Senate Bill No. 219, introduced by Senator McMath, aims to create the Office of Health and Nutrition within the Louisiana Department of Health. The bill amends several sections of the current law, specifically R.S. 36:251, 254, 257, and 258, to include the new office and outlines its responsibilities, which include leading and coordinating the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The bill also establishes that the office will have an executive director who reports directly to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the Louisiana Department of Health to transfer funding and positions within the department to facilitate the establishment and implementation of the Office of Health and Nutrition. It also modifies the existing language regarding the roles and responsibilities of the department's offices, ensuring that the new office operates under the direct supervision of the secretary. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB219 Original: 36:251(C)(1), 36:254(B)(1), 36:257(A), 36:258(A), 46:3(A)