more than an amount equal to forty percent (40%) of the private investment required by this paragraph may be expended on facilities to house retail activity.

(f) "Cultural retail attraction" means a project which combines destination shopping with cultural or historical interpretive elements specific to Mississippi with a minimum private investment of Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority and which:

(i) Is located in a qualified resort area as defined in Section 67-1-5;

(ii) Is a part of a master-planned development with a total investment of not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(iii) Has a minimum of fifty (50) retail tenants with a minimum of three hundred thousand (300,000) square feet of heated and cooled space; and

(iv) Has a minimum investment of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in one or more of the following:

1. Art created by Mississippi artists or portraying themes specific to Mississippi;

2. Memorabilia, signage or historical markers which serve to promote the State of Mississippi;

3. Audio/visual equipment used to showcase Mississippi artists;

4. A minimum of one thousand two hundred * * * ~~and~~ fifty (1,250) square feet of heated and cooled space available to the Mississippi Development Authority or its assignee for a period of not less than ten (10) years.

(g) "Retail activity" means businesses whose inventory consists primarily of upscale name brands or their equivalent as determined by the MDA.

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

SECTION 118. Section 57-26-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-26-3. (1) (a) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the "Tourism Project Sales Tax Incentive Fund," into which shall be deposited such money as provided in Section 27-65-75(16). The monies in the fund shall be used for the purpose of making the incentive payments authorized in this section. The fund shall be administered by the MDA. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on or investment earnings on the amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. The MDA may use not more than one percent (1%) of interest earned or investment earnings, or both, on amounts in the fund for administration and management of the incentive program authorized under Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5.

(b) Subject to the provisions of this section, incentive payments may be made by the MDA to an approved participant that incurs approved project costs to locate a tourism project in the state. The payments to an approved participant shall be for eighty percent (80%) of the amount of sales tax revenue collected from the operation of the tourism project, after making the diversions required in Section 27-65-75(7) and (8). The MDA shall make payments to an approved participant on a semiannual basis with payments being made in the months of January and July. The aggregate amount of incentive payments that an approved participant may receive shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the approved project costs incurred by the approved participant for the tourism project. Expansions, enlargements or additional investments made by an approved participant will not increase authorized incentive payments certified by the MDA. The MDA shall make the calculations necessary to make the payments provided for in this section. The MDA shall cease making incentive payments to an approved participant on the occurrence of the earlier of:

(i) The date that an aggregate amount of thirty percent (30%) of the approved project costs incurred by the approved participant for the tourism project has been paid to the approved participant; or

(ii) Fifteen (15) years after the date the tourism project opens for commercial operation.

(2) At such time as incentive payments are no longer required to be made to an approved participant, the MDA shall notify the Department of Revenue and the sales tax revenue collected from the tourism project shall no longer be deposited into the Tourism Project Sales Tax Incentive Fund. Any amounts remaining in the fund that were collected from such project shall be transferred to the State General Fund.

SECTION 119. Section 57-26-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-26-5. (1) The MDA shall develop, implement and administer the incentive program authorized in Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5 and shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the development, implementation and administration of such program.

(2) A person, corporation or other entity desiring to participate in the incentive program authorized in Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5 must submit an application and an application fee in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to the MDA. Such application must contain (a) plans for the proposed tourism project; (b) a detailed description of the proposed tourism project; (c) the method of financing the proposed tourism project and the terms of such financing; (d) an independent study that identifies the number of out-of-state visitors anticipated to visit the project and the ratio of out-of-state visitors to in-state visitors; and (e) any other information required by the MDA. The Executive Director of the MDA shall review the application and determine if it qualifies as a tourism project under this section and under the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section. If the executive director determines the proposed tourism project qualifies as a tourism project under this section and under the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section, he shall issue a certificate to the person, corporation or other entity designating such person, corporation or other entity as an approved participant and authorizing the approved participant to participate in the incentive program provided for in Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5. No certificate designating an entity as an approved participant and authorizing the approved participant to participate in the incentive program shall be issued from and after July 1, 2014, for tourism projects that are cultural retail attractions, or from and after July 1, 2020, for other tourism projects.

(3) The MDA shall cause a cost benefit analysis of the tourism project to be performed by a state institution of higher learning, the university research center or some other entity approved by the MDA.

SECTION 120. Section 57-26-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-26-7. The MDA shall not approve any application submitted after June 30, 2014, pursuant to Section 57-26-5 for a project that includes any resort development.

SECTION 121. Section 57-39-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-39-43. (1) There is created in the State Treasury a fund to be designated as the "Mississippi Oil Overcharge Fund," referred to in this section as "fund." Monies in the fund, referred to in this section as "oil overcharge funds," may be used for projects or programs authorized in accordance with appropriate federal court orders regarding the use of oil overcharge funds or by the United States Department of Energy, or both.

(2) The Treasurer shall deposit or transfer into the fund any funds received as a result of federal statute or administrative or regulatory actions requiring the disbursement to states of refund monies for alleged overcharges for crude oil or refined petroleum products. The Treasurer may establish accounts within the fund as necessary for management of monies in the fund.

(3) Expenditures may be made from the fund upon requisition to the Treasurer by the Executive Director of the Department of Economic and Community Development or the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services.

(4) The fund shall be treated as a special trust fund. Interest earned on the principal in the fund shall be credited by the Treasurer to the fund.

(5) In their annual budget request, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Human Services shall submit a list of projects or programs for which monies from the fund are requested to be used.

SECTION 122. Section 57-40-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-1. As used in this chapter:

(a) "Project" means a facility constructed after July 1, 2012, with a capital investment from private sources of not less than Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

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

SECTION 123. Section 57-40-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-3. There is established an Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program to be administered by the MDA for the purpose of assisting counties and municipalities in:

(a) Constructing, repairing or improving infrastructure related to a project, including, but not limited to, making a contribution in aid of construction to an energy-providing utility or cooperative for its constructing, repairing, improving and owning such infrastructure;

(b) Site preparation related to a project on property owned by a county or municipality; and

SECTION 124. Section 57-40-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-5. (1) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be designated as the "Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund," which shall consist of such money authorized to be deposited into such fund from any source. The fund shall be maintained in perpetuity for the purposes established in this chapter. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Money in the fund may not be used or expended for any purpose except as authorized under this chapter.

(2) A county or an incorporated municipality may apply to the MDA for a loan under the energy infrastructure revolving loan program established under this chapter.

(3) (a) The MDA shall establish a loan program by which loans, at the rate of interest set by the MDA, may be made available to counties and incorporated municipalities for the purposes provided in Section 57-40-3.

(b) Loans from the revolving fund may be made to counties and municipalities as set forth in a loan agreement in amounts not to exceed one hundred percent (100%) of eligible costs as established by the MDA. The MDA may require county, municipal or private participation or funding from other sources, or otherwise limit the percentage of costs covered by loans from the revolving loan fund. The MDA may establish a maximum amount for any loan. Loan repayments shall be deposited into the revolving loan fund.

(4) A county that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the homestead exemption annual tax loss reimbursement to which it may be entitled under Section 27-33-77. An incorporated municipality that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the sales tax revenue distribution to which it may be entitled under Section 27-65-75. Each loan agreement shall provide for (i) monthly payments, (ii) semiannual payments, or (iii) other periodic payments. The loan agreement shall provide for the repayment of all funds received within not more than twenty (20) years from the date of project completion.

(5) Prior to the execution of a loan agreement, relevant parties to the project shall enter into an agreement, in a manner acceptable to MDA, that stipulates the terms of the energy infrastructure investment and responsibilities among parties.

(6) The State Auditor, upon request of the MDA, shall audit the receipts and expenditures of a county or an incorporated municipality whose loan payments appear to be in arrears, and if he finds that the entity is in arrears in such payments, he shall immediately notify the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration who shall withhold all future payments to the county of homestead exemption reimbursements under Section 27-33-77 and all sums allocated to the county or the municipality under Section 27-65-75 until such time as the county or the municipality is again current in its loan payments as certified by the MDA.

(7) Evidences of indebtedness which are issued pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed indebtedness within the meaning specified in Section 21-33-303 with regard to cities or incorporated towns, and in Section 19-9-5 with regard to counties.

SECTION 125. Section 57-40-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-7. In administering the provisions of this chapter, the MDA shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To supervise the use of all funds made available under this chapter for infrastructure improvements;

(b) To review and certify all projects for which funds are authorized to be made available under this chapter;

(c) To requisition money in the Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund and distribute that money on a project-by-project basis in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

(d) To maintain an accurate record of all Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program funds made available to counties and municipalities and the costs for each project; and

(e) To adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary or desirable for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 126. Section 57-44-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-44-1. The implementation of freight rail service projects within the State of Mississippi develops and promotes, for the public good, safety and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities, and promotes the general welfare of the state by creating a climate favorable to the location of new industry, trade, and commerce and the development of existing industry, trade and commerce within the State of Mississippi. Implementation of freight rail service projects within this state will develop and promote, for the public good, safety and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities, and will promote the general welfare of the state. It is therefore in the public interest and is vital to the public welfare of the people of Mississippi, and it is declared to be the public purpose of this chapter to so develop freight rail service projects within this state.

SECTION 127. Section 57-46-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-46-1. (1) (a) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Mississippi Railroad Improvements Fund which shall consist of monies from any source designated for deposit into the fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be disbursed by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for the purposes authorized in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The MDA shall establish a program to make grants from the Mississippi Railroad Improvements Fund to assist in paying a portion of the costs associated with the repair, rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction, upgrading and improvement of railroad lines and related facilities, including projects necessary to ensure safety and structural integrity of rail lines, rail beds and bridges.

(3) (a) An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the MDA which shall include, at a minimum:

(i) A description, including the cost, of the requested assistance;

(ii) A description of the purpose for which the assistance is requested; and

(iii) Any other information required by the MDA.

(b) The MDA shall have sole discretion in providing grants under this section. The terms of a grant shall be within the discretion of the MDA.

(4) The MDA shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, including the establishing of requirements for matching funds and criteria regarding the evaluation of applications for assistance. The MDA shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation and administration of this section.

SECTION 128. Section 57-10-601, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-601. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Act" means the State Small Business Credit Initiative Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-240).

(b) "State program" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the State Small Business Credit Initiative Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-240).

(2) The MDA is designated as the agency to implement a state program and participate in the State Small Business Credit Initiative established under the act.

(3) The MDA is authorized and empowered to take any action necessary to establish and implement a state program that meets all the requirements of the act.

(4) The MDA is authorized and empowered to administer funds transferred to the state under the act.

SECTION 129. Section 57-10-701, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-701. This article shall be known as the "Small Business and Grocer Investment Act."

SECTION 130. Section 57-10-703, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-703. The Legislature finds the following:

(a) Developing quality retail food outlets creates jobs, expands markets for Mississippi farmers, and supports economic vitality in underserved communities.

SECTION 131. Section 57-10-705, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-705. As used in this article:

(a) "Agency" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(b) "Funding" means grants, loans, or a combination of grants and loans.

SECTION 132. Section 57-10-709, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

SECTION 133. Section 57-10-711, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-10-711. Sections 57-10-701 through 57-10-709 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2022.

SECTION 134. Section 57-21-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

SECTION 135. Section 57-26-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-26-1. As used in Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(b) "Approved participant" means a person, corporation or other entity issued a certificate by the Mississippi Development Authority under Section 57-26-5.

(d) "Tourism project" shall include any of the following as may be approved by the MDA:

(iii) A public golf course with a minimum private investment of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00);

(vi) A cultural retail attraction;

(i) Is located in a qualified resort area as defined in Section 67-1-5;

(iii) Has a minimum of fifty (50) retail tenants with a minimum of three hundred thousand (300,000) square feet of heated and cooled space; and

(iv) Has a minimum investment of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in one or more of the following:

1. Art created by Mississippi artists or portraying themes specific to Mississippi;

2. Memorabilia, signage or historical markers which serve to promote the State of Mississippi;

3. Audio/visual equipment used to showcase Mississippi artists;

(g) "Retail activity" means businesses whose inventory consists primarily of upscale name brands or their equivalent as determined by the MDA.

