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HB 5130

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALES AND USE TAXES IMPOSED ON MEALS SOLD BY AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT, CATERER OR GROCERY STORE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Biggins and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill modifies meals tax treatment for restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores, potentially affecting food costs and state revenue.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#cateringestablishments #grocerystores #meals #restaurants #salesandusetax
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5130

Legislative bill overview

HB 5130 modifies Connecticut's sales and use tax treatment for meals sold by eating establishments, caterers, and grocery stores. The bill appears to adjust which food purchases are subject to the state's meals tax, though the specific rate changes or exemptions are not detailed in the bill title alone.

Why is this important

Food tax policy directly affects consumer grocery and dining costs, with disproportionate impact on lower-income households who spend larger portions of income on food. Connecticut's current meals tax structure influences both business operations in the food service sector and state revenue generation.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Changes to meal taxation could reduce state tax collections, requiring offsetting budget cuts or other revenue sources
  • Equity concerns: Exempting or reducing taxes on certain food categories may benefit some income groups more than others (e.g., restaurant meals vs. grocery items)
  • Business classification: Determining which vendors qualify as "eating establishments," "caterers," or "grocery stores" for tax purposes creates compliance complexity and potential loopholes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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