Bill > S1290

This bill aims to expand access to healthy food choices in vending machines on state property. The key provisions are: 1. The bill requires all foods and beverages sold through vending machines on state-owned or managed property to comply with nutritional standards established by the Commissioner of Public Health. These standards must meet or exceed the federal "Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities." 2. Non-RSA vendors (those not licensed by the Commission for the Blind) must gradually increase the percentage of healthy options in their vending machines over 4 years, reaching 75% or more. 3. Vendors licensed by the Commission for the Blind must gradually increase their percentage of healthy options over 5 years, reaching 75% or more. 4. The Department of Public Health must review and update the nutritional standards every 5 years to reflect advancements in nutrition science and product availability. 5. The Commissioner must establish regulations for displaying nutritional information on vending machines and ensuring healthy items are prominently placed. 6. The Department will monitor compliance and report annually on implementation progress, and vendors found non-compliant can have their contracts terminated.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1290