Governor Greg Abbott has signed three pieces of legislation aimed at improving public health in Texas. The bills, Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 314, and Senate Bill 379, were enacted during a ceremony attended by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as well as state legislative leaders.
“Every legislator in Texas wants to see Texas be put on a pathway to be healthier,” said Governor Abbott. “These bills that I am signing today put Texas on that pathway. Taxpayer dollars will no longer be used to fund chronic health problems in our state. These bills were truly a bipartisan effort, and I am proud to sign them into effect.”
Secretary Kennedy added, “Thank you, Governor Abbott, for your leadership in uniting Texans to confront chronic disease. I also commend the state’s legislators for coming together across party lines to pass these bipartisan bills. Texas has chosen a bold new course for public health—one I urge other states to follow.”
The event was also attended by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Senator Bryan Hughes, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Senator Mayes Middleton, Representative Stan Gerdes, Representative Caroline Harris-Davila, Representative Lacey Hull and other members of the Texas Legislature.
Senate Bill 25 aims to encourage healthier lifestyles by incorporating nutrition education throughout K-12 schools and higher education institutions as well as the healthcare workforce. The bill also mandates increased transparency in food labeling for consumers.
Senate Bill 314 prohibits schools from including foods with certain additives in free or reduced-price meal programs.
Senate Bill 379 restricts the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing sweetened drinks and candy.
