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Multiple bills to reduce or eliminate 4% state grocery tax placed behind the budget
Summary
Lawmakers discussed competing grocery tax proposals: Representative McKenzie proposed eliminating the 4% state sales tax on generic grocery items (with limited exemptions), while Representative Miller estimated an $800 million annual cost for a full 4% repeal. Several grocery-tax bills were sent behind the budget.
A cluster of bills addressing the state's 4% sales tax on groceries drew attention during the subcommittee. Representative McKenzie presented HB 24-37 to eliminate the 4% state tax on generic grocery items while excluding cola and certain sugary drinks; she said the measure is a modest step to reduce the burden on struggling families. "Store brands are important to how consumers are able to manage their money," McKenzie said.
Representative Miller described a broader repeal of the 4% state portion as the most expensive bill of the day, estimating it would cost about $800,000,000 annually. Members placed multiple grocery tax bills behind the budget to allow further fiscal analysis and consideration of local tax options. The committee did not adopt a single approach and deferred final action to budget review.
