AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION, OPERATION AND TAXATION OF DISCOUNT RETAILERS.

HB 6521 defines "discount retailers" (like big-box stores) and requires them to follow the same rules as grocery stores for food assistance benefits, single-use bag fees, bottle redemption, and health codes. It allows towns to set zoning rules for where these stores can operate and lets municipalities impose an excise tax on them. Revenue from this tax must go into the Main Street Revitalization Fund and be distributed to local communities. The bill directly affects discount retailers by aligning their regulations with grocery stores and creating a new local funding source.