AZ
Arizona House Bill HB2706

Arizona 2022 Regular Session

Arizona House Bill HB2706

Caption

Nutrition; health; pilot programs; grants

Impact

The implications of HB 2706 are significant for state health law and public health initiatives as it seeks to strengthen local and state food supply chains, particularly emphasizing support for Arizona's agricultural sector. Healthcare integration with food programming is expected to enhance overall health outcomes by facilitating better access to nutrition resources, thereby potentially reducing the burden of diet-related diseases on the healthcare system. Furthermore, at least two grants will focus on rural service areas, targeting regions often affected by food scarcity and health disparities.

Summary

House Bill 2706 establishes a 'Food as Medicine' grant pilot program in Arizona, aimed at exploring the connections between nutrition and health outcomes particularly regarding diet-related illnesses. This bill mandates the Department of Health Services to fund at least five pilot programs focusing on essential aspects such as nutrition education, accessibility of healthy food for children and families, and the integration of health care systems with nutrition-based programming. The program is set to run for three years, with the goal of providing innovative solutions to improve health by addressing dietary issues that lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Contention

A noteworthy aspect of HB 2706 is its focus on collaboration among various community stakeholders, which is essential for the success of the pilot programs. Critics may argue about the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of pilot programs in translating to long-term health improvements. The requirement to report on progress and funding impacts to legislative leaders is designed to ensure accountability and transparency in how the program is implemented. However, the bill’s eventual repeal in June 2026 raises questions regarding the sustainability of the initiatives it introduces, pushing for discussions on permanent solutions to the issues of nutrition and health in Arizona.

Latest HB2706 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB360

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB181

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

MD HB200

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB290

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2023)