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.

School Nutrition Bill Gets Preliminary House OK

The House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would limit the kinds of beverages that can be sold to students at public schools and at charter schools.

SB 129 does not specifically ban the sale of soft drinks and other heavily sugar-laden beverages on school campuses. Instead, it would require school districts and the charter school institute to write policies that forbid the sale of beverages that do not meet minimum nutritional standards.

The bill would apply to sales in cafeterias, from vending machines and school stores, and at fundraising events held on campuses.

The House sponsor is Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley. It was carried in the Senate by Democrat Dan Gibbs of Silverthorne.

The measure faces one more vote in the House. If it passes on third reading, it will go to Gov. Bill Ritter.

School Nutrition Bill Clears Senate

A bill that would require the state's school districts and charter schools to sell only those beverages that meet science-based, nationally-recognized nutritional standards gained final approval by the Senate Thursday.

SB 129, sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, is an attempt to combat childhood obesity. The bill would direct the state Board of Education and the Charter School Institute to set rules establishing what nutritious beverages can be sold on campuses.

If enacted, the bill's provisions would go into effect for the 2008-2009 school year. Its terms would cover sale of beverages after regular school hours, such as when students are engaged in extracurricular activities. It would apply to sales of beverages in school cafeterias, vending machines, school stores and at fundraising activities conducted on school campuses.

The bill passed on a 20-13 vote, with Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, the only Republican in support. All Democratic Senators, except Paula Sandoval of Denver, voted for the bill. Sandoval and Republican Nancy Spence of Centennial were absent, though Spence voted against the bill in committee.