Mississippi Senate Bill SB2808

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act; bring forward code sections for the purpose of possible amendment.

Impact

This legislation is aimed at refining the existing tax incentive framework to both attract and retain businesses within the state of Mississippi. By clarifying the criteria under which businesses can achieve mFlex tax incentives, the bill hopes to simplify the application process and thereby promote economic development. The provisions ensure that only those businesses that comply fully with both state and local tax laws can claim such incentives, enhancing regulatory compliance and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 2808 seeks to amend the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act to make technical corrections and bring forward specific sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 for possible amendment. Primarily, the bill highlights the framework for providing mFlex tax incentives to qualified businesses or industries that meet specific criteria for investment and job creation. It establishes the authority of the Mississippi Development Authority in the certification and awarding of these incentives to solidify the process for businesses seeking tax relief as part of their economic development projects.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, there may be potential points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that the amendments might still allow for interpretation that could result in unequal access to tax incentives among businesses, particularly small versus large enterprises. Additionally, there’s potential concern regarding the discretion granted to the Mississippi Development Authority in determining eligibility and the qualifications of businesses, which could lead to perceived or real favoritism in awarding incentives.