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

SECTION 136. Section 57-26-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

(i) The date that an aggregate amount of thirty percent (30%) of the approved project costs incurred by the approved participant for the tourism project has been paid to the approved participant; or

(ii) Fifteen (15) years after the date the tourism project opens for commercial operation.

SECTION 137. Section 57-26-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

SECTION 138. Section 57-26-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-26-7. The MDA shall not approve any application submitted after June 30, 2014, pursuant to Section 57-26-5 for a project that includes any resort development.

SECTION 139. Section 57-39-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

(4) The fund shall be treated as a special trust fund. Interest earned on the principal in the fund shall be credited by the Treasurer to the fund.

SECTION 140. Section 57-40-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-1. As used in this chapter:

(a) "Project" means a facility constructed after July 1, 2012, with a capital investment from private sources of not less than Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

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

SECTION 141. Section 57-40-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-3. There is established an Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program to be administered by the MDA for the purpose of assisting counties and municipalities in:

(b) Site preparation related to a project on property owned by a county or municipality; and

SECTION 142. Section 57-40-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

(2) A county or an incorporated municipality may apply to the MDA for a loan under the energy infrastructure revolving loan program established under this chapter.

(4) A county that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the homestead exemption annual tax loss reimbursement to which it may be entitled under Section 27-33-77. An incorporated municipality that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the sales tax revenue distribution to which it may be entitled under Section 27-65-75. Each loan agreement shall provide for (i) monthly payments, (ii) semiannual payments, or (iii) other periodic payments. The loan agreement shall provide for the repayment of all funds received within not more than twenty (20) years from the date of project completion.

SECTION 143. Section 57-40-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-40-7. In administering the provisions of this chapter, the MDA shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To supervise the use of all funds made available under this chapter for infrastructure improvements;

(b) To review and certify all projects for which funds are authorized to be made available under this chapter;

(c) To requisition money in the Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund and distribute that money on a project-by-project basis in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

(d) To maintain an accurate record of all Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program funds made available to counties and municipalities and the costs for each project; and

(e) To adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary or desirable for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 144. Section 57-44-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

SECTION 145. Section 57-46-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

(3) (a) An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the MDA which shall include, at a minimum:

(i) A description, including the cost, of the requested assistance;

(ii) A description of the purpose for which the assistance is requested; and

(iii) Any other information required by the MDA.

(b) The MDA shall have sole discretion in providing grants under this section. The terms of a grant shall be within the discretion of the MDA.

SECTION 146. Section 57-61-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-1. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Mississippi Business Investment Act.

SECTION 147. Section 57-61-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-3. It is the purpose of this chapter to promote business and economic development in the State of Mississippi through job producing programs and by providing loans to municipalities as defined in this chapter; to assist in securing strategic investments and/or investments in small communities by private companies locating or expanding in the state; to promote the improvement and enhancement of facilities utilized in foreign and domestic commerce to and from Mississippi through state-owned ports and to provide loans to state agencies as defined in this chapter, for the construction and development of harbor, channel and port facilities; and to authorize the issuance of state bonds or notes for funding of said programs.

SECTION 148. Section 57-61-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-5. The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Department" means the Mississippi * * *~~Department of Economic Development~~ Development Authority.

(b) "Board" means the Mississippi * * *~~Department of Economic Development~~ Development Authority operating through its executive director.

(c) "Improvements" means the construction, rehabilitation or repair of drainage systems; energy facilities (power generation and distribution); fire safety facilities (excluding vehicles); sewer systems (pipe treatment); transportation directly affecting the site of the proposed investment, including roads, sidewalks, bridges, rail, port, river, airport or pipeline (excluding vehicles); bulkheads; buildings; and facilities necessary to accommodate a United States Navy home port; and means land reclamation; waste disposal; water supply (storage, treatment and distribution); land acquisition; and the dredging of channels and basins.

(d) "Municipality" means any county or any incorporated city, or town, acting individually or jointly, or any agency of the State of Mississippi operating a state-owned port.

(e) "Private company" means any agricultural, aquacultural, maricultural, industrial, manufacturing, service, tourism, or research and development enterprise or enterprises. The term "private company" shall not include any retail trade enterprise except regional shopping malls having a minimum capital investment of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00). No more than fifteen percent (15%) of the aggregate funds made available under this chapter shall be used to fund aquacultural, maricultural and tourism enterprises. The funds made available to tourism enterprises under this chapter shall be limited to infrastructure improvements and to the acquisition of land and shall not be made available to fund tourism promotions or to fund the construction, improvement or acquisition of hotels and/or motels or to finance or refinance any obligations of hotels and/or motels.

(f) "Governmental unit" means a department or subsidiary of the United States government, or an agency of the State of Mississippi operating a state-owned port.

(g) "Private match" means any new private investment by the private company and/or governmental unit in land, buildings, depreciable fixed assets, and improvements of the project used to match improvements funded under this chapter. The term "private match" includes improvements made prior to the effective date of this chapter [Laws, 1986, Chapter 419, effective March 31, 1986] pursuant to contracts entered into contingent upon assistance being made available under this chapter.

(h) "Publicly owned property" means property which is owned by the local, state or United States government and is not under the control of a private company.

(i) "Director" means the Executive Director of the * * *~~Department of Economic Development~~ Mississippi Development Authority.

(j) "Small community" means a county with a population of twenty-five thousand (25,000) or less; or a municipality with a population of ten thousand (10,000) or less and any area within five (5) miles of the limits of such municipality, according to the most recent federal decennial census.

(k) "Strategic investment" means an investment by the private and public sectors that will have a major impact on job creation and maintenance in the state of no less than one hundred fifty (150) jobs, that will have a major impact on enlargement and enhancement of international and foreign trade and commerce to and from the State of Mississippi, or which is considered to be unique to the state and have statewide or regional impact as determined by the department.

(l) "Seller" means the State Bond Commission or the State Development Bank.

SECTION 149. Section 57-61-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-7. There is hereby established, under the direction of the department, a program to be known as the Business Investment Program for the purpose of making grants or loans to municipalities in order to install and effect specific improvements and projects necessary to complement industrial investment by private companies, the federal government or municipalities which increase Mississippi's share of domestic, international and foreign commerce to create and maintain new full-time jobs.

SECTION 150. Section 57-61-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-9. (1) Any private company desiring assistance from a municipality shall submit to the municipality a letter of intent to locate, expand or build a facility entirely or partially within the municipality or on land the municipality is authorized to own or otherwise acquire. The letter of intent shall include:

(a) Except for strategic investments, a commitment that the proposed project will create and maintain a minimum of ten (10) net new full-time equivalent jobs, will create and maintain at least a five percent (5%) increase in full-time equivalent jobs in the case of expansion of an enterprise already located at the site or at least a twenty-five percent (25%) increase in full-time equivalent jobs pursuant to subsection (9) of Section 57-61-15 and will create and maintain at least one (1) net new full-time equivalent job for every Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) either loaned or granted for the project. The commitment required by this paragraph (a) shall include any jobs created prior to March 31, 1986, resulting from contracts entered into contingent upon assistance being made available under this chapter. All jobs required to be maintained by this paragraph (a) shall be maintained until such time as any loan made under this chapter for the benefit of a private company is repaid.

(b) A statement that the specific improvements are necessary for the efficient and cost-effective operation of the private company, together with supporting financial and engineering documentation.

(c) Any commitment to pay rental on, or to make loan repayments related to, the improvements to be made with funds loaned to a municipality under this chapter.

(d) If required by the Mississippi Development Authority, a notarized statement of willingness to grant a lien on the facility for which the improvement is being provided, in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority, which lien may be foreclosed in the event that the private company fails to operate in the facility according to the terms of the agreement and/or to collateralize the loan made for the benefit of the private company for which the improvement is being provided in an amount and manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority. In the event the contractual agreement is to be entered into with a department or subsidiary of the United States government, the Mississippi Development Authority shall determine that the governmental unit will operate the proposed project for a sufficient number of years to retire the loan based on increased revenue estimates by the University Research Center and any agreement entered into shall reflect that the interest paid on any loan for such purpose shall be included in Mississippi's contributory value in the project. In the event the private company requesting the assistance is a subsidiary of another corporation, if required by the Mississippi Development Authority, any contractual agreement entered into shall also require the parent company to unconditionally warrant the performance of the subsidiary in carrying out the terms of the agreement or it shall require the subsidiary and/or the parent company to pledge assets in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority and/or to collateralize the loan in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority to ensure the performance of the terms of the contract.

(2) Upon receipt of the letter of intent from a private company, the municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a loan or grant. The application from the municipality shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) A statement of the purpose of the proposed loan or grant, including a list of eligible items and the cost of each.

(b) A statement showing the sources of funding for the entire project, including the private company's or governmental unit's investment in the project and any public and other private sources of funding.

(c) A certified copy of the signed letter of intent from a private company or governmental unit, as specified in this section.

(d) Evidence that there will be a private match of at least Three Dollars ($3.00) for every One Dollar ($1.00) of state assistance, except:

(i) In the case of ports the private match will be at least Two Dollars ($2.00) for every One Dollar ($1.00) of state assistance; and

(ii) In the case where the Mississippi Development Authority determines that a private company is a high technology enterprise the private match will be at least Two Dollars ($2.00) for every One Dollar ($1.00) of state assistance.

The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish criteria for determining whether a private company is a high technology enterprise.

(e) Demonstration that the private company is financially sound and is likely to fulfill the commitments made in its letter of intent.

(f) A proposed timetable for the provision of the improvements.

(g) Evidence that the project will be expeditiously carried out and completed as planned.

(h) A demonstration that insufficient local capital improvement funds at reasonable rates and terms are available within the necessary time to provide the needed improvement on public property. This includes local funds available through issuance of bonds or other means, state funds available through existing programs, and available federal program funds such as community development block grant funds, urban development action grant funds, and economic development administration funds.

(i) A demonstration that insufficient private funds are available at reasonable rates and terms within the necessary time to fund improvement on property owned by the private company.

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority shall consider grant and loan applications based on the following criteria:

(a) The number of net new full-time equivalent jobs that will be provided and the amount of additional state and local tax revenue estimated by the University Research Center to be directly generated by the private company's new investment, and additionally, as to loan applications by state agencies, the extent to which shipping through the port will be increased by the proposed port development projects, the degree to which jobs will be increased in the port area and the impact on port revenues.

(b) The ability to repay the principal and interest, in the case of a loan, based on increased revenue estimates and any revenue-producing provision of a contractual agreement.

The Mississippi Development Authority and the University Research Center may use the resources and capabilities of the planning and development districts in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(4) No loan shall be made in excess of the amounts which can be repaid with the increased revenues estimated by the University Research Center, provided that this subsection (4) shall not apply to loans in connection with a United States Navy home port.

(5) (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter, an agency of the State of Mississippi operating a state-owned port, and hereinabove identified as a "municipality" and "governmental unit" for purposes of this chapter, may make application for a loan or grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter. In addition, a public agency operating a port bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, which shall be considered to be a "municipality" or a "governmental unit" for the purposes of this chapter, may make application for a loan or grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter from funds other than those funds authorized for a state-owned port under paragraph (e)(iii) of Section 57-61-11. The application shall be initiated by submission of a letter of intent to engage in a project or projects for the purpose of effecting enlargement and improvement in all facilities used and useful in attracting international and foreign commerce through the port. Projects eligible for inclusion in the letter of intent may include, but not be restricted to:

(i) Dredging and deepening the access channel and harbor basin of the port;

(ii) Effecting the enlargement of the land area of the port by reclamation;

(iii) Construction and installation of piling, bulkheads, docks, wharves, warehouses and appurtenances; and

(iv) Acquisition of facilities and equipment for handling bulk and containerized cargo.

(b) With respect to a state-owned port bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, the letter of intent shall include the following information and any other information required by the Mississippi Development Authority:

(i) Present and future annual tonnages expected as a result of the improvements.

(ii) Reasons why present facilities are inadequate to enable the port to compete, including limitations imposed by insufficient depth of channel and basin.

