Pennsylvania House Bill HB1453

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25

Caption

Providing for food desert opportunity zones and for food desert opportunity zone tax credits; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Revenue.

Impact

The enactment of HB1453 is likely to have a positive impact on state laws concerning economic development and community health. By providing tax credits to qualified healthy food retail outlets that locate within these designated zones, the bill encourages investment in areas lacking adequate food resources. This not only fosters economic growth but also promotes public health by improving food access. With an annual cap of $1,000,000 on tax credits, the bill ensures that the program remains sustainable while still addressing the urgent needs of food deserts across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Summary

House Bill 1453, known as the Food Desert Opportunity Zone Act, aims to establish food desert opportunity zones within low-income census tracts designated by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill's primary objective is to enhance access to healthy food retail outlets in areas where residents face significant barriers to obtaining nutritious food. This initiative is particularly crucial in low-income neighborhoods that are characterized as food deserts, where access to supermarkets or large grocery stores is limited. The program allows for the creation of designated zones that can benefit from specific tax incentives aimed at attracting healthier food retailers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1453 appears to be favorable among proponents who emphasize its potential to alleviate food insecurity and stimulate local economies. However, some skepticism exists regarding the effectiveness of tax credits in genuinely transforming food access in designated zones, especially if the economic incentives do not sufficiently motivate retailers to establish and maintain operations in these areas. As discussions continue, stakeholders are keen to evaluate the long-term outcomes of such legislation on the communities it aims to serve.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB1453 revolve around the allocation of zones and the criteria set forth for qualifying healthy food retail outlets. Critics argue that too few zones, limited to a maximum of twelve, could restrict access to food resources rather than expand them. Additionally, concerns have been raised about ensuring compliance with local and state regulations, particularly related to tax laws. The requirement for retailers to be in full compliance before receiving tax credits poses challenges for new entrants in the market, potentially deterring the very businesses that the bill aims to attract.