WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1880

Summary of HB 1880 (2026, Missouri) – Prohibits public schools from selling certain caffeinated drinks to children

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to protect student health by restricting the sale of caffeinated beverages to students enrolled in public schools and charter schools that receive state aid.

Key provisions

  • New statute added: Section 167.209 (in Chapter 167, RSMo).
  • Prohibition:
    • No school district or charter school that receives state aid shall sell drinks containing more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per container to children enrolled in the district or charter school.
  • Scope:
    • Applies to public school districts and charter schools that receive state funds under Chapter 163 or any other state moneys.

Who would be affected

  • Public school districts and charter schools that receive state financial support.
  • Students enrolled in those districts/charter schools would be impacted through changes to beverage offerings on school property or at school-related events.

Substantive impact

  • Beverage sales restricted to those with 100 mg caffeine or less per container.
  • Potential changes to vendor contracts, vending machine offerings, school stores, fundraising activities, booster organization sales, and any third-party sales on school property or at school events.

Fiscal and operational notes

  • State fiscal impact:
    • DESE indicates no direct fiscal impact on state government.
  • Local government impact (school districts/charter schools):
    • Possible revenue losses due to restricted beverage sales and potential loss of vendor contracts.
    • The fiscal note identifies an uncertainty range: “$0 or Unknown” for revenue loss, depending on district contracts and sales.
  • Small business impact:
    • No direct impact anticipated at the state level; however, local beverage vendors serving schools may be affected by contract changes.

Administrative and implementation considerations (drafting notes from analysis)

  • The bill bases the restriction on caffeine content per container, not per beverage type or container size, which could create inconsistencies across common beverages (e.g., large coffee drinks vs. small-energy drinks with high caffeine concentration).
  • There is no defined method for verifying caffeine content (measurement standards, labeling, or enforcement mechanism) or for addressing variability in beverage labeling.
  • The bill does not specify how the restriction interacts with different school sale channels (vending machines, fundraising, events, independent contractors on school property).
  • The term “children enrolled” may not clearly distinguish between minors and adult students in high schools; clarifying the applicable age group would improve precision.
  • Enforcement and oversight provisions are not specified.

Timeline and procedural status

  • Sponsor: Rep. Reuter; co-sponsors: Stephanie Boykin, Sherri Gallick, Renee Reuter.
  • Action history:
    • Referred to General Laws Committee (Jan 8, 2026)
    • Public hearing completed (Mar 11, 2026)
    • Introduction and first reading in 2026 session
  • Fiscal note published: March 11, 2026
    • Indicates potential local revenue impact but no state-level cost.

Bottom line

HB 1880 would prohibit a school district or charter school receiving state funds from selling beverages containing more than 100 mg of caffeine per container to enrolled students, potentially affecting school beverage programs, vending, and related contracts. While the bill seeks to promote student health, stakeholders highlight drafting ambiguities around measurement, enforcement, distribution channels, and scope that would benefit from clarification if the bill advances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.