The Texas House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 25 following an hour-long debate and amendments. The amended bill, which received a final vote of 116 to 24 on May 26, will now return to the Texas Senate for further consideration.
Senate Bill 25, introduced by Senator Lois Kolkhorst and sponsored in the House by Representatives Hull, Frank, VanDeaver, Bucy, and Pierson, aims to establish state labeling requirements set to take effect in 2027 and additional physical and nutrition education in Texas schools. The bill has garnered support from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Calley Means, Brigham Buhler, Make Texans Healthy Again, and others involved in the Make America Healthy Again movement.
According to reports, while the bill passed unanimously through both House and Senate committees as well as the full Senate, there was significant opposition regarding the labeling requirements leading up to the vote. This issue prompted many of the 20 proposed amendments during floor debates. Efforts were even made to challenge the bill on procedural grounds. The legislation would mandate food manufacturers to include warnings on new labels if products contained certain additives or chemicals banned in other countries.
In the days preceding the vote, lobbyists representing companies such as Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, H-E-B, along with various associations like the Texas Association of Business and Texas Retailers Association expressed concerns about potential economic impacts. They argued that these labeling requirements could conflict with existing laws and lead to increased costs for consumers.
In response to these concerns, Representative Lacey Hull said on the House floor that “their real concern isn’t logistical; it’s political.” She argued that companies are worried about transparency regarding product contents potentially affecting sales. Hull emphasized that “this bill is a step forward in addressing chronic disease” and serves as a signal that Texas is committed to improving children’s health.
Ultimately, Senate Bill 25 passed with several modifications. Eight ingredients initially listed for warning labels were removed: acesulfame potassium, aspartame, atrazine, glyphosate, high fructose corn syrup, potassium sorbate, saccharin, and artificial vanillin. Additionally, a federal preemption clause was added stipulating that any Federal Drug Administration rulings would supersede state law regarding ingredient safety or labeling requirements.
In her closing remarks, Representative Hull said, “this bill is a step forward in addressing chronic disease. Senate Bill 25 is a first-of-its-kind bill that will serve as a signal to the rest of the nation that Texas is serious about fighting for the health of our children.”