Sexton introduces bill to cut tax on milk, eggs, bread

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton introduced House Bill 6 on November 11, 2026. The legislation proposes to exempt milk, eggs, and bread from the state's grocery tax.

The bill targets three specific food categories rather than all grocery purchases. Under the current system, the state charges a 4% tax on these items. If the bill passes, shoppers would save 40 cents in state tax for every $10 spent on qualifying products.

Lawmakers will consider the measure during the legislative session beginning in January. The proposal must pass the legislature and be signed into law before consumers see a change at the register.

The introduction of House Bill 6 follows a local tax adjustment in Davidson County. A reduction to Metro's share of the grocery tax took effect on November 1. That local change lowered the city's portion of the tax while leaving the state's 4% rate unchanged.

State officials have previously debated removing the grocery tax entirely. Those earlier discussions stalled due to disagreements over how to replace the lost revenue. Sexton's new bill offers a narrower alternative by focusing on staple foods.