Mississippi House Bill HB596

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Sales tax; deposit portion of revenue into the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund.

Impact

The implementation of HB 596 will significantly affect state law regarding how sales tax revenues are distributed. By earmarking a specific amount of sales tax revenue to the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, the bill seeks to generate stable funding for projects that focus on environmental conservation and outdoor stewardship. This will enhance the state's efforts in managing its natural resources and improving outdoor recreational opportunities for citizens, potentially benefiting both residents and tourists alike.

Summary

House Bill 596 aims to amend Section 27-65-75 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by allocating a portion of the state sales tax revenue from businesses classified under a specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code into the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund. This fund is designated for promoting outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives across the state. The proposed legislation intends to ensure that funds from relevant sales support efforts aimed at preserving Mississippi's natural resources and enhancing public recreational areas.

Contention

Discussions around HB 596 raised concerns regarding the long-term implications of diverting sales tax revenue from the general fund to a specific trust fund. Some lawmakers expressed apprehensions about the potential financial impact on state budgets, particularly in how these changes could affect future allocations for other essential programs. However, proponents argue that investing in the environment and outdoor recreation can lead to increased tourism and economic benefits, thus ultimately providing a return on investment that justifies the reallocation of sales tax funds.