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Committee votes 9‑6 to report bill banning restrictive covenants that limit grocery or pharmacy use
Summary
After debate and an amendment withdrawal, the Consumer Protection and Business Committee reported House Bill 2294 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation by a 9‑6 roll call. The bill would prohibit private negative‑use restrictions that prevent or restrict grocery-store or pharmacy use of real property while preserving several exceptions and allowing local modifications in extenuating circumstances.
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee took executive action Jan. 27 on House Bill 2294, which would prohibit negative‑use covenants on real property that prevent or restrict use for a grocery store or pharmacy and provide enforcement paths for the attorney general and local jurisdictions.
Vice Chair Hackney moved to report HB 2294 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation and the motion was seconded. Committee staff summarized the bill and an amendment (H3041.1) that had been on the table, explaining the amendment would add a notice requirement for parties who impose negative‑use restrictions and revise enforcement language to allow court causes of action and fee recovery for prevailing parties. The chair withdrew the amendment from consideration before the final vote.
Representatives discussed the bill’s purpose and remaining amendment package work. Representative Reeves urged support, framing the bill as a tool to prevent grocery‑store closures and food deserts. Representative Dufault and others said they supported the objective but opposed final passage without the full amendment package in place; some members expressed concern about private‑property restrictions. After roll call the committee staff announced the result: 9 ayes and 6 nays, and Chair Wallen declared HB 2294 reported out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation.
Roll‑call results were read into the record by staff. The committee did not file any amendments on the floor at this time; sponsors and stakeholders indicated continued work on a package of amendments.
