CCS/SS/SCS/HB 491 - This act reduces, effective October 1, 1997, the state sales and use tax rate on food from four percent to one percent. The act specifies that food from vending machines will be taxed at the same rate as other food. An exemption from sales and use tax is provided for sales of medical oxygen.

The act also allows an income tax credit for contributions to maternity homes and shelters for victims of domestic violence and permits an income tax deduction for the first $6,000 of retirement benefits from any private source, phased in as follows: for 1998, $1,000; for 1999, $3,000; for 2000, $4,000; for 2001, $5,000; and for 2002 and thereafter, $6,000.
RUSS HEMBREE