BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                          S.B. 35

80R1861 YDB-D                                                                                                             By: Nelson

Government Organization

2/16/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Obesity has become a public health concern in the State of 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.

As proposed, S.B. 35 requires certain state agencies to give preference during a bidding process to food vendors that offer nutritional food that is to be served in public sector cafeterias.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 2155, Government Code, by adding Section 2155.452, as follows:

Sec. 2155.452. PREFERENCE FOR CONTRACTORS PROVIDING FOODS OF HIGHER NUTRITIONAL VALUE. (a) Requires state agencies purchasing food for consumption in a public cafeteria and the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (commission) 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.

(b) Requires that state agencies and the commission review the Department of Agriculture's nutrition standards.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.