Bill > LB375

This bill establishes the Grocer Reinvestment Option Act, which creates a grant program administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to support grocery stores in smaller communities. The program provides financial assistance for new investments such as technical assistance, technology upgrades, business model transitions, and cooperative purchasing initiatives. Eligible applicants must be grocery stores located in cities or villages with fewer than 40,000 residents or in one of Nebraska's 90 least populated counties, and must be registered to do business in Nebraska. Priority will be given to applicants who can provide matching funds, accept nutrition assistance program benefits, and have ten or fewer locations. The program will be funded through legislative appropriations, gifts, and private contributions, with a dedicated Grocer Reinvestment Option Fund that limits administrative costs to 15%. Grant recipients must spend the funds within three years, and any unspent money will be recouped and returned to the state's General Fund. The department is required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing the projects funded, their geographic distribution, and the resulting investments. The bill aims to support and preserve grocery stores in rural and smaller Nebraska communities by providing resources for business improvement and sustainability.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59145