Bill > SB2474

This bill introduces a tax credit for property owners who operate grocery stores or healthy corner stores in designated food desert areas. A food desert is defined as a census tract with a poverty rate over 20% or median family income at or below 80% of the area median, where at least 500 people or 33% of the population live more than one mile from a grocery store (or 10 miles in rural areas). To qualify, a grocery store must dedicate at least 66% of retail space to food products, with specific requirements for non-prepared and perishable foods, while a healthy corner store must be under 2,000 square feet and allocate at least 20% of space to fresh produce. Property owners in these areas can receive a 5% tax credit against property taxes, which will continue until the census tract is no longer classified as a food desert. To claim the credit, property owners must file an application with the local chief appraiser, who will review and approve or deny the application. The credit transfers with property ownership if the qualifying conditions remain met. The bill is contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment and will take effect on January 1, 2026, if that amendment passes.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2474