Virginia Senate Bill SB1117

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25

Caption

Income tax, corporate and state; tax credit for braille labeling program.

Impact

The tax credit, applicable for taxable years from 2025 to 2030, allows qualifying businesses to claim a nonrefundable credit for eligible braille labeling expenditures. With a maximum credit of $50,000 and an annual cap on the credit pool at $1 million, this bill aims to incentivize the creation of braille labeling programs, thus potentially influencing state laws related to business taxation and accessibility standards. The proposed measure is expected to encourage more businesses to consider the needs of visually impaired consumers, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the marketplace.

Summary

SB1117 introduces a new section to the Code of Virginia, establishing a tax credit for businesses that implement a braille labeling program. This initiative is aimed at promoting accessibility for individuals with visual impairments by encouraging businesses to standardize the use of braille labels on products and packaging. The bill defines a 'braille labeling program' as a voluntary initiative undertaken by businesses to ensure that their products are accessible to visually impaired individuals through the use of braille labels. The bill is designed to positively impact both the businesses that adopt these practices and the consumers who will benefit from improved product information accessibility.

Contention

While SB1117 is primarily framed as a positive step towards inclusivity, potential points of contention may arise during discussions around its implementation. Critics might argue about the financial implications for the state budget given the tax credits, especially if business uptake exceeds expectations leading to higher-than-anticipated costs. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness of the tax credits in significantly increasing accessibility. Some stakeholders could request more comprehensive measures beyond tax incentives to address broader accessibility issues.