Governor Greg Abbott has signed three bills aimed at improving public health in Texas. The legislation, referred to as the Make America Healthy Again initiative, includes Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 314, and Senate Bill 379.
The ceremonial signing took place with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., alongside other state officials including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows. Several members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives were also present.
“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.”
Senate Bill 25 aims to promote healthy living by integrating nutrition education throughout K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and healthcare training programs in Texas. The bill also introduces stricter requirements for food label transparency.
Senate Bill 314 restricts schools from serving foods containing specific additives as part of free or reduced-price meal programs.
Senate Bill 379 limits the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by prohibiting their use for purchasing sweetened drinks and candy.
