WeVote
Log In

Bill

SB

Bill

HB 5056

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE ADDITIONAL ONE PER CENT SALES AND USE TAXES IMPOSED ON MEALS SOLD BY AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT, CATERER OR GROCERY STORE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Bronko and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill would eliminate the additional 1% sales tax on prepared meals from restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores, reducing food costs but creating unspecified revenue gap.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#cateringestablishments #grocerystores #meals #restaurants #salesandusetax
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5056

Legislative bill overview

HB 5056 proposes to eliminate Connecticut's additional 1% sales and use tax specifically on meals sold by eating establishments, caterers, and grocery stores. This would reduce the total sales tax burden on prepared food purchases in the state. The bill was recently referred to the Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding for review.

Why is this important

Food taxes directly affect household grocery and dining budgets, with particular impact on lower-income residents who spend a larger percentage of income on meals. The 1% reduction would provide immediate cost relief at checkout but would reduce state revenue that currently funds public services. This reflects broader policy debates about whether food should be taxed at lower rates than other goods.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Eliminating this tax creates a fiscal gap the state must address through spending cuts, rate increases elsewhere, or other revenue sources—the bill does not specify how to offset lost income
  • Equity considerations: The tax cut benefits all consumers equally by percentage, but low-income households may see greater absolute relief; critics may question whether this is the most efficient way to help vulnerable populations
  • Scope ambiguity: The definition of "meals sold by grocery stores" could be contentious—does this include hot prepared foods only, or all ready-to-eat items, and how would enforcement differ from current practice?

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

Sign in to ask a question.