New Mexico House Bill HB117

New Mexico 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/24
• Report Pass: 2/4/24

Caption

National Lab Contractor Gross Receipts

Impact

The proposed amendments to Section 7-9-46 of the New Mexico Statutes will affect how gross receipts from the sale of tangible personal property and professional services are treated under state tax law. Specifically, receipts generated by prime contractors working in designated national laboratories will no longer be eligible for certain deductions that previously applied to manufacturers. This is set to encourage the growth of the manufacturing industry by differentiating the tax treatment of state-supported contractors from traditional manufacturing operations.

Summary

House Bill 117 addresses taxation in New Mexico by excluding certain gross receipts tax deductions for prime contractors operating national laboratories and research facilities designated by Congress or state-owned facilities. The bill aims to clarify the tax treatment of contractors in these specialized sectors by specifying which receipts are exempt from gross receipts tax deductions. This legislative effort seeks to bolster the state's manufacturing sector while adhering to the unique financial structures associated with national labs and research facilities.

Contention

Discussions around HB117 may reflect a broader debate regarding the implications of tax policies on various sectors, particularly concerning fairness and competitiveness. Supporters argue that the bill will streamline tax regulations specifically for national laboratory contractors while enhancing local manufacturing competitiveness. However, there may be concerns over the implications of reducing tax benefits for entities tied to significant national interests, raising questions about fiscal equity between public and private enterprises operating in the state.