Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott held a ceremonial signing for three pieces of legislation—Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 314, and Senate Bill 379—referred to collectively as Texas’ Make America Healthy Again legislation. The event took place with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in attendance.

"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."

“Thank you, Governor Abbott, for your leadership in uniting Texans to confront chronic disease,” said Secretary Kennedy. “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 ceremony was 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 additional members of the legislature.

Senate Bill 25 aims to promote healthier living among Texans by introducing nutrition education throughout K-12 schools and higher education institutions as well as within the healthcare workforce. The bill also calls for clearer food label information for consumers.

Senate Bill 314 prevents schools from offering foods containing certain additives as part of free or reduced-price meal programs.

Senate Bill 379 restricts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to buy sweetened drinks or candy.

Photos from the bill signing event are expected to be released at a later date.