Governor Abbott Signs “Make America Healthy Again” Legislation

In a ceremonial bill signing held today, Governor Greg Abbott (R) officially signed into law a package of bipartisan public health legislation, Senate Bills 25, 314, and 379, collectively known as the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

Joined by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the event marked a major step forward in Texas’ effort to confront chronic disease and promote healthier lifestyles statewide.

"Every legislator in Texas wants to see Texas be put on a pathway to be healthier," said Governor Abbott. "These bills that I am signing today put Texas on that pathway. Taxpayer dollars will no longer be used to fund chronic health problems in our state. These bills were truly a bipartisan effort, and I am proud to sign them into effect."

Secretary Kennedy applauded Texas’ leadership and called the move a national model, “Texas has chosen a bold new course for public health—one I urge other states to follow.”

The Governor was joined by key Republican leaders and stakeholders, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Senators Bryan Hughes, Lois Kolkhorst, and Mayes Middleton, and Representatives Stan Gerdes, Caroline Harris-Davila, and Lacey Hull.

The three bills signed into law represent a coordinated effort to improve public health outcomes across Texas.

Senate Bill 25, authored by Kolkhorst and Hull, known as the "Make Texas Healthy Again" Act, focuses on integrating nutrition education throughout the state’s public education and healthcare systems. It mandates the inclusion of nutrition-focused curriculum in K–12 schools, higher education institutions, and training for healthcare professionals. Additionally, it enhances food label transparency to help consumers make more informed and healthier choices.

Senate Bill 314, authored by Hughes and Harris-Davila, aims to improve the nutritional quality of school meals by prohibiting the use of certain food additives in meals served under free or reduced-price lunch programs.

Senate Bill 379, authored by Middleton and Gerdes, restricts the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of sugary drinks and candy. The goal is to encourage healthier spending habits among recipients and reduce diet-related health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption.

The three bills reflect a rare bipartisan consensus on the need for systemic reforms to combat chronic disease, obesity, and poor nutrition in Texas.