S 1396 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to protect youth from the health risks of sugary drinks

This bill amends Massachusetts state laws to restrict the marketing of sugary drinks in schools and requires chain restaurants to label high-sugar menu items. It directly affects school districts, local education agencies, and restaurant chains by prohibiting the advertising of non-compliant beverages on school property and banning programs that reward students with such drinks. The law defines "non-compliant beverages" as those failing federal nutrition standards and mandates that restaurants display an icon next to any standard menu item exceeding the daily value for added sugars. While the bill bans advertising on school buses, uniforms, and facilities, it allows promotions on external media outlets and product packaging. Additionally, the legislation does not apply to infrequent fundraising events held outside of normal school hours.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Mar 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Mar 21, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 21, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors