MS HB588

Amends Mississippi Code Section 57-117-5 to allow the Mississippi Development Authority to certify health care industry zones in areas where a health care facility is located within a five-mile radius of a university or college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that awards degrees or trains workers in health care or pharmaceutical fields.

Expands the location requirements for health care industry zones to include areas near eligible universities and colleges in addition to existing requirements for three contiguous counties with over 375 acute care hospital beds or a county with a hospital having $250 million minimum capital investment completed before July 1, 2017.

Defines "health care industry facility" as a business in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical supplies, medical equipment, medical services, or laboratory testing that creates at least 25 new full-time jobs and/or $10 million in capital investment after July 1, 2012.

Brings forward Section 57-117-3 defining key terms including "health care industry zone," "local government unit," "person," and "qualified business" for purposes of the health care industry zone program.

Effective upon passage.