Bill > A03490

This bill imposes an excise tax on sugary drinks and establishes a community health equity fund to utilize the revenues generated by such tax. The bill defines a "sugary drink" as any nonalcoholic beverage containing added sugars and creates a tiered tax structure based on the amount of sugar per twelve fluid ounces: beverages with 7.5 grams or less of sugar are not taxed, those with more than 7.5 but less than 30 grams are taxed at one cent per ounce, and beverages with 30 grams or more of sugar are taxed at two cents per ounce. The tax applies to both beverages and the syrups or powders used to make them. The revenues collected will be deposited into a new community health equity fund, with 50% allocated to supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) incentives for fruit and vegetable purchases, and 50% distributed to a community health benefits trust. The bill also establishes a community advisory board on health equity to make recommendations on fund allocation, consisting of 13 members appointed by various state leaders. The board will focus on improving health equity, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, by supporting programs that address nutrition, physical activity, and chronic health conditions.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3490