SENATE BILL 375

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Pete Campos

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION; ENACTING THE SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION AND NUTRITION ACT; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. SHORT TITLE.--This act may be cited as the "School Health Education and Nutrition Act".

     Section 2. PURPOSE.--The purpose of the School Health Education and Nutrition Act is to provide New Mexico public school students with optimal nutrition and with nutrition and physical activity education to promote better health and improve their learning abilities.

     Section 3. STUDY.--The public education department shall appoint a committee consisting of school administrators from urban and rural school districts, a nutrition expert, school board representatives, school food service directors and food and beverage industry representatives to:

          A. study and make recommendations on current nutritional offerings in New Mexico public schools and how they can be improved;

          B. study and make recommendations on possible restriction of the sale of beverages, candy and other items with minimal nutritional value to students in public schools;

          C. study and develop curriculum programs for teaching and promoting healthy physical activity; and

          D. assess the financial impact on public schools if food and beverage sales are reduced and identify possible alternative sources of revenues.

     Section 4. APPROPRIATION--NUTRITION AND EXERCISE STUDY.--Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2005 for the purpose of studying how New Mexico public schools can best provide improved nutrition and education for optimum nutrition and physical activity. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2005 shall revert to the general fund.

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