MS HB1606

Imposes an excise tax of $2.56 per gallon (2 cents per ounce) on distributors selling sweetened beverages, syrups, and powder/base products in Mississippi, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

Requires all sweetened beverage distributors to obtain a permit from the Department of Revenue before conducting business, with permits expiring annually on January 31.

Creates the Children's Health Promotion Fund to receive 20% of collected tax revenue, with the remaining 80% deposited into the State General Fund.

Allocates Children's Health Promotion Fund revenues as follows: 20% to Department of Health for statewide obesity prevention programs, 35% to community-based programs, 10% to medical intervention activities, and 35% to schools for nutrition and physical activity initiatives.

Exempts from the tax: products sold to federal or tribal governments, products sold outside Mississippi, and inter-distributor sales; violators face misdemeanor charges, 50% tax penalties, and 12% annual interest on unpaid amounts.