Revenue panel gives negative recommendation to bill to exempt fruits and vegetables from sales tax

Senator Pote presented Senate Bill 2254 as a narrower way to reduce food taxes, proposing an exemption limited to "most healthy products," specifically natural fruits and vegetables, rather than broader exemptions that could include snacks. "If we're gonna reduce something, let's focus on most healthy foods," Pote said.

The chair stated the fiscal impact is $96,000,000. After discussion, Sen. Hale moved for a negative recommendation, seconded by Sen. Powers; the roll call recorded the committee's recommendation and the bill was sent to Finance with a negative recommendation (one 'No' recorded on the roll call).

Sponsor said the approach targets healthier items rather than broader food categories; the committee expressed budgetary concerns that contributed to the negative recommendation.