(iii) Increased channel and basin depths necessary to accommodate modern shipping.

(iv) Comparison of the percentage of the world's cargo shipping that can now be accommodated with what could be accommodated with project improvements.

(v) Economic contribution to the region and state resulting from increased shipping activity.

(vi) Statement of degree to which port revenues are expected to be increased as a result of projects.

(vii) Financial data of port activities, including cost of project, degree of federal funding available and required local participation.

On or before January 1, 1989, a state-owned port described in this paragraph (b) shall submit to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee of the Mississippi Legislature a comprehensive, written report updating for each committee the information listed in items (i) through (vii) of this paragraph (b) with particular emphasis on the economic contribution to the region and state by shipping activity at the port; on financial data with respect to the degree of federal funding available and local participation in funding port activities; and on progress made in dredging and completing other improvements necessary to accommodate modern shipping.

(i) The extent to which shipping through the port will be increased by the proposed projects.

(ii) The degree to which jobs will be increased in the port area.

(iii) Impact on port revenues.

(iv) The ability of the port to repay interest and principal in the case of a loan.

(6) A municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter, and the Mississippi Development Authority may award grants to a municipality subject to limitations contained in this chapter. The application shall be initiated by submission of a letter of intent to engage in a project or projects for the purpose of providing improvements necessary to accommodate a United States Navy home port.

(7) The Legislature hereby finds and determines that financing facilities necessary to accommodate a Navy home port serves a valid public purpose in that a Navy home port will significantly contribute to the employment base of the state which is in great need of assistance; provided, that in the event such facilities are no longer required for use by the Navy as a home port, such facilities shall revert as provided in Section 59-9-21.

(8) Notwithstanding any provision or requirement of this chapter to the contrary, a municipality may make application for a loan under this chapter, in an amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), for the purpose of acquiring and developing land to be used as a technology/industrial park for which there is a binding commitment by one or more private companies to create and maintain not less than an aggregate of three hundred (300) jobs meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority. Such a commitment by a private company shall not disqualify the private company from obtaining assistance under this section. The match requirements of this section shall not apply to any loan made pursuant to this subsection (8).

(9) Notwithstanding any provision or requirement of this chapter to the contrary, a municipality operating a county-owned port or municipally owned port may make application for a loan under this chapter, in an amount not to exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00), for the purpose of acquiring land, buildings and other improvements and for repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving such a port.

(10) (a) A municipality is authorized to negotiate a contract for the acquisition, construction and erection of a project or any portion of a project hereunder where a municipality finds that, because of the particular nature of a project or any portion thereof, it would be in the best public interest of the municipality to negotiate.

(b) Contracts by a private company for the acquisition, construction or erection of a project which receives assistance under this chapter shall be effected in the manner prescribed by law for public contracts, unless the Mississippi Development Authority makes a written finding that, because of special circumstances with respect to the projects or any portion thereof, it would better serve the public interest or more effectively achieve the purposes of this chapter to enter into such contracts based on negotiation.

(11) A municipality is authorized upon such terms and conditions as the municipality may deem advisable, provided such terms and conditions shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, to (a) acquire, whether by construction, purchase, gift or lease, all of or any portion of a project hereunder; (b) to lease or sell to others all of or any portion of a project hereunder; and (c) to lend to the private company the proceeds of the loan from the board to such municipality.

(12) All agreements between a municipality and a private company related directly or indirectly to a project or a portion of a project to be funded in whole or in part under this chapter are subject to approval by the Mississippi Development Authority.

SECTION 151. Section 57-61-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-11. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish such guidelines, rules and regulations for the repayment of funds loaned pursuant to this chapter as may be necessary. These provisions shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Funds may be loaned for a maximum of ten (10) years or the estimated useful life of the property as established by the United States Department of Treasury, whichever is greater.

(b) The rate of interest charged by the Mississippi Development Authority for improvements not on publicly owned property may be negotiated by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(c) For all improvements funded through this chapter which occur on publicly owned property, repayment of funds loaned may, in the discretion of the Mississippi Development Authority, involve only the principal amount loaned with no interest charged thereon.

(d) An audit by a certified public accountant of all costs of a project hereunder must be submitted to the Mississippi Development Authority not later than ninety (90) days after a project's completion. Such an audit shall certify that all of the funds loaned or granted pursuant to this chapter were disbursed in accordance with the terms of this chapter and shall be paid for by the private company benefited by the project. In addition to the audit required under this paragraph, the State Auditor may conduct performance and compliance audits under this chapter according to Section 7-7-211(o) and may bill the oversight agency.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an application under Section 57-61-9(5)(a), the guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(i) Funds may be loaned for a maximum of twenty (20) years, or the estimated useful life of improvements on the land areas of the port, whichever is greater.

(ii) The rate of interest charged by the Mississippi Development Authority for loans for port projects may be negotiated by the Mississippi Development Authority and shall be consistent with Section 57-61-11(b) and (c).

(iii) The total of grants and loans to any one (1) state-owned port made pursuant to an application under Section 57-61-9(5)(a) shall not exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00).

(iv) Before any loan or grant may be made under Section 57-61-9(5)(a) to a state-owned port bordering the Gulf of Mexico, the applicant shall make adequate assurance to the Mississippi Development Authority that federal participation in the cost of the project or projects has been committed contingent only upon availability of local participation in accordance with federal guidelines.

(v) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter to be made available as interest-bearing loans to state-owned ports for the purpose of repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving the state-owned port. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish an amortization schedule for the repayment of any loans made pursuant to this subparagraph. The state-owned port shall not spend any revenues for other purposes unless payments on the loan are being timely made according to the amortization schedule. The match requirements of this section and Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any loan made pursuant to this subparagraph.

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making loans to municipalities operating county-owned ports or municipally owned ports for the purpose of acquiring land, buildings and other improvements and for repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving such ports. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish an amortization schedule for the repayment of any loans made pursuant to this paragraph (f). A municipality shall not spend any port revenues for other purposes unless payments on the loan are being timely made according to the amortization schedule.

SECTION 152. Section 57-61-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-13. Grants for improvements on publicly owned property necessary to complete eligible projects, consistent with the criteria set forth in this chapter, shall be given preference in enterprise zones designated as such by the board in the case of a strategic investment or in those municipalities which are experiencing three (3) or more of the following problems:

(a) Twenty percent (20%) or more of the population with income below the poverty level as reported in the most recent federal decennial census.

(b) The unemployment rate of the county is at least two percent (2%) greater than the state unemployment rate as reported by the Mississippi Employment Security Commission.

(c) Five percent (5%) or more loss of population between 1970 and 1980 as reported by the Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce.

(d) Significant business vacancy rate within the area, either in gross footage or acreage or in the number of business or industrial buildings.

SECTION 153. Section 57-61-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-14. In accordance with Section 27-65-111, purchases of tangible personal property or services by a private company, as defined in this chapter, with proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter, shall be exempt from sales tax.

SECTION 154. Section 57-61-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Through June 30, 2010, this section shall read as follows:]

57-61-15. (1) Except for grants authorized for state-owned ports and for grants authorized under Section 57-61-32, Section 57-61-33 and Section 57-61-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, no more than Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000.00) of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued under this chapter shall be made available for grants to municipalities; however, Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) of such amount shall be made available for grants to small communities.

(2) In no case shall any municipality receive more than one (1) grant in any single fiscal year. This subsection shall not apply to grants authorized under Section 57-61-36, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(3) A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the aggregate funds made available under this chapter shall be allocated to small communities. For the purpose of determining the aggregate funds available to make the allocation established in this subsection, there shall be excluded from inclusion therein any funds specifically dedicated pursuant to Sections 57-61-11(e)(iii) and (v), 57-61-32, 57-61-33, 57-61-34, 57-61-36, 57-61-39, 57-61-41 and 57-75-27, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(4) No loan or grant shall be made without substantiation of the provisions of Section 57-61-9, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(5) Except in the case of an application pursuant to Section 57-61-9(5)(a), Mississippi Code of 1972, funds loaned shall be secured by a lien and/or collateralized consistent with Section 57-61-9(1)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972, if required by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(6) Except in the case of an application pursuant to Section 57-61-9(5)(a), Mississippi Code of 1972, private companies which fail to create and maintain the number of jobs specified in an approved application shall be liable for, in the discretion of the Mississippi Development Authority, (a) a penalty equal to two percent (2%) greater than the current prime interest rate for the remainder of the loan made for their benefit, or (b) prepayment of the outstanding loan amount incurred by the municipality for their benefit, unless the penalty or a portion thereof is waived by the Mississippi Development Authority because the failure is due to circumstances outside the control of the private company. The penalty shall be payable in installments which the Mississippi Development Authority deems appropriate. Immediate notice of penalties and waivers of penalties, including the penalties in Section 57-61-9(1)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972, with the reasons thereof, shall be submitted by the Mississippi Development Authority to the Governor and the Legislature along with the Mississippi Development Authority's decision on the imposition of penalties and the reasons for this decision.

(7) Except in the case of an application pursuant to Section 57-61-9(5)(a), Mississippi Code of 1972, municipalities receiving loans which fail to meet their repayment obligations shall forfeit the right to receive their sales tax allocation and/or homestead exemption reimbursement in an amount sufficient to repay obligations due until such time as their indebtedness has been discharged or arrangements to discharge such indebtedness satisfactory to the Mississippi Development Authority have been made. Sales tax allocations and/or homestead exemption reimbursements forfeited hereby shall, upon demand by the Mississippi Development Authority made in writing upon the State Tax Commission, be paid to the Mississippi Development Authority and applied to the discharge of the obligation. The Mississippi Development Authority may prescribe such other penalties it deems necessary.

(8) Any municipality which has forfeited its sales tax allocation and/or homestead exemption reimbursement for twelve (12) months may levy an ad valorem tax on the taxable property therein for the purpose of meeting its repayment obligation. The revenue produced from the tax levy shall not be included within the ten percent (10%) growth limitation on ad valorem tax receipts for its general budget.

(9) This chapter is expressly not intended to encourage the relocation of a company from one jurisdiction within the state to another. Any request by a local sponsor for assistance to be provided a firm which currently operates a similar business in the state must be accompanied by a demonstration that the total net increase in and maintenance of full-time equivalent jobs, using the current number of jobs in all similar businesses operated by the private company in the state as a base, shall be at least twenty-five percent (25%). This requirement shall not apply to private companies relocating from small business incubators.

[From and after July 1, 2010, this section shall read as follows:]

(2) In no case shall any municipality receive more than one (1) grant in any single fiscal year. This subsection shall not apply to grants authorized under Section 57-61-36, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(3) A minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate funds made available under this chapter shall be allocated to small communities. For the purpose of determining the aggregate funds available to make the allocation established in this subsection, there shall be excluded from inclusion therein any funds specifically dedicated pursuant to Sections 57-61-11(e)(iii) and (v), 57-61-32, 57-61-33, 57-61-34, 57-61-36, 57-61-39, 57-61-41 and 57-75-27, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(4) No loan or grant shall be made without substantiation of the provisions of Section 57-61-9, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(9) This chapter is expressly not intended to encourage the relocation of a company from one (1) jurisdiction within the state to another. Any request by a local sponsor for assistance to be provided a firm which currently operates a similar business in the state must be accompanied by a demonstration that the total net increase in and maintenance of full-time equivalent jobs, using the current number of jobs in all similar businesses operated by the private company in the state as a base, shall be at least twenty-five percent (25%). This requirement shall not apply to private companies relocating from small business incubators.

SECTION 155. Section 57-61-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-17. (1) The board may prescribe such application forms and promulgate such guidelines, rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter with respect to loan and grant conditions and criteria for evaluation of the economic benefit of proposed loans and grants and for determining and evaluating compliance with all the criteria established in this chapter.

(2) The board is authorized to engage legal services, financial advisors, appraisers and consultants, if needed, to review and close loans or grants made pursuant to this chapter. The cost of such professionals shall be paid by the borrower or from bond proceeds as determined and approved by the board.

