MS HB1650

Authorizes the City of Ridgeland to impose a special sales tax of up to 1% on gross proceeds of sales or business income taxed at 7% or more under Mississippi Sales Tax Law.

Tax requires approval by at least 3/5 of votes cast in a citywide election; governing authorities must publish notice weekly for 3 consecutive weeks before the election.

Exempts restaurants, hotels/motels, food for human consumption, cable/telecommunications services, prescribed drugs and medicines, and certain other sales categories from the special tax.

Revenue must be placed in a separate municipal fund and used exclusively for redevelopment projects in the Southeast Ridgeland Redevelopment District, including infrastructure improvements like streets, utilities, curbs, gutters, and drainage.

Department of Revenue collects the tax, retains 3% for administrative costs, and remits proceeds monthly to the city; city must have annual independent audit of revenues and expenditures filed with the legislature; provision expires July 1, 2017.