Bill > H4281

This bill aims to expand access to healthy food choices in vending machines on state property. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to establish evidence-based nutritional and food procurement standards for all food and beverages sold through vending machines on state property, based on federal and industry guidelines. 2. Mandating the Department of Public Health to promulgate regulations to implement the nutritional standards, including requirements for displaying nutritional information on vending machines and a schedule for compliance by vendors and non-licensed vendors. 3. Empowering the Department to monitor compliance, report on implementation, and take enforcement actions, such as terminating contracts with vendors who fail to comply with the nutritional standards. 4. Clarifying that state agencies are not required to place vending machines on state property, but if they do, the machines must meet the nutritional standards. The overall goal of this bill is to improve the availability of healthy food and beverage options in vending machines on state-owned or managed properties, in order to promote healthier choices for state employees and visitors.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4281