(3) On or before February 1, 1987, and on or before February 1 in each succeeding year in which loans are outstanding, the board shall provide the Legislature with a report on its activities for the preceding calendar year. The report shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

(a) A list of the approved projects including the municipality, name of private company or governmental unit, cost of each project, amount of private investment, projected number of new jobs, location of each project, date of submission of the application by the local sponsor, type of project and estimated completion date of each project.

(b) A list of applications not approved.

(d) A list of projects where job projections are not being met or the project is not being completed and the penalty being applied or the reason a penalty is not being applied.

(e) Estimates of state and local tax revenue increases caused directly by projects.

(f) A list of projects approved or completed in years prior to the preceding year.

(g) Guidelines issued for the Business Investment Program.

(h) An overall statement of the progress of the program during the preceding year, along with recommendations for improvements.

(4) The board shall accumulate from the municipalities having approved projects the following data on an annual and cumulative basis:

(a) The number of jobs actually created by these projects.

(b) Estimated increased tax revenue caused by the projects.

SECTION 156. Section 57-61-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-19. No loan shall be made to a municipality under this chapter unless the municipality certifies to the department, in a form satisfactory to the department, that it shall not discriminate against any employee or against any applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or age.

SECTION 157. Section 57-61-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-21. (1) There is hereby created a special fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Mississippi Business Investment Fund dedicated to the purpose of providing grants and/or loans to municipalities for the purpose of providing for improvements authorized by this chapter. All monies received by the board to carry out the purposes of this chapter, by legislative appropriation, issuance of bonds or otherwise, shall be deposited into the Mississippi Business Investment Fund. Expenditures authorized herein shall be paid by the State Treasurer upon warrants drawn from the Mississippi Business Investment Fund, and the State Auditor, or his successor to such duties, shall issue warrants upon requisitions signed by the Chairman or Executive Director of the Mississippi * * *~~Board of Economic Development~~ Development Authority.

(2) Any monies repaid to the state from loans funded through the Mississippi Business Investment Fund shall be deposited into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund, which is hereby created in the State Treasury. Funds required in excess of the amounts available in the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund to retire bonds issued pursuant to this chapter shall be appropriated from the State General Fund.

SECTION 158. Section 57-61-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-23. (1) All bonds issued under the authority of this chapter shall be redeemed at maturity, together with all interest due, from time to time, on the bonds, and these principal and interest payments shall be paid by appropriation from the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund, and/or the State General Fund. All * * * ~~moneys~~ monies paid into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund not appropriated to pay accruing bonds and interest shall be invested by the State Treasurer in such securities as are provided by law for the investment of the sinking funds of the state.

(2) In the event that all or any part of the bonds and notes are purchased, they shall be canceled and returned to the loan and transfer agent as canceled and paid bonds and notes and thereafter all payments of interest thereon shall cease and the canceled bonds, notes and coupons together with any other canceled bonds, notes and coupons shall be destroyed as promptly as possible after cancellation but not later than two (2) years after cancellation. A certificate evidencing the destruction of the canceled bonds, notes and coupons shall be provided by the loan and transfer agent to the seller.

(3) The State Treasurer shall determine and report to the * * *~~State Fiscal Management Board~~ Department of Finance and Administration and Legislative Budget Office by September 1 of each year the amount of money necessary for the payment of the principal of and interest on outstanding obligations for the following fiscal year and the times and amounts of the payments. It shall be the duty of the Governor to include in every executive budget submitted to the Legislature full information relating to the issuance of bonds and notes under the provisions of this chapter and the status of the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund of the state for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds and notes.

(4) Except as otherwise provided by law, the rate of interest on any loan made using funds from the Mississippi Business Investment Fund may be negotiated by the department and shall be consistent with Section 57-61-11(b) and (c), Mississippi Code of 1972. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the interest rate charged shall not be set such that the aggregate of the interest, penalties and other payments to the state on loans and other assistance made using funds from the Mississippi Business Investment Fund will cause the bonds issued pursuant to this chapter to be deemed arbitrage bonds pursuant to Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and the regulations promulgated thereunder. In the case of loans initially funded from the proceeds of notes and subsequently funded from renewal bonds and notes, the interest rate to be charged on the loans shall be established in accordance with this subsection upon the sale of bonds or notes, as the case may be, for the loans. It is the intention of the Legislature that the penalties assessed for breach of program conditions imposed upon private companies shall not be treated as interest income for purposes of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

SECTION 159. Section 57-61-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-25. (1) The seller is authorized to borrow, on the credit of the state upon receipt of a resolution from the Mississippi Development Authority requesting the same, monies not exceeding the aggregate sum of Three Hundred Eighty-two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($382,500,000.00), not including monies borrowed to refund outstanding bonds, notes or replacement notes, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The rate of interest on any such bonds or notes which are not subject to taxation shall not exceed the rates set forth in Section 75-17-101, Mississippi Code of 1972, for general obligation bonds.

(2) As evidence of indebtedness authorized in this chapter, general or limited obligation bonds of the state shall be issued, from time to time, to provide monies necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter for such total amounts, in such form, in such denominations payable in such currencies (either domestic or foreign, or both) and subject to such terms and conditions of issue, redemption and maturity, rate of interest and time of payment of interest as the seller directs, except that such bonds shall mature or otherwise be retired in annual installments beginning not more than five (5) years from date thereof and extending not more than thirty (30) years from date thereof.

(3) All bonds and notes issued under authority of this chapter shall be signed by the chairman of the seller, or by his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the seller shall be affixed thereto, attested by the secretary of the seller.

(4) All bonds and notes issued under authority of this chapter may be general or limited obligations of the state, and the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi as to general obligation bonds, or the revenues derived from projects assisted as to limited obligation bonds, are hereby pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds and notes.

(5) Such bonds and notes and the income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi.

(6) The bonds may be issued as coupon bonds or registered as to both principal and interest, as the seller may determine. If interest coupons are attached, they shall contain the facsimile signature of the chairman and secretary of the seller.

(7) The seller is authorized to provide, by resolution, for the issuance of refunding bonds for the purpose of refunding any debt issued under the provisions of this chapter and then outstanding, either by voluntary exchange with the holders of the outstanding debt or to provide funds to redeem and the costs of issuance and retirement of the debt, at maturity or at any call date. The issuance of the refunding bonds, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof and the duties of the issuing officials in respect to the same shall be governed by the provisions of this section, insofar as they may be applicable.

(8) As to bonds issued hereunder and designated as taxable bonds by the seller, any immunity of the state to taxation by the United States government of interest on bonds or notes issued by the state is hereby waived.

(9) The proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter after April 9, 2002, may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the Mississippi Development Authority for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by the authority. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained by the Mississippi Development Authority. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued. Reimbursements under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

SECTION 160. Section 57-61-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-27. (1) Whenever bonds are issued, they shall be sold by the seller at a competitive or negotiated sale, from time to time, in such manner and at such price as may be determined by the seller to be most advantageous.

(2) When bonds are issued from time to time, the bonds of each issue shall constitute a separate series to be designated by the seller or may be combined for sale as one (1) series with other general obligation bonds of the State of Mississippi.

(3) Until permanent bonds can be prepared, the seller may in its discretion issue, in lieu of permanent bonds, temporary bonds in such form and with such privileges as to registration and exchange for permanent bonds as may be determined by the seller.

(4) Pending their application to the purposes authorized, bond proceeds held or deposited by the State Treasurer may be invested or reinvested as are other funds in the custody of the State Treasurer in the manner provided by law. All earnings received from the investment or deposit of such funds shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund.

(5) The State Treasurer shall prepare the necessary registry book to be kept in the office of the duly authorized loan and transfer agent of the state for the registration of any bonds, at the request of owners thereof, according to the terms and conditions of issue directed by the seller.

(6) All costs and expenses in connection with the issue of and sale and registration of the bonds and notes in connection with this chapter may be paid from the proceeds of bonds and notes issued under this chapter.

(7) The seller may provide in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds the employment of one or more persons or firms to assist in the sale of the bonds; to enter into contracts for banks or trust companies located either within or without the State of Mississippi to act as registrars, paying agents, transfer agents or otherwise, for rating of the bonds, and to purchase insurance.

SECTION 161. Section 57-61-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-29. (1) Pending the issuance of bonds of the state as authorized under this chapter, the seller is hereby authorized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and on the credit of the state, to make temporary borrowings not to exceed two (2) years in anticipation of the issue of bonds in order to provide funds in such amounts as may, from time to time, be deemed advisable prior to the issue of bonds. In order to provide for and in connection with such temporary borrowings, the seller is hereby authorized in the name and on behalf of the state, and in accordance with Section 57-61-27(1), Mississippi Code of 1972, to enter into any purchase, loan or credit agreement, or agreements, or other agreement or agreements with any banks or trust companies or other lending institutions, investment banking firms or persons in the United States having power to enter into the same, which agreements may contain such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter as may be authorized by the seller.

(2) All temporary borrowings made under this section shall be evidenced by notes of the state which shall be issued, from time to time, for such amounts not exceeding in the aggregate the applicable statutory and constitutional debt limitation, in such form and in such denominations and subject to terms and condition of sale and issue, prepayment or redemption and maturity, rate or rates of interest and time of payment of interest as the seller shall authorize and direct and in accordance with this chapter. Such authorization and direction may provide for the subsequent issuance of replacement notes to refund, upon issuance thereof, such notes, and may specify such other terms and conditions with respect to the notes and replacement notes thereby authorized for issuance as the seller may determine and direct.

(3) When the authorization and direction of the seller provide for the issuance of replacement notes, the seller is hereby authorized in the name and on behalf of the state to enter into agreements with any banks, trust companies, investment banking firms or other institutions or persons in the United States having the power to enter the same:

(a) To purchase or underwrite an issue or series of issues of notes.

(b) To enter into any purchase, loan or credit agreements, and to draw monies pursuant to any such agreements on the terms and conditions set forth therein and to issue notes as evidence of borrowings made under any such agreements.

(d) To do such other acts as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the payment, when due, of the principal of and interest on such notes.

Such agreements may provide for the compensation of any purchasers or underwriters of notes or replacement notes by payment of a fixed fee or commission at the time of issuance thereof, and for all other costs and expenses, including fees for agreements related to the notes issuing and paying agent costs. Costs and expenses of issuance may be paid from the proceeds of the notes.

(4) When the authorization and direction of the seller provides for the issuance of replacement notes, it shall, at or prior to the time of delivery of these notes or replacement notes, determine the principal amounts, dates of issue, interest rate or rates, rates of discount, denominations and all other terms and conditions relating to the issuance. The State Treasurer shall perform all acts and things necessary to pay or cause to be paid, when due, all principal of and interest on the notes being refunded by replacement notes and to assure that the same may draw upon any monies available for that purpose pursuant to any purchase loan or credit agreements established with respect thereto, all subject to the authorization and direction of the seller.

(5) Outstanding notes evidencing such borrowings may be funded and retired by the issuance and sale of the bonds of the state as hereinafter authorized. The refunding bonds must be issued and sold not later than a date two (2) years after the date of issuance of the first notes evidencing such borrowings to the extent that payment of such notes has not otherwise been made or provided for by sources other than proceeds of replacement notes.

(6) The proceeds of all such temporary borrowing shall be paid to the State Treasurer to be held and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 57-61-31, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(7) Notes issued hereunder, and the income therefrom, shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 162. Section 57-61-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-31. (1) The proceeds realized from the sale of bonds and notes under this chapter, other than refunding bonds and replacement notes, shall be paid to the State Treasurer and deposited into the Mississippi Business Investment Fund and specifically dedicated to the purposes enumerated in this chapter.

(2) All nonfederal funds which may become available for the purposes of this chapter shall be deposited in the Mississippi Business Investment Fund and shall be allocated for the purposes of this chapter.

(3) The proceeds of the sale of refunding bonds and replacement notes shall be applied solely to the payment of the principal of and the accrued interest on and premium, if any, and costs of redemption of the bonds and notes for which such obligations have been issued.

