An Act To Lower Household Costs By Expanding The Sales Tax Exemption For Certain Grocery Staples Sold In Grocery Stores

This bill expands Maine's sales tax exemption to include more grocery items, making them tax-free when purchased at grocery stores. It defines "grocery staples" to cover bread, condiments, fruit bars, granola bars, pretzels, cheese sticks, nuts, seeds, meat sticks, sandwiches, and salads, while excluding alcohol, water, medicine, candy (except for certain fruit-based snacks like fruit bars), desserts, and cannabis. The exemption applies only to items sold in grocery stores (including convenience stores) but not in separate dining areas within stores. Effective January 1, 2026, this change aims to lower household costs for eligible food purchases.