BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 952
86R3409 EAS-F	By: Watson
	Health & Human Services
	3/8/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas has seen a rise in childhood obesity, which has a long-term health impact on children and ends up costing the state billions annually. To help address this trend, S.B. 952 requires child care facilities to meet the minimum standards under the Child and Adult Care Food Program for nutritious meals and the American Academy of Pediatrics' standards for activity and screen time. By establishing healthy habits early in life, children will have a greater likelihood of living healthy, productive lives.

As proposed, S.B. 952 amends current law relating to standards for nutrition, physical activity, and screen time for certain child-care facilities and homes.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 2 of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 42.042, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsections (e-3) and (e-4), as follows:

(e-3) Requires the minimum standards adopted under Subsection (e) to be consistent with:

(1) American Academy of Pediatrics standards for physical activity and screen time as published in Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd Edition; and

(2) the nutrition standards in the Child and Adult Care Food Program administered by the Department of Agriculture.

(e-4) Provides that a licensed child-care facility or registered family home is not required to participate in or comply with the reporting requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program administered by the Department of Agriculture.

SECTION 2. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt the rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2019.