TX
Texas House Bill HB1637

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1637

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the prohibition of glyphosate herbicides and certain food additives at primary and secondary schools.

Impact

The legislation seeks to avoid the application of known harmful substances in areas frequented by children, which could potentially lead to adverse health outcomes. By prohibiting the use of specific food additives like artificial colorings, the bill aims to promote healthier meal options for students. This policy could significantly influence school nutrition programs, pushing them towards more natural food sources and potentially affecting food service providers' operations in Texas schools.

Summary

House Bill 1637 aims to enhance the safety of school environments in Texas by prohibiting the use of glyphosate herbicides on school grounds and banning certain food additives in meals provided to students. The bill indicates that glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, can only be applied in high school settings for agricultural curriculum or research purposes, thereby restricting its use in public and private schools. This move is part of a broader public health initiative, reflecting growing concerns over the safety and long-term effects of chemical exposure on children in educational settings.

Contention

Debate around HB 1637 may center on the balance between agricultural practices and public health concerns. Proponents argue that the health and safety of students should take precedence, while opponents might highlight the implications for agricultural education funding and opportunities. Additionally, there could be discussions on the practicality of implementing such bans in schools, particularly concerning available alternatives to both glyphosate and the listed food additives. Overall, this bill may ignite conversations about the intersection of environmental practices and education policies.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Agriculture Code

  • Chapter 76. Pesticide And Herbicide Regulation
    • Section: New Section

Education Code

  • Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5197

Relating to certain limitations on private primary or secondary schools receiving state money.

TX HB4070

Relating to eliminating the requirement that private primary and secondary schools post certain signs regarding human trafficking.

TX HB3623

Relating to a memorandum of understanding between public or private primary or secondary schools authorizing a school marshal of one school to act as a school marshal at the other school during an event at which both schools participate.

TX HB2484

Relating to the safety of a referee, judge, or other official at certain public school extracurricular activities and competitions and prohibiting certain conduct by a spectator related to those officials' safety.

TX SB1177

Relating to required immunizations for children and primary or secondary school students.

TX HB40

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1060

Relating to the implementation of telehealth services programs at certain public primary and secondary schools and the appointment of a telehealth services program task force to conduct a study and issue a report concerning the implementation of those programs.

TX SB662

Relating to the implementation of telehealth services programs at certain public primary and secondary schools and the appointment of a telehealth services program task force to conduct a study and issue a report concerning the implementation of those programs.

TX HB3910

Relating to requiring a school security officer license to provide private security services at a public primary or secondary school.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.