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Bills to let local governments incentivize grocery stores draw wide support
Summary
HB 2297 would allow cities/counties to use property‑tax exemptions, B&O credits and sales‑tax exemptions to preserve and attract grocery stores in underserved zones. Sponsors and public‑health, anti‑hunger and local government groups broadly supported the measure but flagged fiscal and design tradeoffs.
House Bill 2,297 drew broad stakeholder support when staff and the prime sponsor briefed the House Finance Committee on Jan. 30. Staff described a multi‑part bill that authorizes local preferential B&O rates, a 30‑year property‑tax exemption for qualifying grocery stores (excluding land value), a B&O tax credit with a $5 million statewide cap, and sales‑tax exemptions for certain purchases. Staff said the bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and noted preliminary fiscal estimates showing a decrease to the general…
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