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Bill

A 1339

Establishes the sanitary retail food store grant program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vivian Cook and 4 co-sponsors

Bill A 1339 creates a grant program to help retail food stores improve sanitary conditions, enhancing food safety and access to healthy options in underserved communities.

PRINT NUMBER 1339A
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Bill Summary · A 1339

Summary of Bill A 1339: Establishes the Sanitary Retail Food Store Grant Program

Bill Number: A 1339
Title: Establishes the Sanitary Retail Food Store Grant Program
Status: PRINT NUMBER 1339A
Introduced: January 09, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1339 aims to establish a grant program specifically designed to support the development and maintenance of sanitary retail food stores. The primary intent is to enhance food safety standards and improve access to healthy food options in communities, particularly in underserved areas. This initiative seeks to ensure that retail food establishments meet necessary health and safety regulations, thereby promoting public health and well-being.

Key Provisions

  • Grant Program Establishment: The bill proposes the creation of a grant program that will provide financial assistance to retail food stores. This funding is intended to help these establishments comply with sanitary regulations and improve their overall operational standards.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Retail food stores that demonstrate a need for financial support to enhance their sanitary conditions will be eligible to apply for grants. Specific eligibility requirements will be outlined in the program's guidelines.

  • Use of Funds: Grant funds can be utilized for various purposes, including:

    • Upgrading equipment to meet health standards
    • Renovating facilities to improve hygiene
    • Implementing training programs for staff on food safety practices
  • Oversight and Administration: The bill designates a state agency to oversee the administration of the grant program, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively and that recipients adhere to the program's guidelines.

Affected Parties

  • Retail Food Stores: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be retail food stores, especially those located in areas with limited access to fresh and healthy food options.

  • Consumers: By improving the sanitary conditions of food stores, consumers will benefit from safer food products and a healthier shopping environment.

  • Local Communities: Communities, particularly those that are underserved, will experience enhanced access to nutritious food, potentially leading to improved public health outcomes.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 09, 2025: Bill A 1339 was introduced and referred to the Agriculture Committee for consideration.

  • February 21, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Agriculture Committee, resulting in the printing of a new version (1339A).

Related Bills

  • A 9721 (prior-session): A related bill from a previous session that may address similar issues or objectives.

  • A 2262 (prior-session): Another prior-session bill that could have implications for food safety or retail food operations.

  • S 4041 (companion): A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 1339, potentially facilitating a coordinated legislative effort.

Conclusion

Bill A 1339 represents a significant step towards improving food safety and access in retail environments. By establishing a grant program, the legislation aims to empower food stores to meet sanitary standards, ultimately benefiting consumers and communities at large. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final provisions and implementation of this important initiative.

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

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