PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB997

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB997

Introduced
5/18/23  

Caption

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

Impact

If passed, HB 997 would modify existing regulations governing beverage availability in schools. The act is designed to ensure that Pennsylvania-made milk, classified as either whole or reduced-fat, is more accessible to students. This approach is anticipated to increase milk consumption in schools, promoting better dietary habits among students while also bolstering the local dairy industry. Furthermore, the bill designates Pennsylvania milk as being in the stream of intrastate commerce, reflecting its intended support for local agriculture.

Summary

House Bill 997, known as the Whole Milk in Pennsylvania Schools Act, aims to enhance the availability of whole and reduced-fat milk products in Pennsylvania schools. The bill permits school districts and other educational institutions to utilize state or local funds for the purchase and sale of Pennsylvania-produced milk. This legislation responds to growing concerns regarding student nutrition and aims to support local dairy farmers by facilitating the sale of state-produced milk within schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 997 appeared to be generally positive among proponents, particularly those in the agricultural sector and education advocates who emphasize the importance of providing nutritious options for students. However, discussions may reveal some contention, particularly from public health advocates who could voice concerns regarding balancing nutrition with potential regulatory challenges related to federal school meal guidelines.

Contention

Notably, HB 997 includes provisions for the Secretary of Education to report on the impact of the bill after its implementation, tracking changes in milk consumption and actions taken to promote its availability. While proponents argue that this bill supports both student health and local agriculture, opponents may raise concerns about its alignment with federal restrictions on school milk options, potentially creating friction regarding the compliance of educational institutions with national standards.

Latest HB997 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB179

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB463

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB297

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SR119

Urging the Congress of the United States to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 and amend or repeal Federal law relating to program requirements in order to allow for the availability of whole milk and 2% reduced fat milk, flavored or unflavored, in elementary and secondary schools in Pennsylvania and urging the United States Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Health and Human Services to update Federal standards relating to the establishment of dietary guidelines in order to permit the availability of whole milk and 2% reduced fat milk, flavored or unflavored, in elementary and secondary schools in Pennsylvania.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB1113

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB1096

Establishing the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program and the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program Account; and providing for research on Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program.

PA HB571

Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.

PA HB224

Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.

PA HB587

Amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

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