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House committee hears bill to give retailers a tax subtraction for Montana-produced foods
Summary
Montana lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 440, which would let retailers subtract 50% of net income from sales of qualifying Montana-produced foods to encourage grocery shelf space for local products; proponents called it a voluntary, market-access measure while the Department of Revenue flagged administrative and Commerce Clause questions.
Representative Jane Weber, sponsor of House Bill 440, told the House Taxation Committee that the bill would create a voluntary tax incentive to help Montana farmers and ranchers get products onto grocery store shelves. “In Big Sky Country, you know, we want to have wholesome food from our local farmers and ranchers on our family table,” Representative Jane Weber said, introducing the Montana Food First proposal.
The bill would allow a grocer to subtract 50% of net income derived from the sale of Montana-produced food at the point of sale, Weber said, and includes a statutory definition of “Montana produced food” with exclusions for ready-to-eat on-site prepared items such as sandwiches and soups. “The program is totally voluntary for the grocer,” Weber said during her opening remarks.
Proponents — including Montana Farmers Union, Grow Montana, Northern Plains Resource Council and several Montana producers…
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