NY S05806

Establishes a task force to identify barriers preventing food retailers from opening or expanding in underserved areas, defined as low- or moderate-income census tracts, areas with below-average supermarket density, or supermarkets serving communities with over 50 percent low-income residents.

Task force membership includes state agencies (agriculture and markets, health, taxation and finance, labor, Empire State Development Corporation, office of temporary and disability assistance, state liquor authority) and representatives from retail and wholesale food industries, farmers, community development financial institutions, and local governments.

Task force must assess zoning restrictions, licensing and permitting delays, and federal and state approval requirements including WIC and SNAP program eligibility, and recommend statutory, regulatory, and administrative changes to streamline approvals for food retail businesses in underserved areas.

Task force shall review and update government guidance information related to retail food business operations to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Task force must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the governor, speaker of the assembly, and senate majority leader by February 1, 2017.