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MD HB1434

MD HB1434
Maryland Food System Resiliency Council - Healthy Food Priority Area Study


summary

Introduced
02/07/2025
In Committee
03/17/2025
Crossed Over
03/17/2025
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Requiring the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council to study and make recommendations regarding strategies to attract and retain supermarket retailers in healthy food priority areas; and requiring the Council to report its findings and recommendations including a review of existing incentives and available financing programs in the State by December 31, 2025, to the Governor and certain committees of the General Assembly.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a new mandate for the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council to conduct a comprehensive study on strategies for addressing food access in low-income areas, which are defined as "healthy food priority areas" with limited access to affordable, healthy food retailers. The Council is required to assess existing strategies for attracting and retaining grocery stores and supermarkets in these areas, including a review of current incentives and financing programs in Maryland and other states. The Council must prepare a detailed report outlining its findings and recommended strategies for improving food access in these underserved communities. The report is to be submitted by December 31, 2025, to the Governor and several legislative committees, including the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee. The legislation is temporary, taking effect on July 1, 2025, and automatically expiring on June 30, 2026. This bill replaces a previously proposed Food Deserts Workgroup with a more focused study by the existing Food System Resiliency Council, streamlining the approach to addressing food access challenges in the state.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

Referred Finance (on 03/17/2025)

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