Bill Text: MS SB2966 | 2023 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Gold and silver bullion; exempt sales from taxation and capital gain and require State Treasurer to invest.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2023-02-22 - Died In Committee [SB2966 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2023-SB2966-Introduced.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Sojourner

Senate Bill 2966

AN ACT RELATING TO GOLD AND SILVER BULLION; TO AMEND SECTION 27-7-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT CAPITAL GAIN ON THE SALE OR EXCHANGE OF GOLD OR SILVER BULLION IS EXEMPT FROM STATE INCOME TAX; TO AMEND SECTION 27-65-111, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT SALES OF INVESTMENT GRADE GOLD OR SILVER BULLION FROM THE MISSISSIPPI SALES TAX; TO AMEND SECTION 27-105-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE STATE TREASURER TO INVEST NO LESS THAN ONE PERCENT (1%) OF STATE SURPLUS FUNDS IN GOLD OR SILVER BULLION AND TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI BULLION DEPOSITORY WITH THE OFFICE OF STATE TREASURER FOR THIS PURPOSE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 27-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-7-9.  (a)  Except as provided in Sections 27-7-95 through 27-7-103, determination of amount of gain or loss.

          (1)  Computation of gain or loss.  The gain from the sale or other disposition of property shall be the excess of the amount realized therefrom over the adjusted basis provided in subsection (c) for determining gain, and the loss shall be the excess of the adjusted basis provided in subsection (c) for determining loss over the amount realized.

          (2)  Amount realized.  The amount realized from the sale or other disposition of property shall be the sum of any money received plus the fair market value of the property (other than money) received.

          (3)  Installment sales.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent (in the case of property sold under contract providing for payment in installments) the taxation of that portion of any installment payment representing gain or profit in the year in which such payment is received.

     (b)  Recognition of gain or loss.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, on the sale or exchange of property the entire amount of the gain or loss, determined under subsection (a), shall be recognized.

     (c)  Adjusted basis for determining gain or loss.

          (1)  In general.  The adjusted basis for determining the gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of property, whenever acquired, shall be the basis determined under subsection (d) adjusted as provided in subsection (e).

          (2)  Bargain sale to a charitable organization.  If a deduction is allowed under Section 27-7-17 (relating to charitable contributions) by reason of a sale, then the adjusted basis for determining the gain from such sale shall be that portion of the adjusted basis which bears the same ratio to the adjusted basis as the amount realized bears to the fair market value of the property.

     (d)  Basis of property.

          (1)  Property acquired after March 16, 1912.  The basis for ascertaining the gain derived or the loss sustained from the sale or other disposition of property, real, personal or mixed, shall be, in the case of property acquired after March 16, 1912, the cost of such property, except as otherwise provided in this subsection.

          (2)  Inventory property.  If the property should have been included in the last inventory, the basis shall be the last inventory value thereof.

          (3)  Property acquired by gift.  In the case of property acquired by gift after January 1, 1936, the basis shall be the same as that which it would have in the hands of the donor or the last preceding owner by whom it was not acquired by gift.  If the facts necessary to determine such basis are unknown to the donee, the commissioner shall, if possible, obtain such facts from such donor, or last preceding owner, or any other person cognizant thereof.  If the commissioner finds it impossible to obtain such facts, the commissioner shall establish a basis for the property from the best information available.  In the case of property acquired by gift on or before January 1, 1936, the basis for ascertaining gain or loss from the sale or other disposition thereof shall be the fair market price or value of such property at the time of acquisition.

          (4)  Property acquired by bequests, devises and inheritance.  If personal property was acquired by specific bequest, or if real property was acquired by general or specific devise or by intestacy, the basis shall be the fair market value of the property at the time of the death of the decedent.  If the property was acquired by the decedent's estate from the decedent, the basis in the hands of the estate shall be the fair market value of the property at the time of the death of the decedent.  In all other cases, if the property was acquired either by will or by intestacy, the basis shall be the fair market value of the property at the time of the distribution to the taxpayer.  In the case of property transferred in trust to pay the income for life to or upon the order or direction of the grantor, with the right reserved to the grantor at all times prior to his death to revoke the trust, the basis of such property in the hands of the persons entitled under the terms of the trust instrument to the property after the grantor's death shall, after such death, be the same as if the trust instrument had been a will executed on the day of the grantor's death.

          (5)  Property acquired by a transfer in trust.  If the property was acquired by a transfer in trust (other than by a transfer in trust by a bequest or devise), the basis shall be the same as it would be in the hands of the grantor, increased in the amount of gain, or decreased in the amount of loss, recognized to the grantor upon such transfer under this section.

          (6)  Property acquired in tax-free exchanges.  If the property was acquired upon an exchange described in subsection (f), the basis shall be the same as in the case of the property exchanged, decreased in the amount of any money received by the taxpayer and increased in the amount of gain or decreased in the amount of loss to the taxpayer that was recognized upon such exchange by the terms of this act.  If the property so acquired consisted in part of the type of property permitted by subsection (f) to be received without recognition of gain or loss, and in part of other property, the basis provided in this subsection shall be allocated between the properties (other than money) received, and for the purpose of the allocation there shall be assigned to such other property an amount equivalent to its fair market value at the date of the exchange.

          (7)  Property acquired in tax-free distribution.  If the property consists of stock or securities distributed to a taxpayer in connection with a transaction described in subsection (f), the basis in the case of the stock in respect of which the distribution was made shall be apportioned, under rules and regulations prescribed by the commissioner, between such stock and the stock or securities distributed.

