The bill, H.B. No. 1637, aims to prohibit the use of glyphosate herbicides and certain food additives in primary and secondary schools in Texas. It amends the Agriculture Code by adding a new subsection that prohibits the application of glyphosate on school grounds, with an exception for high schools where it may be used for agricultural curriculum or research purposes. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section in the Education Code that prohibits school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from providing meals that contain specific food additives, including various artificial colors such as blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6, as well as any similar additives.

The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 76.101 (Agriculture Code 76)