Signed by Governor Jerry Brown, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits localities from levying taxes on groceries.

Highlights:

• Prohibits counties, cities, and other local agencies from imposing, increasing, or collecting taxes or fees on groceries starting immediately upon passage of this act and lasting until January 31, 2031 (Sec. 1-3).

• Exempts any tax or fee on groceries that was imposed on or before January 1, 2018 from the provisions of this act (Sec. 1).

• Defines “groceries” as any raw or processed food or beverage including its packaging , wrapper, or container intended for human consumption such as the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Meat, poultry, or fish;

• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products;

• Condiments, spices, seasoning, and cereal; or

• Eggs, cocoa, teas, or coffee products.

• Specifies that the term “groceries” does not include any of the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Alcoholic beverages;

• Cannabis or tobacco products; and

• Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.

• Exempts any tax fee levied in accordance with a local state agency or pursuant with the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law or the Transactions and Use Tax Law (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that prohibits localities from levying taxes on groceries.

Highlights:

• Prohibits counties, cities, and other local agencies from imposing, increasing, or collecting taxes or fees on groceries starting immediately upon passage of this act and lasting until January 31, 2031 (Sec. 1-3).

• Exempts any tax or fee on groceries that was imposed on or before January 1, 2018 from the provisions of this act (Sec. 1).

• Defines “groceries” as any raw or processed food or beverage including its packaging , wrapper, or container intended for human consumption such as the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Meat, poultry, or fish;

• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products;

• Condiments, spices, seasoning, and cereal; or

• Eggs, cocoa, teas, or coffee products.

• Specifies that the term “groceries” does not include any of the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Alcoholic beverages;

• Cannabis or tobacco products; and

• Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.

• Exempts any tax fee levied in accordance with a local state agency or pursuant with the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law or the Transactions and Use Tax Law (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text