          (8)  Property acquired in involuntary conversions.  If the property was acquired as the result of a compulsory or involuntary conversion described in subsection (f), the basis shall be the same as in the case of property so converted, decreased in the amount of any money received by the taxpayer which was not expended in accordance with the provisions of said subsection determining the taxable status of the gain or loss upon such conversion, and increased in the amount of gain or decreased in the amount of loss to the taxpayer recognized upon such conversion.

          (9)  Property acquired in wash sales.  If substantially identical property was acquired in place of stock or securities which were sold or disposed of and in respect of which loss was not allowed as a deduction under Section 27-7-17(d), the basis in the case of property so acquired shall be the basis in the case of the stock or securities so sold or disposed of, except that, if the repurchase price was in excess of the sales price, such basis shall be increased in the amount of the difference, or if the repurchase price was less than the sales price, such basis shall be decreased in the amount of the difference.

          (10)  Property acquired before March 16, 1912.  The basis for determining the gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of property acquired before March 16, 1912, shall be:

              (A)  The cost of such property (or in the case of such property as is described in subsection (d)(2) or (4) of this section the basis as therein provided, or in the case of property acquired by gift or transfer in trust, the fair market value of such property at the time of such acquisition); or

              (B)  The fair market value of such property as of March 16, 1912, whichever is greater.

     In determining the fair market value of stock in a corporation as of March 16, 1912, due regard shall be given to the fair market value of the assets of the corporation as of that date.

     (e)  Adjustments to basis.

          (1)  In general.  In computing the amount of gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of property, proper adjustment shall be made for any expenditure, receipt, loss or other item, properly chargeable to capital account since the basis date.  The cost or other basis of the property shall also be diminished by the amount of the deductions for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, amortization and depletion, which have since the acquisition of the property been allowable in respect of such property whether or not such deductions were claimed by the taxpayer or formerly allowed.  In the case of stock, the basis shall be diminished by the amount of distributions previously made in respect to such stock, to the extent provided under this section.

          (2)  Substituted basis.  Whenever it appears that the basis of the property in the hands of a taxpayer is a substituted basis, then the adjustments provided in subsection (e)(1) shall be made after first making in respect of such substituted basis proper adjustments of a similar nature in respect of the period during which the property was held by the transferor, donor or grantor, or during which the other property was held by the person for whom the basis is to be determined.  The term "substituted basis" as used in this subsection means a basis determined under any provision of this section or under any corresponding provision of a prior Income Tax Law, providing that the basis shall be determined by reference to the basis in the hands of a transferor, donor or grantor, or, by reference to other property held at any time by the person for whom the basis is to be determined.

     (f)  Recognition of gain or loss -- exceptions.

          (1)  Exchange solely in kind.

              (A)  Property held for productive use or investment.  No gain or loss shall be recognized if property held for productive use in trade or business or for investment (not including stock in trade or other property held primarily for sale, nor stocks, bonds, notes, choses in action, certificates of trust or beneficial interest, or other securities or evidence of indebtedness or interest) is exchanged solely for property of a like kind to be held either for productive use in trade or business or for investment.  In addition, no gain or loss shall be recognized on any exchange of property if no gain or loss is recognized with regard to such exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

              (B)  Stock for stock in same corporation.  No gain or loss shall be recognized if common stock in a corporation is exchanged solely for common stock in the same corporation, or if preferred stock in a corporation is exchanged solely for preferred stock in the same corporation.

              (C)  Transfers to corporation controlled by transferor.  No gain or loss shall be recognized if property is transferred to a corporation by one or more persons solely in exchange for stock or securities in such corporation, and if immediately after the exchange such person or persons are in control of the corporation; but in the case of an exchange by two (2) or more persons, this subsection shall apply only if the amount of the stock and securities received by each is substantially in proportion to his interest in the property prior to the exchange.

               (D)  Stock for stock on reorganization.  No gain or loss shall be recognized if stock or securities in a corporation, a party to a reorganization, are, in pursuance of the plan of reorganization, exchanged solely for stock or securities in such corporation or in another corporation, a party to a reorganization.

          (2)  Gain from exchanges not solely in kind.  If an exchange would be within the provisions of subsection (f)(1) of this section, if it were not for the fact that the property received in exchange consists not only of property permitted by subsection (f)(1) to be received without the recognition of gain, but also of other property or money, then the gain, if any, to the recipient shall be recognized, but in an amount not in excess of the sum of such money and the fair market value of such other property so received.

          (3)  Loss from exchanges not solely in kind.  If an exchange would be within the provisions of subsection (f)(1) of this section, if it were not for the fact that the property received in exchange consists not only of property permitted by subsection (f)(1) to be received without the recognition of gain or loss but also of other property or money, then no loss from the exchange shall be recognized.

          (4)  Distribution of stock on reorganization.  If in pursuance of a plan of reorganization, there is distributed to a shareholder in a corporation, a party to the reorganization, stock or securities in such corporation or in another corporation, a party to the reorganization, without the surrender by such shareholder of stock or securities in such corporation, no gain to the distributee from the receipt of such stock or securities shall be recognized.

          (5)  Distribution with effect of taxable dividend.  If a distribution made in pursuance of a plan of reorganization is within the provisions of subsection (f)(4) of this section, but has the effect of the distribution of a taxable dividend, then there shall be taxed as a dividend to each distributee such an amount of the gain recognized under subsection (f)(2) as is not in excess of his ratable share of the undistributed earnings and profits of the corporation.  The remainder, if any, of the gain recognized under subsection (f)(2) shall be taxed as a gain from the exchange of property.

