Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB5

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from serving meals to students that contain certain ingredients.(See HF 212.)

Impact

If enacted, HSB5 would directly modify the dietary guidelines for school meal programs in Iowa, bringing about a significant change to the ingredient lists used by dining facilities in educational settings. The statute aims to make school meals healthier by eliminating certain artificial colorants and margarine, which may be viewed as unhealthy options by some nutritionists and health advocates. This reformation of dietary standards reflects a growing trend towards improving child health through educational policy changes.

Summary

House Study Bill 5 (HSB5) is aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals served in Iowa. The legislation proposes that school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools are prohibited from serving meals that contain specific ingredients deemed harmful or undesirable. The bill specifically lists red dye 40, yellow dye 7, and margarine as prohibited ingredients in any breakfast or lunch programs. This legislative effort seeks to improve student health by restricting the inclusion of certain artificial ingredients that have been linked to health concerns.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HSB5 include debates over parental and local control in deciding what constitutes acceptable food ingredients for school meals. Supporters argue that by banning specific ingredients, the bill will contribute positively to student health and well-being. Critics, however, may contend that such legislation could be too prescriptive, undermining the autonomy of schools and parents to make informed food choices based on individual preferences and regional culinary traditions. Hence, the bill highlights a broader dialogue about governmental role in public health versus individual liberties.

Companion Bills

IA HF212

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to meals, food, and beverages provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 5.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2060

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA HF2073

A bill for an act authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide services to students.

IA SSB3092

A bill for an act authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide services to students.

IA HSB651

A bill for an act relating to health examinations, surveys, and screenings conducted by school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.(See HF 2393.)

IA HF575

A bill for an act relating to free school breakfast and lunch for students eligible to receive reduced price meals under federal programs at public schools, certain charter schools, and certain nonpublic schools and making an appropriation.

IA SF2138

A bill for an act relating to the administration of social, academic, and emotional behavior risk screener tools by school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA HF2393

A bill for an act relating to health examinations, surveys, and screenings conducted by school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. (Formerly HSB 651.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA HF2031

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See HF 2617.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.