Bill > HB598

This bill allows the governing body of Anne Arundel County or its municipal corporations to create a property tax credit for supermarkets that complete new construction or substantial renovations and are located in designated "food desert retail incentive areas". A supermarket is specifically defined as a grocery store with all major food departments, more than 50% of sales from food, and more than 50% of floor space dedicated to food sales. The governing body can establish the specific boundaries of these food desert areas and can set additional rules about the tax credit, including limits on the total amount of credits granted and additional eligibility requirements. The tax credit cannot exceed the total property tax imposed on the supermarket's personal property in a given year. The bill provides local governments flexibility in designing the incentive to encourage supermarket development in underserved areas, with the tax credit provisions becoming effective June 1, 2025, and applicable to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0598?ys=2025RS