          (6)  Involuntary conversions.  If property, as a result of its destruction, in whole or in part, theft, seizure or requisition or condemnation, or threat or imminence thereof, is compulsorily or involuntarily converted:

              (A)  Into property similar or related in service or use to the property so converted, no gain shall be recognized, but loss shall be recognized;

              (B)  Into money, no gain shall be recognized if such money is expended, within a period ending two (2) years after the close of the first taxable year in which any part of the gain upon the conversion is realized, in the acquisition of other property similar or related in service or use to the property so converted, or in the acquisition of control of a corporation owning such other property, or in the establishment of a replacement fund, but loss shall be recognized.  Such two-year period shall be extended to five (5) years with respect to property in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, as defined in the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005, which is compulsorily or involuntarily converted on or after August 29, 2005, by reason of Hurricane Katrina, but only if substantially all of the use of the replacement property is in such area.  If any part of the money is not so expended, the gain shall be recognized to the extent of the money which is not so expended, regardless of whether such money is received in one or more taxable years and regardless of whether or not the money which is not so expended constitutes gain.  Provided, gain realized on property which is compulsorily or involuntarily converted for public use under Title 11, Chapter 27, Mississippi Code of 1972, or any federal law relating to the involuntary conversion of property for public use shall not be recognized.  Provided further, that gain realized on property which is voluntarily converted for public use shall not be recognized after it becomes evident that eminent domain proceedings are probable.

     Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of this subsection relating to the nonrecognition of gain, including the exception provided in subparagraph (B), shall apply only to an owner of the converted property who has held title to such property for a period at least three (3) years prior to the date of the disposition of the converted property, provided that an owner who acquired such property by bequest, devise, gift or inheritance shall be excluded from this limitation, if the preceding owner acquired title to such property at least three (3) years prior to the date of disposition.  However, no gain shall be recognized on property that is compulsorily or involuntarily converted if no gain is recognized with regard to such property under Section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code.

          (7)  Property exchanged treated as equivalent of cash.  When property other than property specified in subsection (f)(1)(A) of this section is exchanged for other property, the property received in exchange shall, for the purpose of determining gain or loss, be treated as the equivalent of cash to the amount of its fair market value.

          (8)  Distribution of assets of corporation.  The distribution to the taxpayer of the assets of a corporation shall be treated as a sale of the stock or securities of the corporation owned by him, and the gain or loss shall be computed accordingly.

          (9)  Organization of a corporation.  In the case of the organization of a corporation, the stock and securities received shall be considered to take the place of property transferred therefor, and no gain or loss shall be deemed to arise therefrom.

          (10)  Sales of certain interests in financial institutions domiciled in Mississippi, domestic corporations, domestic limited partnerships or domestic limited liability companies.  No gain shall be recognized from the sale of authorized shares in financial institutions domiciled in Mississippi and domestic corporations, or partnership interests in domestic limited partnerships and domestic limited liability companies, that have been held for more than one (1) year; however, any gain that would otherwise be excluded by this provision shall first be applied against, and reduced by, any losses determined from sales or transactions described by this provision if the losses were incurred in the year of the gain or within the two (2) years preceding or subsequent to the gain.

     (g)  Reorganization defined.  The term "reorganization" means:

          (1)  A statutory merger or consolidation;

          (2)  The acquisition by one (1) corporation, in exchange solely for all or a part of its voting stock (or in exchange solely for all or a part of the voting stock of a corporation which is in control of the acquiring corporation), of stock of another corporation if, immediately after the acquisition, the acquiring corporation has control of such other corporation, or of substantially all the properties of another corporation;

          (3)  A transfer by a corporation of all or a part of its assets to another corporation if immediately after the transfer the transferor, or one or more of its shareholders (including persons who were shareholders immediately before the transfer), or any combination thereof, is in control of the corporation to which the assets are transferred;

          (4)  A recapitalization; or

          (5)  A mere change in identity, form or place of organization, however effected.

     (h)  Party to a reorganization defined.  The term "a party to a reorganization" includes a corporation resulting from a reorganization and includes both corporations in the case of an acquisition by one (1) corporation of at least a majority of the voting stock and at least a majority of the total number of shares of all other classes of stock of another corporation.

     (i)  Control defined.  As used in this section, the term "control" means the ownership of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting stock and at least eighty percent (80%) of the total number of shares of all other classes of stock of the corporation.

     (j)  Special rules.

          (1)  Liquidation of subsidiaries.  A transfer to a parent corporation from its subsidiary of property distributed in complete liquidation of the subsidiary shall result in no recognized gain or loss if the basis of the property in the hands of the parent corporation is the same as it was in the hands of the subsidiary.

          (2)  Gain or loss on sales or exchanges in connection with certain liquidations.  Corporations adopting a plan of complete liquidation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code shall recognize the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of property by the corporation under said plan.  The total gain or loss from the liquidating distributions shall be recognized by the shareholders; however, a credit for the tax paid by the liquidating corporation on the gain from the sale or exchange of property under the plan of liquidation will be allowed to the extent of any tax liability to the shareholders.  The corporation shall provide to the Department of Revenue a list of all shareholders with their percentage of ownership, distribution, tax credit allowed and any other information requested.

          (3)  Distribution of stock and securities of a controlled corporation.  No gain shall be recognized on a distribution to a stockholder of a corporation if such gain would not be recognized to such stockholder for federal income tax purposes under the provisions of Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code.  With respect to the distributing corporation, no gain shall be recognized from such distribution provided the distribution is a part of a transaction that qualifies for tax-free treatment under the provisions of Section 355 or 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Additionally, with respect to a distributing corporation, no gain shall be recognized from such distribution provided the distribution is pursuant to an overall plan to facilitate an ultimate distribution that qualifies for tax-free treatment under the provisions of Section 355 or 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code.