SECTION 163. Section 57-61-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-32. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall certify to the department the amount of money necessary to defray the cost of the state's share in constructing the North Mississippi fish hatchery, which amount shall not be more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00); and the department shall, if funds have not otherwise been made available, provide a grant for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter. Of the funds provided hereunder, any amounts not expended on the fish hatchery shall be remitted to the department for deposit into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund.

The private match requirements of Section 57-61-9(2)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972, shall not apply to any loan or grant made under this section.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall certify to the department the amount of money necessary to defray the costs of the state's share in constructing the water diversion project on the lower East Pearl River, beginning at the Wilson Slough Breakout down through the Farrs Slough and Holmes Bayou to the Hobolochitto Creek, which amount shall not be more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00); and if the United States Army Corps of Engineers receives approval for the construction of such project, and if the United States has committed funding for the project, then the department shall provide a grant for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter. Of the funds provided in this subsection, any amounts not expended on the project described herein shall be remitted to the department for deposit into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund. The provisions of this subsection (2) shall stand repealed from and after December 31, 2002.

SECTION 164. Section 57-61-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-33. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management of the Governor's Office of General Services shall certify to the * * *~~Board of Economic Development~~ Mississippi Development Authority the amount of money necessary to complete the construction, furnishing and equipping of the Technology Transfer Center at the National Space Technology Laboratory site in Hancock County, which amount shall not be more than Three Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,200,000.00), and the board shall if funds have not otherwise been made available provide a grant to the bureau for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued under this chapter. Any funds remaining unexpended upon completion of such project shall be deposited in the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund.

SECTION 165. Section 57-61-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-34. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Sixteen Million Dollars ($16,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter to be made available as interest-bearing loans to municipalities or private companies to aid in the establishment of business incubation centers and the creation of new and expanding research and development and technology-based business and industry. In making loans under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall attempt to provide for an equitable distribution of such loans among each of the congressional districts of this state in order to promote economic development across the entire state.

(2) The Mississippi Development Authority shall require that any private company receiving a loan under subsection (1) of this section enter into a binding commitment to meet the following minimum obligations, in return for obtaining a loan derived from the proceeds of any bonds issued under this section after July 1, 2005:

(a) The private company shall create a certain minimum number of jobs over a certain period of time, as determined by the authority, and such jobs must be held by persons eligible for employment in the United States under applicable state and federal law;

(b) The private company shall invest, over a certain period of time, a certain minimum amount of capital within the state, as determined by the authority; and

If the private company fails to satisfy any commitment under this subsection, then the company must repay an amount equal to all or a portion of the funds loaned by the state under this subsection, as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(3) In exercising the power given it under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall work in conjunction with the University Research Center and may contract with the center to provide space and assistance to business incubation centers as the center is authorized to do pursuant to Section 57-13-13.

(4) The requirements of Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any loan made under this section. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish criteria and guidelines to govern loans made pursuant to this section.

SECTION 166. Section 57-61-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-35. Except as otherwise authorized in Section 7-5-39, the Attorney General of the State of Mississippi shall represent the seller in issuing, selling and validating bonds herein provided for, and the seller is hereby authorized and empowered to expend from the proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds authorized hereunder all necessary administrative, legal and other expenses incidental and related to the issuance of bonds authorized under this chapter.

SECTION 167. Section 57-61-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-36. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Fourteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($14,500,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making grants to municipalities through a Development Infrastructure Grant Fund to complete infrastructure related to new or expanded industry.

(2) [Repealed]

(3) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize the monies transferred from the Housing Development Revolving Loan Fund and not more than Eighty-nine Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($89,100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making grants or loans to municipalities through an equipment and public facilities grant and loan fund to aid in infrastructure-related improvements as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority, the purchase of equipment and in the purchase, construction or repair and renovation of public facilities. Any bonds previously issued for the Development Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program which have not been loaned or applied for are eligible to be administered as grants or loans. In making grants and loans under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall attempt to provide for an equitable distribution of such grants and loans among each of the congressional districts of this state in order to promote economic development across the entire state.

The requirements of Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any grant made under this subsection. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish criteria and guidelines to govern grants made pursuant to this subsection.

(4) [Repealed]

(5) (a) The Mississippi Development Authority may establish a Capital Access Program and may contract with any financial institution to participate in the program upon such terms and conditions as the authority shall consider necessary and proper. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish loss reserve accounts at financial institutions that participate in the program and require payments by the financial institution and the borrower to such loss reserve accounts. All monies in such loss reserve accounts is the property of the Mississippi Development Authority.

(b) Under the Capital Access Program a participating financial institution may make a loan to any borrower the Mississippi Development Authority determines to be qualified under rules and regulations adopted by the authority and be protected against losses from such loans as provided in the program. Under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Mississippi Development Authority, a participating financial institution may submit claims for the reimbursement for losses incurred as a result of default on loans by qualified borrowers.

(c) Under the Capital Access Program a participating financial institution may make a loan that is secured by the assignment of the proceeds of a contract between the borrower and a public entity if the Mississippi Development Authority determines the loan to be qualified under the rules and regulations adopted by the authority. Under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Mississippi Development Authority, a participating financial institution may submit an application to the authority requesting that a loan secured pursuant to this paragraph be funded under the Capital Access Program.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority may utilize not more than One Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,550,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making payments to loan loss reserve accounts established at financial institutions that participate in the Capital Access Program established by the Mississippi Development Authority; however, any portion of the bond proceeds authorized to be utilized by this paragraph that are not utilized for making payments to loss reserve accounts may be utilized by the Mississippi Development Authority to advance funds to financial institutions that participate in the Capital Access Program pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting Warren County, Mississippi, in the continuation and completion of the study for the proposed Kings Point Levee.

(7) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of developing a long-range plan for coordinating the resources of the state institutions of higher learning, the community and junior colleges, the Mississippi Development Authority and other state agencies in order to promote economic development in the state.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall use not more than One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of providing assistance to municipalities that have received Community Development Block Grant funds for repair, renovation and other improvements to buildings for use as community centers. Assistance provided to a municipality under this subsection shall be used by the municipality to match such Community Development Block Grant funds. The maximum amount of assistance that may be provided to a municipality under this subsection shall not exceed Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in the aggregate.

(9) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting in paying the costs of constructing a new spillway and related bridge and dam structures at Lake Mary in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, including construction of a temporary dam and diversion canal, removing existing structures, removing and stockpiling riprap, spillway construction, dam embankment construction, road access, constructing bridges and related structures, design and construction engineering and field testing.

(10) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting the City of Holly Springs, Mississippi, in providing water and sewer and other infrastructure services in the Marshall, Benton and Tippah Counties area.

SECTION 168. Section 57-61-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-37. (1) Each municipality is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow money from the board pursuant to the terms and provisions of this chapter. Each municipality is further authorized and empowered to pay to the board such fees and charges for services hereunder as the board may prescribe.

(2) Each municipality is hereby authorized to evidence the borrowing of money from the board pursuant to this chapter by the issuance of evidences of indebtedness under the provisions of this section and to sell such evidences of indebtedness to the board to raise money for any purpose or purposes for which the board is authorized to loan money to such municipality under the terms of this chapter. Except as specifically provided in this chapter, such evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21-33-307, 21-33-309, 21-33-311, 21-33-313, 21-33-315, 21-33-317, 21-33-319, 21-33-321 and 21-33-323 in the case of cities or incorporated towns, and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 19-9-7, 19-9-9, 19-9-11, 19-9-13, 19-9-15, 19-9-17, 19-9-19, 19-9-21, 19-9-23, 19-9-25 and 19-9-29 in the case of counties. Bonds or other evidences of indebtedness which are issued either pursuant to this chapter, or pursuant to any other law as evidence of loans made pursuant to this chapter, shall not be deemed indebtedness within the meaning specified in Section 21-33-303 with regard to cities or incorporated towns, and in Section 19-9-5 with regard to counties. The preceding sentence shall apply to all such bonds and evidences of indebtedness outstanding as of the effective date of this provision and to all such bonds and evidences of indebtedness hereafter issued.

(3) In connection with the issuance of evidences of indebtedness under the provisions of this chapter by cities, incorporated towns and counties, the following provisions shall specifically apply:

(a) When publishing notice of intent to issue bonds as required under the terms of Section 21-33-307 or Section 19-9-11, as the case may be, the municipality shall publish such notice once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, the first publication to be not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date set for authorizing such issuance and the last publication to be not more than seven (7) days prior to such date.

(b) Such evidences of indebtedness shall be secured: (i) by the revenues derived by the municipality from the ownership, operation or lease of the project or improvements funded with proceeds of the loan from the board to such municipality under the terms of this chapter or by loan repayments from the private company derived by the municipality from the loan to the private company of the proceeds of the loan from the board to such municipality under the terms of this chapter, but only to the extent, in whole or in part, pledged by the municipality, which pledge may be on a basis subordinate to other obligations or agreements of the municipality; (ii) by the sources of repayment provided for under the terms of subsections (7) and (8) of Section 57-61-15 of this chapter; (iii) and as provided by Chapter 33, Title 21, Mississippi Code of 1972, in the case of cities and incorporated towns, and Chapter 9, Title 19, Mississippi Code of 1972, in the case of counties but only in the event that the sources provided by items (i) and (ii) hereof are insufficient therefor. For the purposes of Section 27-39-321, the evidences of indebtedness issued hereunder shall be deemed to be "general obligation bonds."

(c) Such evidences of indebtedness may be sold only to the board at private sale and may be sold at such price or prices, in such manner and at such times as may be agreed to by the municipality and the board, and the municipality may pay all expenses, premiums, fees and commissions which it may deem necessary and advantageous in connection with the issuance and sale thereof and such evidences of indebtedness shall mature at such time or times not exceeding thirty (30) years and in such amounts and shall bear interest at such rate or rates as required for loans made under the provisions of this chapter and as may be agreed upon by the board and the municipality; provided, that in connection with financing a Navy home port, the municipality may obtain a letter of credit and pledge to the repayment thereof the same sources pledged to such evidences of indebtedness or negotiate and enter into a credit agreement, trust indenture or other agreement with any bank, trust company or other lending institution for the purpose of making or receiving any payments required to be made to the United States Navy to accommodate a Navy home port.

(d) The proceeds of such evidences of indebtedness shall be applied to the following: (i) the purpose for which such evidences of indebtedness were issued; (ii) the payment of all costs of issuance of such evidences of indebtedness; (iii) the payment of any fees and charges established by the board; (iv) the payment of interest on such evidences of indebtedness for a period of time not greater than the period of time estimated to be required to complete the purpose for which the evidences of indebtedness were issued or to the extent provided by resolution of the municipality and approved by the board; (v) the payment of any costs relating to obtaining or entering into a credit agreement, loan disbursement agreement, trust indenture or other agreement with any bank, trust company or other lending institution for the purpose of securing, making or receiving any payments required to be made to the United States Navy to accommodate a Navy home port.

(e) Evidences of indebtedness issued under this section may be validated in the manner and with the force and effect provided in Section 31-13-1 et seq.

(f) This section shall be deemed to provide an additional, alternate and complete method for the doing of the things authorized hereby and shall be deemed and construed to be supplemental to any provisions of any other laws and not in derogation of any such provisions. In connection with the issuance of evidences of indebtedness, a municipality shall not be required to comply with the provisions of any other law except as provided herein.

SECTION 169. Section 57-61-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-41. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter to be made available to state, county or municipal port and airport authorities through a Port Revitalization Revolving Loan Fund for the purpose of making loans to port authorities for the improvement of port and airport facilities to promote commerce and economic growth. Proceeds shall not be made available to provide any facilities for utilization by a gaming vessel.

(2) In exercising its authority, the Mississippi Development Authority shall work in conjunction with the Water Resources Council to establish criteria and guidelines to govern loans made pursuant to this section.

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority may, on a case-by-case basis, renegotiate the payment of principal and interest on loans made under this section to state, county and municipal port and airport authorities located in the six (6) most southern counties of the state covered by the Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for the State of Mississippi (FEMA-1604-DR) dated August 29, 2005; however, the interest on the loans shall not be forgiven for a period of more than twenty-four (24) months and the maturity of the loans shall not be extended for a period of more than forty-eight (48) months.

