Until June 30, 2025, present law provides that there is exempt from the sales and use tax purchases and leases of all equipment, machinery, software, ancillary components, appurtenances, accessories, or other infrastructure that is used in whole or in part to either:  Produce broadband communications services, including broadcasting, distributing, sending, receiving, storing, transmitting, retransmitting, amplifying, switching, providing connectivity for, or routing communications services.  Provide internet access. However, such exemption does not apply to the retail sale of personal consumer electronics, including, but not limited to, smartphones, computers, and tablets, and consumer-grade modems and Wi-Fi routers. The commissioner of revenue must reimburse counties and municipalities for loss of revenue resulting from such tax exemption. Subject to appropriations, a sum must be earmarked and allocated from the general fund for this purpose. This bill removes the repeal date of June 30, 2025, for the provisions above. ON APRIL 22, 2025, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 925, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 sets the end date at June 30, 2027, for the exemption from sales and use tax for purchases and leases of equipment and infrastructure used to produce broadband communications services or provide internet access.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 67-6-391(a), 67-6-391