Mississippi House Bill HB1242

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Qualified equity investment tax credits; extend authority of Mississippi Development Authority to allocate.

Impact

The bill is expected to positively impact state law regarding fiscal incentives for businesses and investors operating in low-income communities. By maintaining the availability of tax credits, it aims to mobilize additional private funding to support community development projects. This is particularly significant as it directly addresses the funding gap that many low-income areas have faced in terms of investment in infrastructure, business development, and job creation. Furthermore, the continuation of this tax credit program is expected to help local economies thrive by creating new jobs and enhancing community resources.

Summary

House Bill 1242 aims to amend Section 57-105-1 of the Mississippi Code by extending the deadline until July 1, 2029, for the allocation of income tax and insurance premium tax credits by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for taxpayers holding certain qualified investments. This legislation seeks to encourage investment in low-income communities by allowing extended access to tax credits designed to incentivize private investments in economically disadvantaged areas. The extension of this program is viewed as crucial for ongoing economic development efforts in Mississippi, especially in low-income regions where access to capital has been historically limited.

Contention

Notably, there are concerns regarding the efficacy and impact of extended tax credits. Some legislators and stakeholders may argue that perpetual extensions of tax credits without rigorous evaluations can lead to repeated inefficiencies or abuse of the system, raising the question of accountability in how these funds are utilized. Opponents might call for a more comprehensive assessment of the current programs, suggesting that a reassessment could ensure that resources are allocated more effectively and that the intended economic benefits materialize in the most impacted communities.