SENATE 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.

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

Background: Prenatal care is medical attention given to an expectant mother and her developing baby. Prenatal care also involves the mother caring for herself by following her health care provider’s advice, practicing good nutrition, exercising sensibly, and avoiding certain foods and activities harmful to herself or her baby. Good nutrition during pregnancy promotes a mother's health and may reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, for her child.

Summary of Bill: The Department of Health (DOH) must develop and make available educational resources for pregnant women regarding best practices in prenatal nutrition. The educational resources may include, but are not limited to, courses delivered in-person or electronically and pamphlets printed on paper or made available on DOH's website. The educational resources are intended to provide pregnant women knowledge of healthy foods and essential daily nutrients needed to promote infant growth and development.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Obesity prevention programs often start in grade school, but that is too late. Nutrition education should begin as early as pregnancy. This bill is about providing existing materials on nutrition to pregnant women and their families.