SECTION 170. Section 57-61-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-43. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Department of Economic and Community Development shall utilize not more than One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds issued in this chapter to provide a grant to provide funds for the Small Farm Loan Program at Alcorn State University.

The requirements of Section 57-61-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall not apply to the grant made under this section.

SECTION 171. Section 57-61-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-61-44. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Department of Economic and Community Development may deposit not more than Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds issued in this chapter into the revolving fund created in Section 43-3-103, Mississippi Code of 1972, for use by the Mississippi Industries for the Blind.

SECTION 172. Section 57-62-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-1. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Advantage Jobs Act."

SECTION 173. Section 57-62-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-3. It is the intent of the Legislature that:

(a) The State of Mississippi provide appropriate incentives to support the establishment of quality business and industry that hold the promise of significant development of the economy of the State of Mississippi through the creation of quality jobs;

(b) The amount of incentives provided under this chapter in connection with a particular establishment shall be directly related to the jobs created as a result of the establishment locating in the State of Mississippi;

(c) The Mississippi Development Authority and the Department of Revenue shall implement the provisions of this chapter and exercise all powers as authorized in this chapter; however, the application of this chapter or the offering of any of its incentives as to any particular qualified business or industry shall be in the sole discretion of the Mississippi Development Authority. The exercise of powers conferred by this chapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of essential public purposes; and

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to constitute a guarantee or assumption by the State of Mississippi of any debt of any individual, company, corporation or association nor to authorize the credit of the State of Mississippi to be given, pledged or loaned to any individual, company, corporation or association. Also, nothing in this chapter gives any right to any qualified business or industry to the incentives contained herein unless said incentive is given by the Mississippi Development Authority pursuant to this chapter.

SECTION 174. Section 57-62-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[For businesses or industries that received or applied for incentive payments prior to July 1, 2005, this section shall read as follows:]

57-62-5. As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Qualified business or industry" means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other legal entity and subunits or affiliates thereof, pursuant to rules and regulations of the MDA, which provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser. An establishment shall not be considered to be a qualified business or industry unless it offers, or will offer within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date it receives the first incentive payment pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, a basic health benefits plan to the individuals it employs in new direct jobs in this state which is approved by the MDA. Qualified business or industry does not include retail business or gaming business;

(b) "New direct job" means full-time employment in this state in a qualified business or industry that has qualified to receive an incentive payment pursuant to this chapter, which employment did not exist in this state before the date of approval by the MDA of the application of the qualified business or industry pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. "New direct job" shall include full-time employment in this state of employees who are employed by an entity other than the establishment that has qualified to receive an incentive payment and who are leased to the qualified business or industry, if such employment did not exist in this state before the date of approval by the MDA of the application of the establishment;

(d) "Estimated direct state benefits" means the tax revenues projected by the MDA to accrue to the state as a result of the qualified business or industry;

(e) "Estimated direct state costs" means the costs projected by the MDA to accrue to the state as a result of the qualified business or industry;

(f) "Estimated net direct state benefits" means the estimated direct state benefits less the estimated direct state costs;

(g) "Net benefit rate" means the estimated net direct state benefits computed as a percentage of gross payroll, provided that:

(i) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (g), the net benefit rate may be variable and shall not exceed four percent (4%) of the gross payroll; and shall be set in the sole discretion of the MDA;

(ii) In no event shall incentive payments, cumulatively, exceed the estimated net direct state benefits;

(h) "Gross payroll" means wages for new direct jobs of the qualified business or industry; and

(i) "MDA" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

[For businesses or industries that received or applied for incentive payments from and after July 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2010, this section shall read as follows:]

57-62-5. As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(i) Is a data/information processing enterprise meeting minimum criteria established by the MDA that provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred percent (100%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser, and creates not less than two hundred (200) new direct jobs if the enterprise is located in a Tier One or Tier Two area (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), or which creates not less than one hundred (100) new jobs if the enterprise is located in a Tier Three area (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21);

(ii) Is a manufacturing or distribution enterprise meeting minimum criteria established by the MDA that provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser, invests not less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) in land, buildings and equipment, and creates not less than fifty (50) new direct jobs if the enterprise is located in a Tier One or Tier Two area (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), or which creates not less than twenty (20) new jobs if the enterprise is located in a Tier Three area (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21);

(iii) Is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other legal entity and subunits or affiliates thereof, pursuant to rules and regulations of the MDA, which provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser, and creates not less than twenty-five (25) new direct jobs if the enterprise is located in a Tier One or Tier Two area (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21), or which creates not less than ten (10) new jobs if the enterprise is located in a Tier Three area (as such areas are designated in accordance with Section 57-73-21). An establishment shall not be considered to be a qualified business or industry unless it offers, or will offer within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date it receives the first incentive payment pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, a basic health benefits plan to the individuals it employs in new direct jobs in this state which is approved by the MDA. Qualified business or industry does not include retail business or gaming business; or

(iv) Is a research and development or a technology intensive enterprise meeting minimum criteria established by the MDA that provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser, and creates not less than ten (10) new direct jobs.

An establishment shall not be considered to be a qualified business or industry unless it offers, or will offer within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date it receives the first incentive payment pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, a basic health benefits plan to the individuals it employs in new direct jobs in this state which is approved by the MDA. Qualified business or industry does not include retail business or gaming business.

(d) "Estimated direct state benefits" means the tax revenues projected by the MDA to accrue to the state as a result of the qualified business or industry.

(e) "Estimated direct state costs" means the costs projected by the MDA to accrue to the state as a result of the qualified business or industry.

(f) "Estimated net direct state benefits" means the estimated direct state benefits less the estimated direct state costs.

(g) "Net benefit rate" means the estimated net direct state benefits computed as a percentage of gross payroll, provided that:

(ii) In no event shall incentive payments, cumulatively, exceed the estimated net direct state benefits.

(h) "Gross payroll" means wages for new direct jobs of the qualified business or industry.

(i) "MDA" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

[For businesses or industries that apply for incentive payments from and after July 1, 2010, this section shall read as follows:]

57-62-5. As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(ii) Is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other legal entity and subunits or affiliates thereof, pursuant to rules and regulations of the MDA, which provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser, and creates not less than twenty-five (25) new direct jobs; or

1. Provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser;

2. Has a minimum of five thousand (5,000) existing employees as of the last day of the previous calendar year; and

3. MDA determines will create not less than three thousand (3,000) new direct jobs within forty-eight (48) months of the date the MDA determines that the applicant is qualified to receive incentive payments.

(d) "Gross payroll" means wages for new direct jobs of the qualified business or industry.

(e) "MDA" means the Mississippi Development Authority.

SECTION 175. Section 57-62-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-7. The MDA shall determine, upon initial application on a form approved by the MDA, if an establishment is engaged in a qualified business or industry.

SECTION 176. Section 57-62-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[For businesses or industries that received or applied for incentive payments prior to July 1, 2005, this section shall read as follows:]

57-62-9. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a qualified business or industry that meets the qualifications specified in this chapter may receive quarterly incentive payments for a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the Department of Revenue pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in an amount which shall be equal to the net benefit rate multiplied by the actual gross payroll of new direct jobs for a calendar quarter as verified by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, but not to exceed the amount of money previously paid into the fund by the employer. A qualified business or industry that is a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1 may elect the date upon which the ten-year period will begin. Such date may not be later than sixty (60) months after the date the business or industry applied for incentive payments.

(2) (a) A qualified business or industry that is a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1 may apply to the MDA to receive incentive payments for an additional period not to exceed five (5) years beyond the expiration date of the initial ten-year period if:

(i) The qualified business or industry creates at least three thousand (3,000) new direct jobs within five (5) years after the date the business or industry commences commercial production;

(ii) Within five (5) years after the date the business or industry commences commercial production, the average annual wage of the jobs is at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser. The criteria for the average annual wage requirement shall be based upon the state average annual wage or the average annual wage of the county whichever is appropriate, at the time of creation of the minimum number of jobs, and the threshold established at that time will remain constant for the duration of the additional period; and

(iii) The qualified business or industry meets and maintains the job and wage requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (a) for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.

(b) A qualified business or industry that is a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1 and qualified to receive incentive payments for the additional period provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) may apply to the MDA to receive incentive payments for an additional period not to exceed ten (10) years beyond the expiration date of the additional period provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) if:

(i) The qualified business or industry creates at least four thousand (4,000) new direct jobs after qualifying for the additional incentive period provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) but before the expiration of the additional period. For purposes of determining whether the business or industry meets the minimum jobs requirement of this subparagraph (i), the number of jobs the business or industry created in order to meet the minimum jobs requirement of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) shall be subtracted from the minimum jobs requirement of this subparagraph (i);

(ii) The average annual wage of the jobs is at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser. The criteria for the average annual wage requirement shall be based upon the state average annual wage or the average annual wage of the county whichever is appropriate, at the time of creation of the minimum number of jobs, and the threshold established at that time will remain constant for the duration of the additional period; and

(iii) The qualified business or industry meets and maintains the job and wage requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (b) for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.

(3) In order to receive incentive payments, an establishment shall apply to the MDA. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the MDA and shall contain such information as may be required by the MDA to determine if the applicant is qualified.

(4) In order to qualify to receive such payments, the establishment applying shall be required to:

(a) Be engaged in a qualified business or industry;

(b) Provide an average salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser. The criteria for this requirement shall be based upon the state average annual wage or the average annual wage of the county whichever is appropriate, at the time of application, and the threshold established upon application will remain constant for the duration of the project;

(c) The business or industry must create and maintain a minimum of ten (10) full-time jobs in counties that have an average unemployment rate over the previous twelve-month period which is at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the most recently published state unemployment rate, as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security or in Tier Three counties as determined under Section 57-73-21. In all other counties, the business or industry must create and maintain a minimum of twenty-five (25) full-time jobs. The criteria for this requirement shall be based on the designation of the county at the time of the application. The threshold established upon the application will remain constant for the duration of the project. The business or industry must meet its job creation commitment within twenty-four (24) months of the application approval. However, if the qualified business or industry is applying for incentive payments for an additional period under subsection (2) of this section, the business or industry must comply with the applicable job and wage requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(5) The MDA shall determine if the applicant is qualified to receive incentive payments. If the applicant is determined to be qualified by the MDA, the MDA shall conduct a cost/benefit analysis to determine the estimated net direct state benefits and the net benefit rate applicable for a period not to exceed ten (10) years and to estimate the amount of gross payroll for the period. If the applicant is determined to be qualified to receive incentive payments for an additional period under subsection (2) of this section, the MDA shall conduct a cost/benefit analysis to determine the estimated net direct state benefits and the net benefit rate applicable for the appropriate additional period and to estimate the amount of gross payroll for the additional period. In conducting such cost/benefit analysis, the MDA shall consider quantitative factors, such as the anticipated level of new tax revenues to the state along with the cost to the state of the qualified business or industry, and such other criteria as deemed appropriate by the MDA, including the adequacy of retirement benefits that the business or industry provides to individuals it employs in new direct jobs in this state. In no event shall incentive payments, cumulatively, exceed the estimated net direct state benefits. Once the qualified business or industry is approved by the MDA, an agreement shall be deemed to exist between the qualified business or industry and the State of Mississippi, requiring the continued incentive payment to be made as long as the qualified business or industry retains its eligibility.

(6) Upon approval of such an application, the MDA shall notify the Department of Revenue and shall provide it with a copy of the approved application and the estimated net direct state benefits. The Department of Revenue may require the qualified business or industry to submit such additional information as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter. The qualified business or industry shall report to the Department of Revenue periodically to show its continued eligibility for incentive payments. The qualified business or industry may be audited by the Department of Revenue to verify such eligibility. In addition, the State Auditor may conduct performance and compliance audits under this chapter according to Section 7-7-211(o) and may bill the oversight agency.

