Monday, May 2, 2011

Update on Progress of Nutritional Bills

For the past four months, this blog has followed the progress of issues currently being addressed in the 82nd Texas Legislature. A variety of subjects, including eminent domain, smoking, and gambling, have been discussed by Texas politicians; however, the $27 billion budget shortfall dominated debate for much of this session. 

While the topic of altering nutritional and physical education programs in Texas public schools did not receive much attention, several bills in the House and Senate regarding minor alterations to similar existing bills were passed.   

HB 127 created more strict rules relating to the types of beverages that may be sold to students on public school campuses. The bill was passed in House and has been received by the Senate.

HB 280 alters a health credit for high school graduation. The bill was referred to Public Education in February and no action has been taken since.


HB 281 alters physical education credits required for high school graduation. The bill was referred to Public Education and no action has been taken.




HB 643 deals with summer nutrition programs in public school districts. The bill was referred to the Agriculture and Livestock committee in February and was left pending in committee.
  
SB 185 creates more rigorous physical education requirements in Texas public schools. The bill refereed to Education in January and no action has been taken since.  

SB 225 relates to developing reports about goals information needed order to promote improved student health. The bill was referred to Education in January.

Debate over school nutrition and physical education programs is likely to continue in the future as obesity becomes a growing issue for children in Texas.

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