          (4)  Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a corporation or other entity that is involved in restructuring, reorganizing, distributing assets or profits, or changing ownership that results in an adjustment to its asset basis is required to report a gain in the year such transaction occurs on any such transaction when the transaction involves assets owned or used in this state, or otherwise represents assets owned or used in this state.  If a transfer of income or a change in asset valuation occurs on the tax records of the taxpayer, such transaction shall result in taxation to this state to the extent of the transfer of income or change in asset valuation.

          (5)  If a corporation or other entity makes an Internal Revenue Code Section 338 election, or other similar election under which the aggregate basis in assets are increased on the tax records of the taxpayer, then a similar election must also be made for Mississippi purposes, but the gain must be recognized by the corporation in which the increase in basis of the assets occurs. The corporation or other entity is allowed to increase its basis by the amount of gain recognized.  An aggregate write-down of assets is not allowed.  The parent corporation shall recognize the gain on the disposition of its stock.

          (6)  For state tax purposes, a corporation or other legal entity is considered separate from its shareholders, affiliated corporations or other entities.  If a corporation or other legal entity enters into any transaction that is for the benefit of its shareholders or for the benefit of an affiliated corporation without an equal mutual business benefit of the corporation, then, the transaction will be adjusted or eliminated to arrive at taxable income to this state.  All transactions entered into by a corporation must be at "arms-length."  If requested by the commissioner, the taxpayer must be able to substantiate that the transaction occurred at "arms-length."  If not, the transaction may be adjusted to the satisfaction of the commissioner.  In determining whether the transaction occurred at arms-length, the commissioner shall consider the following:

              (A)  Whether the transaction is in compliance with the federal regulations promulgated under Internal Revenue Code Section 482;

              (B)  Whether the transaction was done for a valid business purpose;

              (C)  Whether the income being shifted by the transaction is subject to a tax in another state;

              (D)  Whether the transaction is consistent with the results that would have been realized if uncontrolled taxpayers had engaged in the same transaction under the same circumstances; and

              (E)  Other factors which support the conclusion that income is being shifted to avoid the tax imposed by this chapter.

     (k)  Sale or exchange of residence.

          (1)  Loss on sale or exchange of residence.  Loss from the sale or exchange of property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence is not recognized and cannot be deducted.

          (2)  Nonrecognition of gain.  Gain shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, rules, regulations and revenue procedures relating to the sale or exchange of a personal residence not in direct conflict with the provisions of the Mississippi Income Tax Law.

          (3)  Gain on the sale or exchange of residence.  A recognizable gain on the sale or exchange of a personal residence shall be included in gross income and treated as ordinary income.

     (l)  Distributions by corporations.

          (1)  Distributions of the property of a corporation, including partial and complete liquidations, shall be recognized by the distributing corporation and the gain or loss shall be computed on the difference of the fair market value of the assets distributed and their basis.  The total gain or loss from the distributions to the shareholders shall be recognized by the shareholders subject to subsections (f)(8) and (j)(1); however, a credit for the tax paid by the distributing corporation on the gain from the sale or exchange of property under the plan of distribution will be allowed to the extent of any liability to the shareholders.  The corporation shall provide to the Department of Revenue a list of all shareholders with their percentage of ownership, distribution, tax credit allowed and any other information requested.

          (2)  Source of distributions.  For the purposes of this act, every distribution is made out of earnings or profits to the extent thereof, and from the most recently accumulated earnings and profits.  Any earnings or profit accumulated, or increase in value of property acquired, before March 16, 1912, may be distributed exempt from tax (after the earnings and profits accumulated after March 16, 1912, have been distributed), but any such tax-free distribution shall be applied against and reduce the basis of the stock provided in subsection (d).

          (3)  Distributions in liquidation.  Amounts distributed in complete liquidation of a corporation shall be treated as in full payment in exchange for the stock, and amounts distributed in partial liquidation of a corporation shall be treated as in part or full payment in exchange for the stock.  The gain or loss to the distributee resulting from such exchange shall be determined under subsection (a), but shall be recognized only to the extent provided in subsection (f).  In the case of amounts distributed in partial liquidation, the part of such distribution which is property chargeable to capital account shall not be considered a distribution of earnings or profits within the meaning of paragraph (2) of this subsection for the purpose of determining the taxability of subsequent distributions by the corporations.

          (4)  Other distributions.  If any distribution (not in partial or complete liquidation) made by a corporation to its shareholders, is not out of increase in value of property accrued before March 16, 1912, and is not out of earnings or profits, then the amount of such distribution shall be applied against and reduce the basis of the stock provided in subsection (d), and if in excess of such basis, such excess shall be taxable in the same manner as a gain from the sale or exchange of property.

          (5)  Stock dividends.  A stock dividend shall not be subject to tax.

          (6)  Cancellation or redemption of stock.  If a corporation cancels or redeems its stock (whether or not such stock was issued as a stock dividend) at such time and in such manner as to make the distribution and cancellation or redemption, in whole or in part, essentially equivalent to the distribution of a taxable dividend, the amount so distributed in redemption or cancellation of the stock, to the extent that it represents a distribution of earnings or profits accumulated after March 16, 1912, shall be treated as a taxable dividend.

