New Jersey Assembly Bill A4365

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/16/22
• Refer: 6/16/22
• Refer: 6/23/22
• Report Pass: 6/23/22

Caption

Revises various provisions of Food Desert Relief Program.

Impact

The revisions proposed in A4365 specifically target the establishment and operation of new supermarkets and grocery stores within food deserts. Eligible stores are limited to the first or second new entities within these communities, thus creating a structured approach to enhance dietary access for residents. Further, it imposes conditions for receiving tax credits, such as demonstrating that a project would not be feasible without the credit, addressing economic viability as a prerequisite for development. This is expected to impact local economies positively by incentivizing grocery operations in low-access areas, potentially reducing food insecurity among residents.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4365 modifies the Food Desert Relief Program in New Jersey, aimed at increasing access to nutritious foods in areas designated as food deserts. The bill allows tax credit recipients to transfer their credits to other taxpayers or to pledge them as collateral, provided that the credits are not sold for less than 85% of their value. Additionally, the bill mandates that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) publish information regarding tax credit transactions which enhances transparency in the program’s financial dealings. It further clarifies that these tax credits cannot be directly applied against the state’s gross income tax, impacting the financial framework under which food retail entities will operate within food desert regions.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the restrictions placed on the locations and types of sites that can receive tax credits, especially as the bill only allows credits for the first two new grocery stores in any food desert community. Critics might argue that this could stifle competition or limit the options available to residents within these areas. Moreover, the bill requires the entities to adhere to certain wage standards and project viability criteria which could be contentious among stakeholders advocating for broader access to funding and support for food retailers entering these markets.