Authorizes a state and local sales tax exemption for food

SB 659 would exempt most grocery store food purchases from state and local sales tax, directly affecting grocery stores and food retailers selling eligible items. The bill defines "food" narrowly to include only items redeemable with federal food stamps (like groceries), excluding restaurants, fast food, and eateries where over 80% of revenue comes from prepared food sold for immediate consumption. Previously, a 1% tax on food sales funded school district programs, but this exemption removes that tax while directing the revenue stream to continue supporting schools. The bill aims to reduce costs for households buying staple groceries while maintaining the existing school funding mechanism.