BILL ANALYSIS
By: Nelson
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Obesity has become a public health concern in Texas and additional focus and incentives are
necessary for the promotion of a healthy environment in the workplace. Currently, no law exists
to promote an initiative of this type.
This bill authorizes certain state agencies to give preference during a bidding process to food
vendors that offer food of higher nutritional value that is to be served in public sector cafeterias.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
The bill amends Chapter 2155 of the Government Code by adding Section 2155.452, which authorizes state agencies and the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (commission), when purchasing food for consumption in a public cafeteria, to give preference to contractors who provide foods of higher nutritional value and who do not provide foods with trans fatty acids for consumption in a public cafeteria. The bill requires that state agencies and the commission review the Department of Agriculture's nutrition standards in complying with this section.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.