(7) 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 result of the disaster the business or industry is unable to create or maintain the full-time jobs required by this section:

(a) The Commissioner of Revenue may extend the period of time that the business or industry may receive incentive payments for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years;

(b) The Commissioner of Revenue may waive the requirement that a certain number of jobs be maintained for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months; and

(c) The MDA may extend the period of time within which the jobs must be created for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.

[For businesses or industries that received or applied for incentive payments from and after July 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2010, this section shall read as follows:]

57-62-9. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a qualified business or industry that meets the qualifications specified in this chapter may receive quarterly incentive payments for a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the Department of Revenue pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in an amount which shall be equal to the net benefit rate multiplied by the actual gross payroll of new direct jobs for a calendar quarter as verified by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, but not to exceed:

(i) Ninety percent (90%) of the amount of money previously paid into the fund by the employer if the employer provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser;

(ii) Eighty percent (80%) of the amount of money previously paid into the fund by the employer if the employer provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of at least one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) but less than one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser; or

(iii) Seventy percent (70%) of the amount of money previously paid into the fund by the employer if the employer provides an average annual salary, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes, of less than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the most recently published state average annual wage or the most recently published average annual wage of the county in which the qualified business or industry is located as determined by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, whichever is the lesser.

(b) A qualified business or industry that is a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1 may elect the date upon which the ten-year period will begin. Such date may not be later than sixty (60) months after the date the business or industry applied for incentive payments.

(i) The qualified business or industry creates at least three thousand (3,000) new direct jobs within five (5) years after the date the business or industry commences commercial production;

(iii) The qualified business or industry meets and maintains the job and wage requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (a) for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.

(iii) The qualified business or industry meets and maintains the job and wage requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (b) for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.

(4) (a) In order to qualify to receive such payments, the establishment applying shall be required to meet the definition of the term "qualified business or industry";

(b) The criteria for the average annual salary requirement shall be based upon the state average annual wage or the average annual wage of the county whichever is appropriate, at the time of application, and the threshold established upon application will remain constant for the duration of the project;

(c) The business or industry must meet its job creation commitment within twenty-four (24) months of the application approval. However, if the qualified business or industry is applying for incentive payments for an additional period under subsection (2) of this section, the business or industry must comply with the applicable job and wage requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(5) (a) The MDA shall determine if the applicant is qualified to receive incentive payments.

(b) If the applicant is determined to be qualified to receive incentive payments for an additional period under subsection (2) of this section, the MDA shall conduct a cost/benefit analysis to determine the estimated net direct state benefits and the net benefit rate applicable for the appropriate additional period and to estimate the amount of gross payroll for the additional period. In conducting such cost/benefit analysis, the MDA shall consider quantitative factors, such as the anticipated level of new tax revenues to the state along with the cost to the state of the qualified business or industry, and such other criteria as deemed appropriate by the MDA, including the adequacy of retirement benefits that the business or industry provides to individuals it employs in new direct jobs in this state. In no event shall incentive payments, cumulatively, exceed the estimated net direct state benefits. Once the qualified business or industry is approved by the MDA, an agreement shall be deemed to exist between the qualified business or industry and the State of Mississippi, requiring the continued incentive payment to be made as long as the qualified business or industry retains its eligibility.

(a) The Commissioner of Revenue may extend the period of time that the business or industry may receive incentive payments for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years;

(b) The Commissioner of Revenue may waive the requirement that a certain number of jobs be maintained for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months; and

(c) The MDA may extend the period of time within which the jobs must be created for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.

[For businesses or industries that apply for incentive payments from and after July 1, 2010, this section shall read as follows:]

57-62-9. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a qualified business or industry that meets the qualifications specified in this chapter may receive quarterly incentive payments for a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the Department of Revenue pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in an amount which shall be equal to ninety percent (90%) of the amount of actual income tax withheld for employees with new direct jobs, but in no event more than four percent (4%) of the total annual salary paid for new direct jobs during such period, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes.

(c) A qualified business or industry as defined in Section 57-62-5(a)(iii) may elect the date upon which the ten-year period will begin and may elect to begin receiving incentive payments as early as the second quarter after that date. Incentive payments will be calculated on all jobs above the existing number of jobs as of the date the MDA determines that the applicant is qualified to receive incentive payments. In the event that the qualified business or industry falls below the number of existing jobs at the time of determination that the applicant is qualified to receive the incentive payment, the incentive payment shall cease until the qualified business or industry once again exceeds that number. If after forty-eight (48) months, the qualified business or industry has failed to create at least three thousand (3,000) new direct jobs, incentive payments shall cease and the qualified business or industry shall not be qualified to receive further incentive payments.

(i) The qualified business or industry creates at least three thousand (3,000) new direct jobs within five (5) years after the date the business or industry commences commercial production;

(iii) The qualified business or industry meets and maintains the job and wage requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (a) for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.

(iii) The qualified business or industry meets and maintains the job and wage requirements of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (b) for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.

(4) (a) In order to qualify to receive such payments, the establishment applying shall be required to meet the definition of the term "qualified business or industry";

(c) Except as otherwise provided for a qualified business or industry as defined in Section 57-62-5(a)(iii), the business or industry must meet its job creation commitment within twenty-four (24) months of the application approval. However, if the qualified business or industry is applying for incentive payments for an additional period under subsection (2) of this section, the business or industry must comply with the applicable job and wage requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(5) (a) The MDA shall determine if the applicant is qualified to receive incentive payments.

(b) If the applicant is determined to be qualified to receive incentive payments for an additional period under subsection (2) of this section, the MDA shall conduct an analysis to estimate the amount of gross payroll for the appropriate additional period. Incentive payments, cumulatively, shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the amount of actual income tax withheld for employees with new direct jobs, but in no event more than four percent (4%) of the total annual salary paid for new direct jobs during the additional period, excluding benefits which are not subject to Mississippi income taxes. Once the qualified business or industry is approved by the MDA, an agreement shall be deemed to exist between the qualified business or industry and the State of Mississippi, requiring the continued incentive payment to be made as long as the qualified business or industry retains its eligibility.

(6) Upon approval of such an application, the MDA shall notify the Department of Revenue and shall provide it with a copy of the approved application and the minimum job and salary requirements. The Department of Revenue may require the qualified business or industry to submit such additional information as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter. The qualified business or industry shall report to the Department of Revenue periodically to show its continued eligibility for incentive payments. The qualified business or industry may be audited by the Department of Revenue to verify such eligibility. In addition, the State Auditor may conduct performance and compliance audits under this chapter according to Section 7-7-211(o) and may bill the oversight agency.

(a) The Commissioner of Revenue may extend the period of time that the business or industry may receive incentive payments for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years;

(b) The Commissioner of Revenue may waive the requirement that a certain number of jobs be maintained for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months; and

(c) The MDA may extend the period of time within which the jobs must be created for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.

SECTION 177. Section 57-62-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-11. (1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Mississippi Advantage Jobs Incentive Payment Fund, into which shall be deposited withholding tax revenue required to be deposited into such fund pursuant to Section 27-7-312. The money in the fund shall be used for the purpose of making the incentive payments authorized under this chapter.

(2) The Mississippi Advantage Jobs Incentive Payment Fund shall be administered by the Department of Revenue, and monies in the fund, less three percent (3%) to be retained by the Department of Revenue to pay the reasonable and necessary expenses of the Department of Revenue in administering its duties under this chapter, shall be expended pursuant to the approved application. Amounts in the fund at the end of any fiscal year that are not necessary to make future incentive payments shall be paid into the General Fund.

(3) The liability of the State of Mississippi to make the incentive payments authorized under this chapter shall be limited to the balance contained in the fund.

SECTION 178. Section 57-62-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-13. (1) As soon as practicable after the end of a calendar quarter for which a qualified business or industry has qualified to receive an incentive payment, the qualified business or industry shall file a claim for the payment with the Department of Revenue and shall specify the actual number of new direct jobs created and maintained by the business or industry for the calendar quarter and the gross payroll thereof. The Department of Revenue shall verify the actual number of new direct jobs created and maintained by the business or industry and compliance with the average annual wage requirements for such business or industry under this chapter. If the qualified business or industry files a claim for an incentive payment during an additional incentive period provided under Section 57-62-9(2), the Department of Revenue shall verify the actual number of new direct jobs created and maintained by the business or industry and compliance with the average annual wage requirements for such business or industry under this chapter. If the Department of Revenue is not able to provide such verification utilizing all available resources, the Department of Revenue may request such additional information from the business or industry as may be necessary.

(2) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the business or industry must meet the salary and job requirements of this chapter for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters prior to payment of the first incentive payment. Except as otherwise provided in Section 57-62-9, if the business or industry does not maintain the salary or job requirements of this chapter at any other time during the ten-year period after the date the first payment was made, the incentive payments shall not be made and shall not be resumed until such time as the actual verified number of new direct jobs created and maintained by the business or industry equals or exceeds the requirements of this chapter for one (1) calendar quarter.

(b) If the business or industry is qualified to receive incentive payments for an additional period provided under Section 57-62-9(2), the business or industry must meet the wage and job requirements of Section 57-62-9(2), for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters prior to payment of the first incentive payment. If the business or industry does not maintain the wage or job requirements of Section 57-62-9(2), at any other time during the appropriate additional period after the date the first payment was made, the incentive payments shall not be made and shall not be resumed until such time as the actual verified number of new direct jobs created and maintained by the business or industry equals or exceeds the amounts specified in Section 57-62-9(2), for one (1) calendar quarter.

(3) An establishment that has qualified pursuant to this chapter may receive payments only in accordance with the provision under which it initially applied and was approved. If an establishment that is receiving incentive payments expands, it may apply for additional incentive payments based on the new gross payroll for new direct jobs anticipated from the expansion only, pursuant to this chapter.

(4) As soon as practicable after verification of the qualified business or industry meeting the requirements of this chapter and all rules and regulations, the Department of Finance and Administration, upon requisition of the Department of Revenue, shall issue a warrant drawn on the Mississippi Advantage Jobs Incentive Payment Fund to the establishment in the amount of the incentive payment as determined pursuant to subsection (1) of this section for the calendar quarter.

SECTION 179. Section 57-62-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-15. The MDA and the Department of Revenue shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, and all application forms and other forms necessary to implement their respective duties and responsibilities under the provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 180. Section 57-62-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-62-17. The MDA shall prepare a report on the program pursuant to Section 57-1-12.

SECTION 181. Section 57-71-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act.

SECTION 182. Section 57-71-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-3. It is the purpose of this act to promote business and economic development in the State of Mississippi through job producing programs and by providing loans to the * * * Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, as defined in this act; to assist in securing investment in small communities by private companies locating or expanding in the state; and to authorize the issuance of state bonds or notes for funding such programs.

SECTION 183. Section 57-71-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-5. The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meaning given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "MBFC" or "company" means the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

(b) "Private company" means any agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural, industrial, manufacturing or research and development enterprise or enterprises, or the lessor thereof, or any commercial enterprise approved by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation; however, the term "private company" shall not include any business, corporation or entity having a gaming license issued under Section 75-76-1 et seq.

(c) "Qualified financial institution" means any commercial bank or savings and loan institution approved by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation to provide letters of credit under this act.

(d) "Letter of credit" means a letter of credit obligation from a qualified financial institution approved by the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

(e) "Planning and development districts" means the organized planning and development districts in Mississippi.

(f) "Director" means the Executive Director of the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

(g) "Seller" means the State Bond Commission.

SECTION 184. Section 57-71-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-7. There is hereby established, under the direction of the * * * Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, a program to be known as the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Program for the purpose of making loans to qualified private companies in order to provide financing to small businesses which will increase employment and investment in small communities.

SECTION 185. Section 57-71-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-9. Any private company desiring to borrow from the program shall make application to the company. The company shall define and publish criteria for eligibility for the program and timetable for review.

All loan applications shall identify a qualified financial institution which will issue a letter of credit to the * * *~~Certified Development Company~~ Mississippi Business Finance Corporation guaranteeing the loan made pursuant to this act. Such letter of credit will be in a form satisfactory to the * * *~~Certified Development Company~~ Mississippi Business Finance Corporation.

