School Nutrition Bill Hits Ritter's Desk

The Senate re-approved a bill requiring public schools, including charter schools, to avoid making soft drinks and other heavily sugared drinks available to students in vending machines, cafeterias and at on-campus events, sending the measure to Gov. Bill Ritter.

SB 129 directs school districts and the charter school institute to write policies limiting students' choice to milk, flavored milk, juices, sports drinks and water.

The Senate took the measure up again because it had been amended in the House. The final vote was 21-14.

Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, was the only Republican senator to support the bill, which had the support of all the chamber's Democrats.

Democrat Dan Gibbs of Silverthorne carried the bill in the Senate.