          (7)  "Amounts distributed in partial liquidation" defined.  As used in this subsection, the term "amounts distributed in partial liquidation" means distribution by a corporation in complete cancellation or redemption of a part of its stock, or one of a series of distributions in complete cancellation or redemption of all or a portion of its stock.

          (8)  Distributions of stock pursuant to order enforcing the Antitrust Laws.  Any distribution of stock which is made pursuant to the order of any court enforcing the Antitrust Laws of the United States, or of any state, shall be a distribution which is not out of earnings and profits of the distributing corporation, but the value of the stock so distributed shall be applied against and reduce the basis of the stock of the distributing corporation provided in subsection (d), and if in excess of such basis, such excess shall be taxable in the same manner as a gain from the sale or exchange of property.

          (9)  For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, no gain or loss shall be recognized on the portion of capital gain on the sale or exchange of gold or silver bullion that is otherwise included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income.

     SECTION 2.  Section 27-65-111, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-65-111.  The exemptions from the provisions of this chapter which are not industrial, agricultural or governmental, or which do not relate to utilities or taxes, or which are not properly classified as one (1) of the exemption classifications of this chapter, shall be confined to persons or property exempted by this section or by the Constitution of the United States or the State of Mississippi.  No exemptions as now provided by any other section, except the classified exemption sections of this chapter set forth herein, shall be valid as against the tax herein levied.  Any subsequent exemption from the tax levied hereunder, except as indicated above, shall be provided by amendments 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 tangible personal property and services to hospitals or infirmaries owned and operated by a corporation or association in which no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder, group or individual, and which are subject to and governed by Sections 41-7-123 through 41-7-127.

     Only sales of tangible personal property or services which are ordinary and necessary to the operation of such hospitals and infirmaries are exempted from tax.

          (b)  Sales of daily or weekly newspapers, and periodicals or publications of scientific, literary or educational organizations exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as it exists as of March 31, 1975, and subscription sales of all magazines.

          (c)  Sales of coffins, caskets and other materials used in the preparation of human bodies for burial.

          (d)  Sales of tangible personal property for immediate export to a foreign country.

          (e)  Sales of tangible personal property to an orphanage, old men's or ladies' home, supported wholly or in part by a religious denomination, fraternal nonprofit organization or other nonprofit organization.

          (f)  Sales of tangible personal property, labor or services taxable under Sections 27-65-17, 27-65-19 and 27-65-23, to a YMCA, YWCA, a Boys' or Girls' Club owned and operated by a corporation or association in which no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder, group or individual.

          (g)  Sales to elementary and secondary grade schools, junior and senior colleges owned and operated by a corporation or association in which no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder, group or individual, and which are exempt from state income taxation, provided that this exemption does not apply to sales of property or services which are not to be used in the ordinary operation of the school, or which are to be resold to the students or the public.

          (h)  The gross proceeds of retail sales and the use or consumption in this state of drugs and medicines:

              (i)  Prescribed for the treatment of a human being by a person authorized to prescribe the medicines, and dispensed or prescription filled by a registered pharmacist in accordance with law; or

              (ii)  Furnished by a licensed physician, surgeon, dentist or podiatrist to his own patient for treatment of the patient; or

              (iii)  Furnished by a hospital for treatment of any person pursuant to the order of a licensed physician, surgeon, dentist or podiatrist; or

              (iv)  Sold to a licensed physician, surgeon, podiatrist, dentist or hospital for the treatment of a human being; or

              (v)  Sold to this state or any political subdivision or municipal corporation thereof, for use in the treatment of a human being or furnished for the treatment of a human being by a medical facility or clinic maintained by this state or any political subdivision or municipal corporation thereof.

     "Medicines," as used in this paragraph (h), shall mean and include any substance or preparation intended for use by external or internal application to the human body in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease and which is commonly recognized as a substance or preparation intended for such use; provided that "medicines" do not include any auditory, prosthetic, ophthalmic or ocular device or appliance, any dentures or parts thereof or any artificial limbs or their replacement parts, articles which are in the nature of splints, bandages, pads, compresses, supports, dressings, instruments, apparatus, contrivances, appliances, devices or other mechanical, electronic, optical or physical equipment or article or the component parts and accessories thereof, or any alcoholic beverage or any other drug or medicine not commonly referred to as a prescription drug.

     Notwithstanding the preceding sentence of this paragraph (h), "medicines" as used in this paragraph (h), shall mean and include sutures, whether or not permanently implanted, bone screws, bone pins, pacemakers and other articles permanently implanted in the human body to assist the functioning of any natural organ, artery, vein or limb and which remain or dissolve in the body.

     The exemption provided in this paragraph (h) shall not apply to medical cannabis sold in accordance with the provisions of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act and in compliance with rules and regulations adopted thereunder.

     "Hospital," as used in this paragraph (h), shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 41-9-3, Mississippi Code of 1972.

     Insulin furnished by a registered pharmacist to a person for treatment of diabetes as directed by a physician shall be deemed to be dispensed on prescription within the meaning of this paragraph (h).

          (i)  Retail sales of automobiles, trucks and truck-tractors if exported from this state within forty-eight (48) hours and registered and first used in another state.

          (j)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Salvation Army and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.

          (k)  From July 1, 1985, through December 31, 1992, retail sales of "alcohol-blended fuel" as such term is defined in Section 75-55-5.  The gasoline-alcohol blend or the straight alcohol eligible for this exemption shall not contain alcohol distilled outside the State of Mississippi.

          (l)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Institute for Technology Development.

          (m)  The gross proceeds of retail sales of food and drink for human consumption made through vending machines serviced by full-line vendors from and not connected with other taxable businesses.

          (n)  The gross proceeds of sales of motor fuel.

          (o)  Retail sales of food for human consumption purchased with food stamps issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, or other federal agency, from and after October 1, 1987, or from and after the expiration of any waiver granted pursuant to federal law, the effect of which waiver is to permit the collection by the state of tax on such retail sales of food for human consumption purchased with food stamps.

          (p)  Sales of cookies for human consumption by the Girl Scouts of America no part of the net earnings from which sales inures to the benefit of any private group or individual.

          (q)  Gifts or sales of tangible personal property or services to public or private nonprofit museums of art.

          (r)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to alumni associations of state-supported colleges or universities.

          (s)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc., and chapters of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc.

          (t)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to domestic violence shelters which qualify for state funding under Sections 93-21-101 through 93-21-113.

          (u)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mississippi Chapter.

          (v)  Retail sales of food for human consumption purchased with food instruments issued the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians under the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

          (w)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to a private company, as defined in Section 57-61-5, which is making such purchases with proceeds of bonds issued under Section 57-61-1 et seq., the Mississippi Business Investment Act.

          (x)  The gross collections from the operation of self-service, coin-operated car washing equipment and sales of the service of washing motor vehicles with portable high-pressure washing equipment on the premises of the customer.

          (y)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Mississippi Technology Alliance.

          (z)  Sales of tangible personal property to nonprofit organizations that provide foster care, adoption services and temporary housing for unwed mothers and their children if the organization is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

          (aa)  Sales of tangible personal property to nonprofit organizations that provide residential rehabilitation for persons with alcohol and drug dependencies if the organization is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

          (bb)  (i)  Retail sales of an article of clothing or footwear designed to be worn on or about the human body and retail sales of school supplies if the sales price of the article of clothing or footwear or school supply is less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and the sale takes place during a period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in July and ending at 12:00 midnight the following Saturday.  This paragraph (bb) shall not apply to:

                   1.  Accessories including jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, briefcases, garment bags and similar items carried on or about the human body, without regard to whether worn on the body in a manner characteristic of clothing;

                   2.  The rental of clothing or footwear; and

                   3.  Skis, swim fins, roller blades, skates and similar items worn on the foot.

              (ii)  For purposes of this paragraph (bb), "school supplies" means items that are commonly used by a student in a course of study.  The following is an all-inclusive list:

                   1.  Backpacks;

                   2.  Binder pockets;

                   3.  Binders;

                   4.  Blackboard chalk;

                   5.  Book bags;

                   6.  Calculators;

                   7.  Cellophane tape;

                   8.  Clays and glazes;

                   9.  Compasses;

                   10.  Composition books;

                   11.  Crayons;

                   12.  Dictionaries and thesauruses;

                   13.  Dividers;

                   14.  Erasers;

                   15.  Folders:  expandable, pocket, plastic and manila;

                    16.  Glue, paste and paste sticks;

                    17.  Highlighters;

                   18.  Index card boxes;

                   19.  Index cards;

                   20.  Legal pads;

                   21.  Lunch boxes;

                   22.  Markers;

                   23.  Notebooks;

                   24.  Paintbrushes for artwork;

                   25.  Paints:  acrylic, tempera and oil;

                   26.  Paper:  loose-leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board and construction paper;

                   27.  Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes;

                   28.  Pencil sharpeners;

                    29.  Pencils;

                   30.  Pens;

                   31.  Protractors;

                   32.  Reference books;

                   33.  Reference maps and globes;

                   34.  Rulers;

                   35.  Scissors;

                   36.  Sheet music;

                   37.  Sketch and drawing pads;

                    38.  Textbooks;

                   39.  Watercolors;

                   40.  Workbooks; and

                   41.  Writing tablets.

               (iii)  From and after January 1, 2010, the governing authorities of a municipality, for retail sales occurring within the corporate limits of the municipality, may suspend the application of the exemption provided for in this paragraph (bb) by adoption of a resolution to that effect stating the date upon which the suspension shall take effect.  A certified copy of the resolution shall be furnished to the Department of Revenue at least ninety (90) days prior to the date upon which the municipality desires such suspension to take effect.

          (cc)  The gross proceeds of sales of tangible personal property made for the sole purpose of raising funds for a school or an organization affiliated with a school.

     As used in this paragraph (cc), "school" means any public or private school that teaches courses of instruction to students in any grade from kindergarten through Grade 12.

          (dd)  Sales of durable medical equipment and home medical supplies when ordered or prescribed by a licensed physician for medical purposes of a patient.  As used in this paragraph (dd), "durable medical equipment" and "home medical supplies" mean equipment, including repair and replacement parts for the equipment or supplies listed under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act or under the state plan for medical assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, prosthetics, orthotics, hearing aids, hearing devices, prescription eyeglasses, oxygen and oxygen equipment.  Payment does not have to be made, in whole or in part, by any particular person to be eligible for this exemption.  Purchases of home medical equipment and supplies by a provider of home health services or a provider of hospice services are eligible for this exemption if the purchases otherwise meet the requirements of this paragraph.

          (ee)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to Mississippi Blood Services.

          (ff)  (i)  Subject to the provisions of this paragraph (ff), retail sales of firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies if sold during the annual Mississippi Second Amendment Weekend holiday beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in August and ending at 12:00 midnight the following Sunday.  For the purposes of this paragraph (ff), "hunting supplies" means tangible personal property used for hunting, including, and limited to, archery equipment, firearm and archery cases, firearm and archery accessories, hearing protection, holsters, belts and slings.  Hunting supplies does not include animals used for hunting.

               (ii)  This paragraph (ff) shall apply only if one or more of the following occur:

                   1.  Title to and/or possession of an eligible item is transferred from a seller to a purchaser; and/or

                   2.  A purchaser orders and pays for an eligible item and the seller accepts the order for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the time period provided in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (ff), provided that the purchaser has not requested or caused the delay in shipment.

          (gg)  Sales of nonperishable food items to charitable organizations that are exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operate a food bank or food pantry or food lines.

          (hh)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the United Way of the Pine Belt Region, Inc.

          (ii)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Mississippi Children's Museum or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof operating a satellite or branch museum within this state.

          (jj)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Jackson Zoological Park.

          (kk)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Hattiesburg Zoo.

          (ll)  Gross proceeds from sales of food, merchandise or other concessions at an event held solely for religious or charitable purposes at livestock facilities, agriculture facilities or other facilities constructed, renovated or expanded with funds for the grant program authorized under Section 18, Chapter 530, Laws of 1995.

          (mm)  Sales of tangible personal property and services to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and the Mississippi Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

          (nn)  Sales of potting soil, mulch, or other soil amendments used in growing ornamental plants which bear no fruit of commercial value when sold to commercial plant nurseries that operate exclusively at wholesale and where no retail sales can be made.

          (oo)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the University of Mississippi Medical Center Research Development Foundation.

          (pp)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Inc., and all affiliates of Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Inc.

          (qq)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Friends of Children's Hospital.

          (rr)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Pinecrest Weekend Snackpacks for Kids located in Corinth, Mississippi.

          (ss)  Sales of hearing aids when ordered or prescribed by a licensed physician, audiologist or hearing aid specialist for the medical purposes of a patient.

          (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 of tangible personal property or services to the Junior League of Jackson.

          (vv)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to the Mississippi's Toughest Kids Foundation for use in the construction, furnishing and equipping of buildings and related facilities and infrastructure at Camp Kamassa in Copiah County, Mississippi.  This paragraph (vv) shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025.

          (ww)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to MS Gulf Coast Buddy Sports, Inc.

          (xx)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to Biloxi Lions, Inc.

          (yy)  Sales of tangible personal property or services to Lions Sight Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.

          (zz)  Sales of tangible personal property and services to the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL).

          (aaa)  Sales of investment grade gold or silver bullion.  For purposes of this paragraph (aaa), "bullion" means precious metals that are formed into uniform shapes and quantities such as ingots, bars or plates, with uniform content and purity, as are suitable for or customarily used in the purchase, sale, storage, transfer and delivery of bulk or wholesale transactions in precious metals.

     SECTION 3.  Section 27-105-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-105-33.  It shall be the duty of the State Treasurer and the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration on or about the tenth day of each month, and in their discretion at any other time, to analyze carefully the amount of cash in the General Fund of the state and in all special funds credited to any special purpose designated by the State Legislature or held to meet the budgets or appropriations for maintenance, improvements and services of the several institutions, boards, departments, commissions, agencies, persons or entities of the state, and to determine in their opinion when the cash in such funds is in excess of the amount required to meet the current needs and demands of no more than seven (7) business days on such funds and report their findings to the Governor.  It shall be the duty of the State Treasurer to provide a cash flow model for forecasting revenues and expenditures on a bimonthly basis and providing technical assistance for its operation.  The Department of Finance and Administration shall use the cash flow model furnished by the State Treasurer, in analyzing the amount of funds on deposit and available for investment.

     The State Treasurer is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to invest all such excess general and special funds of the state in the following manner:

          (a)  Funds shall be allocated equally among all qualified state depositories which do not have demand accounts in excess of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) until each qualified depository willing to accept the same shall have on deposit or in security repurchase agreements or in other securities authorized in paragraph (d) of this section at interest the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00).  For the purposes of this subsection, no branch bank or branch office shall be counted as a separate depository.

          (b)  The balance, if any, of such excess general and special funds shall be offered to qualified depositories of the state on a pro rata basis as provided in Section 27-105-9.  For the purposes of this subsection, the pro rata share of each depository shall be reduced by the amount of the average daily collected earning balance of demand deposits maintained by the State Treasurer pursuant to Section 27-105-9 during the preceding calendar year, and such reduction shall be allocated pro rata among other eligible depositories.

          (c)  Funds offered pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall be invested for periods of up to one (1) year, and shall bear interest at an interest rate no less than that numerically equal to the bond equivalent yield on direct obligations of the United States Treasury of comparable maturity, as determined by the State Treasurer.  In determining such rate, the State Treasurer shall consider the Legislature's desire to distribute funds equitably throughout the state to the maximum extent possible.

          (d)  To the extent that the State Treasurer shall find that general and special funds cannot be invested pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section for the stated maturity up to one (1) year, the Treasurer may invest such funds, together with any other funds required for current operation, as determined pursuant to this section, in the following:

              (i)  Time certificates of deposit or interest-bearing accounts with qualified state depositories.  For those funds determined under prudent judgment of the State Treasurer to be made available for investment in time certificates of deposit, the rate of interest paid by the depositories shall be determined by rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Treasurer which may include competitive bids.  At the time of investment, the interest rate on such certificates of deposit under the provisions of this subparagraph shall be a rate not less than the bond equivalent yield on direct obligations of the United States Treasury with a similar length of maturity.

              (ii)  Direct United States Treasury obligations, the principal and interest of which are fully guaranteed by the government of the United States.

              (iii)  United States government agency, United States government instrumentality or United States government sponsored enterprise obligations, the principal and interest of which are fully guaranteed by the government of the United States, such as the Government National Mortgage Association; or United States governmental agency, United States government instrumentality or United States government sponsored enterprise obligations, the principal and interest of which are guaranteed by any United States government agency, United States government instrumentality or United States government sponsored enterprise contained in a list promulgated by the State Treasurer.

              (iv)  Direct security repurchase agreements and reverse direct security repurchase agreements of any federal book entry of only those securities enumerated in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) above.  "Direct security repurchase agreement" means an agreement under which the state buys, holds for a specified time, and then sells back those securities and obligations enumerated in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) above.  "Reverse direct securities repurchase agreement" means an agreement under which the state sells and after a specified time buys back any of the securities and obligations enumerated in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) above.  At least eighty percent (80%) of the total dollar amount in all repurchase agreements at any one time shall be pursuant to contracts with qualified state depositories.

              (v)  Bonds issued, assumed or guaranteed by the Country of Israel, provided that:

                   1.  Investments in such instruments shall be denominated in United States currency;

                   2.  Such bonds must be of investment grade as rated by at least one (1) nationally recognized statistical rating agency; and

                   3.  The amount of funds invested in such bonds at any time shall not exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00).

          (e)  For the purposes of this section, direct obligations issued by the United States of America shall be deemed to include securities of, or other interests in, any open-end or closed-end management type investment company or investment trust registered under the provisions of 15 USCS Section 80(a)-1 et seq., provided that the portfolio of such investment company or investment trust is limited to direct obligations issued by the United States of America, United States government agencies, United States government instrumentalities or United States government sponsored enterprises, and to repurchase agreements fully collateralized by direct obligations of the United States of America, United States government agencies, United States government instrumentalities or United States government sponsored enterprises, and the investment company or investment trust takes delivery of such collateral for the repurchase agreement, either directly or through an authorized custodian.  The State Treasurer and the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration shall review and approve the investment companies and investment trusts in which funds invested under paragraph (d) of this section may be invested.  The total dollar amount of funds invested in all open-end and closed-end management type investment companies and investment trusts at any one time shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total dollar amount of funds invested under paragraph (d) of this section.

          (f)  Investments authorized by subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (d) shall mature on such date or dates as determined by the State Treasurer in the exercise of prudent judgment to generate a favorable return to the state and will allow the monies to be available for use at such time as the monies will be needed for state purposes.  However, the maturity of securities purchased as enumerated in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) shall not exceed ten (10) years from date of purchase.  Special funds shall be considered those funds created constitutionally, statutorily or administratively which are not considered general funds.  All funds invested for a period of thirty (30) days or longer under paragraph (d) shall bear a rate at least equal to the current established rate under paragraph (c) of this section.

          (g)  Any interest-bearing deposits or certificates of deposit shall not exceed at any time the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in any one (1) banking institution, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation in any one (1) savings and loan association, or other deposit insurance corporation approved by the State Treasurer, unless the uninsured portion is collateralized by the pledge of securities in the manner provided by Section 27-105-5.

          (h)  Unless otherwise provided, income from investments authorized by the provisions of this subsection shall be credited to the State General Fund.

          (i)  Not more than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) of funds may be invested with foreign financial institutions, and the State Treasurer may enter into price contracts for the purchase or exchange of foreign currency or other arrangements for currency exchange in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) upon specific direction of the Department of Economic and Community Development.  The State Treasurer shall promulgate all rules and regulations for applications, qualifications and any other necessary matters for foreign financial institutions.

     Any liquidating agent of a depository in liquidation, voluntary or involuntary, shall redeem from the state any bonds and securities which have been pledged to secure state funds and such redemption shall be at the par value or market value thereof, whichever is greater; otherwise, the liquidating agent or receiver may pay off the state in full for its deposits and retrieve the pledged securities without regard to par or market value.

     The State Treasurer and the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration shall make monthly reports to the Legislative Budget Office containing a full and complete statement of all funds invested by virtue of the provisions of this section and the revenues derived therefrom and the expenses incurred therewith, together with all such other information as may seem to each of them as being pertinent to inform fully the Mississippi Legislature with reference thereto.

     The State Treasurer shall not deposit any funds on demand deposit with any authorized depository, unless such depository has contracted for interest-bearing accounts or time certificates of deposit.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, any financial institution not meeting the prescribed ratio requirement set forth in Section 27-105-5 whose accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any successor to that insurance corporation, may receive state funds in an amount not exceeding the amount which is insured by such insurance corporations and may qualify as a state depository to the extent of such insurance for this purpose only.  The paid-in and earned capital funds of such financial institution shall not be included in the computations specified in Section 27-105-9(a) and (b).

          (j)  (i)  The State Treasurer shall invest no less than one percent (1%) of the excess general and special funds of the state in gold or silver bullion.

              (ii)  The Mississippi Bullion Depository is hereby established as an agency of the state within the State Treasurer's Office.  The depository is established to serve as the custodian, guardian, an administrator of gold and silver bullion that may be transferred to or otherwise acquired by the state or any department thereof pursuant to this paragraph (j).

              (iii)  For purposes of this paragraph (j), "bullion" means precious metals that are formed into uniform shapes and quantities such as ingots, bars or plates, with uniform content and purity, as are suitable for or customarily used in the purchase, sale, storage, transfer and delivery of bulk or wholesale transactions in precious metals.

     SECTION 4.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.


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