THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

957

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to TAXATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the cost of living in Hawaii continues to increase significantly. According to the United States Department of Agriculture "Thrifty Food Plan," a family of two spends a monthly average of $647 on groceries in Hawaii compared to $367 on the mainland.     The legislature understands that the broad base of the general excise tax contributes to the high cost of groceries in Hawaii and therefore finds it appropriate to exempt food purchased for home consumption from the general excise tax.

SECTION 2.  Chapter 237, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§237-    Exemption for food.  (a)  There shall be exempted from, and excluded from the measure of, the taxes imposed by this chapter all of the gross proceeds arising from the sale of food by eligible retail food stores.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section:

(1)    "Food" means any food item intended for human consumption that is intended for home consumption as defined by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. sec 2012 k).

(2)    "Eligible retail food store" means an establishment that sells food for home preparation and consumption as defined by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. sec 2012 o) in possession of a valid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program permit issued by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

General Excise Tax; Food

 

 

Description:

Provides an exemption for food and from the general excise tax.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.