This bill, introduced by Senator McMath, amends various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to establish the Office of Health and Nutrition within the Louisiana Department of Health. Key provisions include the creation of this office, which will be responsible for promoting health and nutrition, healthcare access, and chronic disease prevention, among other duties. The bill outlines that the office will be led by an executive director who reports directly to the secretary of the department. Additionally, the office will coordinate initiatives such as the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The bill also makes several amendments to existing statutes, including the redefinition of certain offices within the Department of Health and the transfer of responsibilities related to the WIC program from the Office of Public Health to the newly established Office of Health and Nutrition. Notably, it deletes references to specific programs and responsibilities previously assigned to the Office of Public Health, while inserting new language that emphasizes the role of the Office of Health and Nutrition in addressing health and nutrition issues. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB219 Original: 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 46:3(A)
SB219 Engrossed: 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 46:3(A)
SB219 Reengrossed: 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 46:3(A)
SB219 Enrolled: 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 46:3(A)
SB219 Act 368: 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 46:3(A)