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Bill

HB 2456

Authorizing cities and counties to levy a 0% sales and use tax on sales of food and food ingredients.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Allows Kansas cities and counties to independently eliminate sales tax on groceries, letting local governments reduce food costs while risking revenue loss.

Died in Committee
#taxation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2456

Legislative bill overview

HB 2456 would authorize Kansas cities and counties to independently impose a zero percent sales and use tax on food and food ingredients. This is a permissive measure allowing local governments to opt into tax exemptions rather than mandating them statewide. The bill essentially grants local jurisdictions flexibility to decide whether to exempt groceries from sales taxation at the municipal or county level.

Why is this important

Food purchases are a regressive expense, consuming a larger percentage of low-income households' budgets than wealthy households. Currently, Kansas taxes food at the full state rate, and this bill would allow local governments to reduce that burden for their residents. The policy could affect revenue streams for local services while potentially improving affordability for essential goods.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Cities and counties would lose sales tax revenue from food purchases, requiring them to either cut services, raise other taxes, or find alternative revenue sources
  • Economic inequality: Jurisdictions with stronger tax bases could more easily afford exemptions, potentially creating disparities between wealthy and struggling communities
  • Complexity and administration: Requiring local governments to separately define and track food versus non-food items adds compliance and enforcement costs for retailers and tax administrators
  • State preemption concerns: Whether allowing local tax variation conflicts with state revenue policy or creates a patchwork of different tax rates across Kansas

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

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