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HB 1962

TO PROHIBIT A SCHOOL FROM SERVING OR SELLING ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS DURING THE NORMAL SCHOOL DAY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Breanne Davis and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1962 bans schools from serving ultra-processed foods during the school day, aiming to improve student nutrition and combat childhood obesity starting in 2028.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on EDUCATION COMMITTEE- HOUSE
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Bill Summary · HB 1962

Summary of House Bill 1962

Bill Number: HB 1962
Title: To Prohibit a School from Serving or Selling Ultra-Processed Food on the School Campus During the Normal School Day
Introduced: April 01, 2025
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Education Committee - House

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1962 aims to address concerns regarding childhood obesity and nutrition by prohibiting schools from serving or selling ultra-processed foods during the normal school day. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing nutritious meals and snacks to students, which are primarily made from nutrient-dense plant or animal products.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Ultra-Processed Food: The bill defines ultra-processed food as any food or beverage containing specific synthetic additives, including but not limited to:

    • Potassium bromate
    • Propylparaben
    • Various artificial colorings (e.g., Yellow dye 5, Red dye 40)

  • Prohibition: Schools, including public school districts, open-enrollment public charter schools, and private schools, are prohibited from serving or selling ultra-processed foods on campus during the normal school day. This prohibition will take effect for foods produced after January 1, 2028.

  • Exemptions: The bill allows parents, legal guardians, or individuals acting in loco parentis to provide ultra-processed foods to their children during school hours.

  • Implementation: The Arkansas Department of Education is authorized to create rules to implement the provisions of this bill.

Affected Parties

  • Schools: All public and private educational institutions within Arkansas will be required to comply with the new regulations regarding food offerings.
  • Students: The bill directly impacts students by aiming to improve their nutritional intake and overall health.
  • Parents and Guardians: While the bill restricts schools, it allows parents to provide their children with ultra-processed foods, maintaining some level of choice.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no anticipated fiscal impact associated with the implementation of this bill.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 1, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 2, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, and read a second time before referral to the Education Committee.
  • April 15, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim by the Education Committee.

Conclusion

HB 1962 represents a legislative effort to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits in schools by restricting the availability of ultra-processed foods. The bill's focus on nutrition aligns with broader public health goals and reflects growing concerns about the dietary choices available to students during school hours.

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

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