Statewide Utility Tax Reform Act; create.

HB 1276, the "Statewide Utility Tax Reform Act," ends the tax exemption for nuclear fuel and by-products in Mississippi, requiring them to be taxed at the same rate as other property. It mandates that utilities operating nuclear power plants pay annual "Payments in Lieu of Taxes" (PILOTs) of $5 million plus $0.01 per kilowatt-hour to host counties. Revenue is distributed as 65% to the host county, 10% to adjacent counties, and 25% to the state general fund. Counties must use host county funds for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, with oversight by the Department of Revenue through annual reporting.