Tennessee Considers Grocery Tax Repeal Bill

Tennessee lawmakers are considering a bill to eliminate the 4% grocery tax on fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables, aiming to alleviate financial strain on consumers amid rising living costs. The bill, proposed by Senator Raumesh Akbari and Representative John Ray Clemmons, has been deferred for further discussion in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee. While there is bipartisan support for reducing grocery taxes, full repeal remains unlikely due to budgetary concerns, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton suggesting a phased approach focusing on essential items like milk and eggs. The proposal has gained support from advocates for low-income families, who argue it would help reduce the regressive nature of the current tax system. Similar initiatives are being considered in other states, reflecting a broader trend towards reducing grocery taxes. The bill, if passed, is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.