89R1934 JDK-D
By: Morales of Harris H.B. No. 231
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on food deserts and their disproportionate
impact among communities of color.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Department" means the Department of State Health
Services.
(2) "Food desert" means a geographic area in this
state the department determines is an area with limited access to
healthy and nutritious food.
(b) The department, in collaboration with any appropriate
state agency, shall conduct a study on food deserts and any
disproportionate impact food deserts have on communities of color.
In conducting the study, the department shall:
(1) investigate the causes of food deserts;
(2) investigate the health effects of food deserts;
(3) investigate the financial impact of food deserts;
(4) compare access to healthy and nutritious food
related to an individual's:
(A) age;
(B) race and ethnicity; and
(C) socioeconomic background; and
(5) investigate the origins of any disproportionate
impact food deserts have on communities of color.
(c) Based on the results of the study conducted under this
section, the department shall develop recommendations for
legislative and other action to:
(1) address disparities in food access among
communities of color; and
(2) increase access to healthy and nutritious food.
(d) Not later than September 1, 2026, the department shall
prepare and submit to each standing committee of the legislature
with primary jurisdiction over the Department of State Health
Services a written report summarizing the results of the study and
including the recommendations developed under this section.
(e) This Act expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.