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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Governor Lee signed a bill last week allowing counties with a metropolitan form of government to lower or exempt food from local sales tax, though the legislation will only apply to three areas in the state and will not impact a majority of Tennessee consumers who have been asking for lawmakers to address cost of living issues.
HB2186 by Rep. William Lamberth and Sen. Bo Watson authorizes counties with a metro government system to either tax food and food ingredients “within the county at a rate lower than the local tax rate levied on other privileges, goods, and services” or exempt them completely from the local sales tax.
Tennessee currently only has three metro governments to which this exemption will apply, Nashville-Davidson, Memphis-Shelby, and Hartsville-Trousdale. According to Rep. Lamberth, other legislation already exists allowing cities to reduce or eliminate their own grocery taxes but neglected the metro governments, which this new law will remedy, and meaning there are no potential new reductions or eliminations for those outside these metro areas.
Despite Republican leadership’s promise, including that of Lamberth, last year to address the issue in 2026, not a single proposed bill which would have reduced or eliminated the grocery tax from certain or all foods for all Tennesseans ever made it to the House or Senate floor, with some being sidelined early on while several more died on the last day still sitting in committees.
With Gov. Lee’s signature, HB2186 took effect immediately and has already been incorporated into Tennessee Code.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
