HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6299

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:

March 5, 2014

Title: An act relating to prenatal nutrition education.

Brief Description: Requiring the department of health to develop and make available resources for pregnant women regarding prenatal nutrition.

Sponsors: Senators Becker, Keiser and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/19/14, 2/20/14 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/5/14, 86-11.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Health to develop educational resources for pregnant women regarding prenatal nutrition best practices to promote infant health.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Riccelli, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Clibborn, DeBolt, G. Hunt, Jinkins, Manweller, Moeller, Morrell, Rodne, Ross, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).

Background:

Pregnant women have special nutritional needs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends, for example, that pregnant women consume adequate vitamins and minerals and avoid foods that may cause listeriosis.

The Department of Health (Department) operates a website, the Health Education Resource Exchange, that provides brochures and fact sheets on a variety of health-related topics, including pregnancy. Pregnancy-related fact sheets on the Health Education Resource Exchange include information about harmful foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and oral health during pregnancy.

Summary of Bill:

The Department must develop and make available educational resources for pregnant women regarding prenatal nutrition best practices to promote infant health. The resources may include courses delivered in-person or electronically, as well as pamphlets printed on paper or made available on the Department's website.

The educational resources are intended to provide pregnant women with knowledge of healthy foods and essential nutrients to promote infant growth and development.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Teaching pregnant women about nutritional habits and good eating will help prevent obesity. Women will pass that knowledge on to their children. By the time children are in grade school, patterns have been established, and it is almost too late to work on obesity.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Becker, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.