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Bill

SB 3000

Sales tax; exempt sales of water for agricultural purposes.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Rhodes

Mississippi bill would eliminate sales tax on agricultural water purchases to reduce farming costs, but died in Finance Committee.

Died In Committee
#finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3000

Legislative bill overview

SB 3000 would exempt water sales used for agricultural purposes from Mississippi's sales tax. The bill was introduced by Senator Brian Rhodes but died in the Finance Committee on February 26, 2025, without advancing further in the legislative process.

Why is this important

Agriculture is a significant sector of Mississippi's economy, and water costs represent a material operating expense for farms. Sales tax exemptions on agricultural inputs can reduce farming operational costs, potentially affecting farm profitability, food prices, and rural economic competitiveness relative to other states with similar exemptions.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: The exemption would reduce state sales tax revenue, requiring either budget cuts elsewhere or alternative funding sources
  • Definition disputes: Determining what qualifies as "agricultural purposes" could be complex (e.g., landscaping, golf courses, aquaculture operations)
  • Equity concerns: Critics may argue the exemption primarily benefits larger agricultural operations with higher water consumption, potentially widening economic disparities among farmers

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

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