The bill S.26, introduced by a group of Senators, aims to prohibit the use of specific artificial dyes in foods and beverages served or sold in school districts and approved independent schools during the school day. The proposed legislation adds a new section, 16 V.S.A. 1264b, which outlines that schools must not serve items containing any of the following artificial dyes: Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. The bill specifies that this prohibition applies to food and beverages served as part of school lunch and breakfast programs, as well as competitive food sales.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the prohibition does not apply to foods or beverages sold or served away from school campuses or at least half an hour after the school day until midnight. The definitions of "competitive food" and "school day" are also provided to ensure clarity in the implementation of the law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.