Bill > SB977

This bill requires chain restaurants, defined as food establishments that operate 20 or more locations under the same name and sell similar menu items, to offer at least one children's meal that meets specific nutritional standards informed by federal dietary guidelines. To combat childhood health issues, these compliant meals must not exceed 550 calories, 700 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of added sugar, zero grams of trans fat, and a limited amount of saturated fat, while also incorporating at least two healthy food servings such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meats, or whole grains. Additionally, the legislation mandates that affected restaurants must provide compliance training to their staff during onboarding and ongoing training programs by July 1, 2027. Under existing California law, failing to follow children's meal regulations is treated as an infraction, meaning that creating these new rules introduces potential legal violations for businesses that do not comply, though the state will not provide financial reimbursement to local agencies for enforcing these infractions.