SECTION 186. Section 57-71-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-11. (1) No loan made under the provisions of this act shall be in an amount exceeding Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) principal.

(2) The maximum loan term shall not exceed twenty (20) years.

(3) All loans made pursuant to this act shall be guaranteed by a letter of credit in a form acceptable to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation from a qualified financial institution. A letter of credit may be replaced by another letter of credit from a qualified financial institution if the letter is in a form acceptable to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. The cost of the letter of credit shall not exceed two percent (2%) per annum of the loan. If a letter of credit, upon expiration, is not renewed by the financial institution or otherwise replaced, the company shall draw upon the letter of credit for the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on the bonds, including any penalties, premium on bonds or other costs incident to the loan.

(4) No more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) in loans may be outstanding in the aggregate to any one (1) borrower, either directly or indirectly, at any one time.

(5) The interest rate on such loans shall not be less than the net interest rate on the bonds or notes issued pursuant to this act to finance the loan being repaid, plus company servicing fees.

(6) The total amount of a loan secured by real and/or personal property, including any previous indebtedness incurred against real and/or personal property offered as security for such loan shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the market value thereof as determined by an appraisal made by the lender. In determining the amount of indebtedness to be incurred against any real or personal property securing such a loan, the lender may consider the enhanced value of the real property and any other additional capital assets accruing to the borrower through loans provided under this act.

(7) No loan shall be made under this act to finance any existing debt.

SECTION 187. Section 57-71-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-13. The Mississippi Business Finance Corporation shall promulgate lending guidelines, rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.

The Mississippi Business Finance Corporation may work closely with the planning and development districts in identifying eligible projects and making the program available in all areas of the state.

As part of the lending criteria, the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation must receive a commitment that the proposed project will create a minimum of ten (10) net new full-time equivalent jobs.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 27-65-101(1), Mississippi Code of 1972, and other applicable laws, all purchases required to establish any project and financed by proceeds from bonds issued under this act shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi except the contractors' tax imposed by Sections 27-65-21 and 27-65-24(1)(b).

SECTION 188. Section 57-71-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-15. The * * * Mississippi Business Finance Corporation is hereby authorized to engage legal services, financial advisors, appraisers and consultants if needed to review and close loans made pursuant to this act. The costs of such professionals shall be paid by the borrower or from loan proceeds as determined and approved by the company.

SECTION 189. Section 57-71-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-17. In the event of a default, the * * *~~Certified Development Company~~ Mississippi Business Finance Corporation shall call upon the letter of credit guaranteeing the principal amount of the loan plus interest due.

Failure to comply with lending criteria shall result in a penalty which the company may establish by regulation, and penalties shall not be treated as interest income for the purposes of Section 148 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

SECTION 190. Section 57-71-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-19. No loan shall be made to a private company under this act unless the private company certifies to the * * * Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, in a form satisfactory to the company, that it will not discriminate against any employee or against any applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or age.

SECTION 191. Section 57-71-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-21. (1) There is hereby created a special fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund out of which the * * * Mississippi Business Finance Corporation shall provide loans authorized by this act. All monies received by the company to carry out the purposes of this act by issuance of bonds shall be deposited into the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund or funds. Expenditures authorized from the fund shall be paid by the State Treasurer upon warrants drawn on the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund, and the * * *~~State Fiscal Management Board~~ Department of Finance and Administration shall issue warrants upon requisitions signed by the director.

(2) Any monies repaid to the state from loans funded through the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund shall be deposited into the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Sinking Fund, which is hereby created in the State Treasury.

SECTION 192. Section 57-71-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-23. (1) All bonds issued under the authority of this act shall be redeemed at maturity, together with all interest due, from time to time, on the bonds, and these principal and interest payments shall be paid from the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Sinking Fund. All monies paid into the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Sinking Fund not appropriated to pay accruing bonds and interest shall be invested by the State Treasurer in such securities as are provided by law for the investment of the sinking funds of the state.

(2) In the event that all or any part of the bonds and notes are purchased, they shall be canceled and returned to the loan and transfer agent as canceled and paid bonds and notes; and thereafter all payments of interest thereon shall cease and the canceled bonds, notes and coupons together with any other canceled bonds, notes and coupons shall be destroyed as promptly as possible after cancellation but not later than two (2) years after cancellation. A certificate evidencing the destruction of the canceled bonds, notes and coupons shall be provided by the loan and transfer agent to the seller.

(3) The State Treasurer shall determine and report to the * * *~~State Fiscal Management Board~~ Department of Finance and Administration and Legislative Budget Office by September 1 of each year the amount of money necessary for the payment of the principal of and interest on outstanding obligations for the following fiscal year and the times and amounts of the payments. It shall be the duty of the Governor to include in every executive budget submitted to the Legislature full information relating to the issuance of bonds and notes under the provisions of this act and the status of the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Sinking Fund of the state for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds and notes.

(4) Except as otherwise provided by law, the rate of interest on any loan made using funds from the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund shall be that rate as established by Section 57-71-11(5). Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the interest rate charged shall not be set such that the aggregate of the interest, penalties and other payments to the state on loans and other assistance made using funds from the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund will cause the bonds issued pursuant to this act to be deemed arbitrage bonds pursuant to Section 148 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the regulations promulgated thereunder. In the case of loans initially funded from the proceeds of notes and subsequently funded from renewal bonds and notes, the interest rate to be charged on the loans shall be established in accordance with Section 57-71-11(5) upon the sale of bonds or notes, as the case may be, for the loans.

SECTION 193. Section 57-71-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-25. (1) The seller is authorized to borrow, on the credit of the state, upon receipt of a resolution from the company requesting the same, money not exceeding the aggregate sum of One Hundred Forty Million Dollars ($140,000,000.00), outstanding at any one time, not including money borrowed to refund outstanding bonds, notes or replacement notes, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this act. The rate of interest on any such bonds or notes which are not subject to taxation shall not exceed the rates set forth in Section 75-17-101, Mississippi Code of 1972, for general obligation bonds.

(2) As evidence of indebtedness authorized in this act, general or limited obligation bonds of the state shall be issued from time to time to provide monies necessary to carry out the purposes of this act for such total amount, in such form, in such denominations, payable in such currencies (either domestic or foreign or both), and subject to such terms and conditions of issue, redemption and maturity, rate of interest and time of payment of interest as the seller directs, except that such bonds shall mature or otherwise be retired in annual installments beginning not more than five (5) years from date thereof and extending not more than twenty (20) years from date thereof.

(3) All bonds and notes issued under authority of this act shall be signed by the chairman of the seller, or by his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the seller shall be affixed thereto, attested by the secretary of the seller.

(4) All bonds and notes issued under authority of this act may be general or limited obligations of the state, and the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi as to general obligation bonds, or the revenue derived from projects assisted as to limited obligation bonds, are hereby pledged for the payment of the principal of and the interest on such bonds and notes.

(5) Such bonds and notes and the income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi.

(6) The bonds may be issued as coupon bonds or registered as to both principal and interest as the seller may determine. If interest coupons are attached, they shall contain the facsimile signature of the chairman and the secretary of the seller.

(7) As to bonds issued hereunder and designated as taxable bonds by the seller, any immunity of the state to taxation by the United States government of interest on bonds or notes issued by the state is hereby waived.

SECTION 194. Section 57-71-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-27. (1) Whenever bonds are issued, they shall be offered for sale at not less than par value and accrued interest and shall be sold by the seller at public or private sale, from time to time, in such manner and at such price as may be determined by the seller to be most advantageous.

(2) Any portion of any bond issue so offered and not sold or subscribed for at public sale may be disposed of by private sale by the seller in such manner and at such prices not less than par and accrued interest, as the seller shall direct.

(3) When bonds are issued from time to time, the bonds of each issue shall constitute a separate series to be designated by the seller or may be combined for sale as one (1) series with other general obligation bonds of the State of Mississippi.

(4) Until permanent bonds can be prepared, the seller may in its discretion issue, in lieu of permanent bonds, temporary bonds in such form and with such privileges as to registration and exchange for permanent bonds as may be determined by the seller.

(5) Pending their application to the purposes authorized, bond proceeds held or deposited by the State Treasurer may be invested or reinvested as are other funds in the custody of the State Treasurer in the manner provided by law. All earnings received from the investment or deposit of such funds shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund.

(6) The State Treasurer shall prepare the necessary registry book to be kept in the office of the duly authorized loan and transfer agent of the state for the registration of any bonds, at the request of owners thereof, according to the terms and conditions of issue directed by the seller.

(7) All costs and expenses in connection with the issue of and sale and registration of the bonds and notes in connection with this act may be paid from the proceeds of bonds and notes issued under this act.

(8) The seller may provide in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds for the employment of one or more persons or firms to assist in the sale of the bonds; to enter into contracts with financial institutions located either within or without the State of Mississippi to act as registrars, paying agents, transfer agents or otherwise; for rating of the bonds; and to purchase insurance.

SECTION 195. Section 57-71-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-29. (1) Pending the issuance of bonds of the state as authorized under this act, the seller is hereby authorized in accordance with the provisions of this act and on the credit of the state, to make temporary borrowings not to exceed two (2) years in anticipation of the issue of bonds in order to provide funds in such amounts as may, from time to time, be deemed advisable prior to the issue of bonds. In order to provide for and in connection with such temporary borrowings, the seller is hereby authorized in the name and on behalf of the state to enter into any purchase, loan or credit agreement, or agreements, or other agreement or agreements with any financial institution or persons in the United States having power to enter into the same, which agreements may contain such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this act as may be authorized by the seller.

(2) All temporary borrowings made under this section shall be evidenced by notes of the state which shall be issued, from time to time, for such amounts not exceeding in the aggregate the applicable statutory and constitutional debt limitation, in such form and in such denominations and subject to terms and conditions of sale and issue, prepayment or redemption and maturity, rate or rates of interest and time of payment of interest as the seller shall authorize and direct and in accordance with this act. Such authorization and direction may provide for the subsequent issuance of replacement notes to refund, upon issuance thereof, such notes, and may specify such other terms and conditions with respect to the notes and replacement notes thereby authorized for issuance as the seller may determine and direct.

(3) When the authorization and direction of the seller provide for the issuance of replacement notes, the seller is hereby authorized in the name and on behalf of the state to enter into agreements with any financial institutions or persons in the United States having the power to enter the same:

(a) To purchase or underwrite an issue or series of issues of notes.

(d) To do such other acts as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the payment, when due, of the principal of and interest on such notes.

(6) The proceeds of all such temporary borrowing shall be paid to the State Treasurer to be held and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 57-71-31.

SECTION 196. Section 57-71-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-31. (1) The proceeds realized from the sale of bonds and notes under this act, other than refunding bonds and replacement notes, shall be paid to the State Treasurer and deposited into the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund or funds and specifically dedicated to the purposes enumerated in this act.

(2) All nonfederal funds which may become available for the purposes of this act shall be deposited in the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Fund or funds and shall be allocated for the purposes of this act.

SECTION 197. Section 57-71-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-33. Except as otherwise authorized in Section 7-5-39, the Attorney General of the State of Mississippi shall represent the seller in issuing, selling and validating bonds or notes herein provided for, and the seller is hereby authorized and empowered to expend from the proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds or notes authorized hereunder all necessary administrative, legal and other expenses incidental and related to the issuance of bonds or notes authorized under this act.

SECTION 198. Section 57-71-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

57-71-35. The term "this act" referred to in Sections 57-71-1 through 57-71-33 hereof shall mean the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

SECTION 199. 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).

(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).

(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).

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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, 2022.

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

57-73-23. A fifty percent (50%) income tax credit shall be granted to any employer providing dependent care for employees during the employee's work hours. 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, to expenses of dependent care staff, learning and recreational materials and equipment, and the construction and maintenance of a facility. 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 * * * ~~Mississippi~~ State Department of Health for programs serving children twelve (12) years of age or younger and for programs serving elderly adults and by the State Tax Commission for programs serving other dependents older than twelve (12) years of age.

SECTION 201. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.