Food And Food Ingredients

Tennessee HB1469 is a proposed law that aims to eliminate sales and use tax on food and food ingredients bought with an EBT card by individuals receiving SNAP benefits. This change would make it more affordable for low-income families to purchase essential food items. The bill seeks to amend existing tax regulations to support those who rely on government assistance for their food needs.

TN HB1469 is a house bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by John Clemmons (D), currently “Introduced” since January 5, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 75 of them sponsored by John Clemmons.

Supporters of HB1469 would argue that this bill is a crucial step towards alleviating food insecurity among low-income families in Tennessee. By removing the sales tax on food purchased with SNAP benefits, the legislation helps ensure that these families can stretch their budgets further and access nutritious food without financial strain.

Critics of HB1469 may contend that exempting food purchases from sales tax could lead to a decrease in state revenue, potentially impacting funding for essential services. They might also argue that the bill could create an unfair advantage for EBT card users over other consumers who do not receive government assistance, complicating the tax system.

Representative John Clemmons sponsors HB1469, which proposes a sales tax exemption for food purchased with SNAP benefits. An analysis of his personal financial interests reveals no direct or indirect financial ties to the agriculture or food industries, which are the primary focus of this bill. Clemmons's professional background is rooted in the legal sector, with no documented investments or business activities related to food retail, agriculture, or consumer credit. His legal practice and board memberships are concentrated in law and education, sectors unrelated to the bill's subject matter. Given this lack of alignment, there is minimal risk of personal financial gain from the legislation.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.