If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section (15-242.01) to the Arizona Revised Statutes, which would prohibit schools participating in federally funded meal programs from serving, selling, or allowing third parties to sell ultraprocessed foods on campus during the normal school day starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill clarifies that parents are still permitted to provide ultraprocessed foods to their children during school hours. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) would be required to post a standardized compliance certification form and a list of schools that comply with this prohibition on its website.

The bill also defines "ultraprocessed food" by listing specific ingredients that categorize a food or beverage as such, including potassium bromate, propylparaben, and various artificial dyes. Furthermore, the legislation includes findings that highlight the concerns of childhood obesity and the nutritional quality of foods served in public schools, asserting that taxpayer-funded meal programs should prioritize nutritious, minimally processed foods. The act would be officially titled the "Arizona Healthy Schools Act."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-242.01