The proposed bill, known as the "Healthy Kids Act," aims to address the rising rates of childhood obesity in Rhode Island by establishing nutritional standards for children's meals served in restaurants. Under this act, restaurants will be required to offer at least two healthy options for children's meals, or twenty-five percent of the children's meals on their menu, whichever is greater. These meals must adhere to specific nutritional guidelines, including limits on calories, sodium, added sugars, saturated fat, and trans-fat. Additionally, the act mandates that the default beverage for children's meals must be either water, unflavored nonfat or low-fat milk, or a non-dairy milk alternative, all without added sweeteners.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health in implementing and enforcing these standards, including the creation of informational resources in both English and Spanish to assist restaurants and their employees. Furthermore, restaurants will be required to train their staff on compliance with the act and maintain records of the nutritional content of children's meals. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.