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Bill

HB 48

Sales tax; exempt retail sales of certain food.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Currie

HB 48 would exempt specified retail food purchases from Mississippi sales tax, reducing consumer grocery costs but decreasing state tax revenue.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 48

Legislative bill overview

HB 48 proposes to exempt certain food items from Mississippi's sales tax at the retail level. The bill was introduced by Representative Becky Currie and aimed to reduce the tax burden on food purchases for consumers.

Why is this important

Food sales tax exemptions directly affect household grocery budgets, particularly impacting lower-income families who spend a larger percentage of their income on food. This type of tax policy also influences state revenue, which funds education, infrastructure, and other public services that depend on sales tax collections.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Reducing sales tax on food would decrease state revenue unless offset by tax increases elsewhere or spending cuts, affecting the state budget
  • Definition complexity: Determining which food items qualify as "certain food" (prepared vs. unprepared, snacks vs. staples, etc.) creates administrative and fairness questions
  • Regressive vs. progressive debate: While food tax exemptions help low-income families, they also benefit higher-income households, raising questions about whether this is the most efficient poverty-relief tool

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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