The bill seeks to improve access to healthy food, medicine, and health services in overburdened communities and areas designated for increased housing density. It emphasizes the role of supermarkets, full-service grocery stores, and pharmacies in promoting public health and reducing health disparities. The legislation requires these establishments to provide advance notice of closures or significant operational changes, with notice periods tailored to the community's designation. Local governments are encouraged to integrate policies into their comprehensive plans to maintain access to these essential services and are equipped with tools like nuisance fees and excise taxes to manage potential service interruptions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new planning and zoning provisions that allow local jurisdictions to designate properties for ongoing use as supermarkets, grocery stores, or pharmacies, particularly in overburdened areas. It amends existing laws to prioritize health and food access in comprehensive planning, aiming to prevent food deserts and improve health outcomes. The bill also establishes a "healthy communities element" in comprehensive plans, requiring strategies to enhance health outcomes for vulnerable populations and address climate change impacts. Furthermore, it allows local governments to impose excise taxes on properties that previously housed essential services, directing revenue towards community needs, and introduces nuisance fees for vacant properties to prevent them from becoming public nuisances.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70A.020, 36.70A.070