Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Lawmakers consider six‑month notice for grocery closures in food‑desert neighborhoods
Summary
Senate Bill 6,147 would require at least six months' notice before grocery stores in USDA‑defined food deserts close and compel good‑faith meetings with local officials; proponents cited a recent Fred Meyer closure in South Tacoma, while industry groups warned the rule could burden independent grocers and add litigation risk.
The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee heard Senate Bill 6,147, which would require certain grocery establishments located in areas the U.S. Department of Agriculture designates as food deserts to provide at least six months' advance written notice of a permanent closure, and to meet in good faith with local officials and other stakeholders if requested during the notice period.
Staff described the bill’s core provisions: six‑month notice to city and county councils, local health departments and the attorney general; a good‑faith meeting requirement…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
