MS HB1578

Imposes an annual tax of $150 on electric vehicles, defined as vehicles powered solely by electric motors drawing current from rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, or other portable electrical sources.

Tax must be paid to the county tax collector at the same time and in the same manner as the annual highway privilege tax.

Tax collector retains $2 per vehicle and remits remaining proceeds to the Department of Revenue, which apportions funds among purposes specified for gasoline and diesel fuel taxes in the same proportion used during the previous fiscal year.

Department of Revenue enforces the tax using the same authority and procedures as motor vehicle privilege tax laws, with the commissioner authorized to adopt necessary rules and regulations.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.