H 4373
An Act encouraging the donation of food to persons in need
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to encourage food businesses and individuals to donate food to nonprofit organizations that serve those in need. It provides a tax credit to food businesses that donate food, and establishes rules for the handling and distribution of donated food to ensure safety and prevent liability for donors and recipients. The bill also clarifies liability protections for food distribution organizations and private homes preparing food for donation.
Key provisions
- Food businesses can receive a tax credit for donating food to qualifying nonprofit organizations.
- The credit is capped at $25,000 annually.
- Donated food must be distributed by the nonprofit without charge or at a cost that covers handling expenses.
- Donors must provide a written certification from the receiving nonprofit verifying compliance.
- Nonprofit food distribution organizations are protected from liability for injuries related to donated food under certain conditions.
- Private homes preparing food for donation do not require a food license.
- The bill defines key terms such as ‘food business’ and ‘nonprofit food distribution organization’.
- The bill prohibits the transfer of donated food outside of the Commonwealth.
Who is affected
- Food businesses (restaurants, farms, food stores)
- Nonprofit food distribution organizations
- Individuals in need
- The Department of Public Health
- The Board of Health
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Adrian C. Madaro
Brian M. Ashe
Bruce E. Tarr
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
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Bill H.4373 194th (Current)
An Act encouraging the donation of food to persons in need
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4373
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 8/11/2025 | House | New draft of H3154 |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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