Senate Bill 244 proposes modifications to the sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers in Wisconsin. The bill amends the definition of a qualified data center to include buildings that house both individual and networked server computers, expanding the criteria for certification by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Additionally, it introduces a new criterion that allows WEDC to certify data centers that provide opportunities for owners, operators, or tenants to rent or own space and access essential resources such as utilities and enhanced security features.
Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that WEDC cannot certify buildings used for cryptocurrency creation or the processes related to cryptocurrency transactions as qualified data centers eligible for the tax exemption. This legislation aims to clarify and broaden the scope of what constitutes a qualified data center while ensuring that certain activities, specifically those related to cryptocurrencies, are excluded from the exemption. The bill is set to take effect on the first day of the third month following its publication.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: 238.40(1)(b)(intro.), 238.40