BILL REQ. #:  H-0752.2 

Read first time 01/23/13.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to the establishment of food and beverage provision and service policies; and adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that obesity rates are at epidemic proportions and that action must be taken on many fronts to improve the health and well-being of our citizens and curb future health care costs. If left unchecked, the adult obesity rate in Washington could reach over fifty-five percent by 2030.
     (2) The legislature recognizes that it has a role in protecting and improving the health of its citizens and has already initiated multiple efforts to promote healthy eating and active living, especially among the state's most vulnerable populations. In this role, the state government is generally seen as the educator when in fact it is also an employer, food and beverage provider, and caregiver. The legislature finds that in all of these roles, the state government should model its behavior after contemporary practices for the direct provision and service of food and beverage. Such policies can make healthier food and beverages more readily available, affordable, and appealing.
     (3) By setting minimum standards for state food provision and service, the legislature intends to:
     (a) Make state government a model for efficient, healthy, and locally sourced food and beverage provision and service;
     (b) Support local and small business producers, distributors, and processors of healthier foods in Washington state;
     (c) Improve the nutritional quality of foods served to tens of thousands of Washington residents each day, especially to our most vulnerable populations;
     (d) Decrease the health effects and societal impacts of diseases related to poor nutrition; and
     (e) Develop a more productive workforce that strengthens Washington's economy.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1)(a) By January 1, 2014, all agencies and other interested organizations shall adopt and begin implementation of a food and beverage service policy that establishes standards for the circumstances identified in this section as applicable to each agency. The general services administration document, "health and sustainability guidelines for federal concessions and vending operations" must be used as a minimum standard. Each agency's policy must be fully implemented no later than December 13, 2014.
     (b) The food and beverage service policy must apply to:
     (i) Food and beverages directly provided by state agencies for their employees and guests at meetings;
     (ii) Food and beverages made available to employees of state agencies and guests in vending machines or through on-site vendors in all buildings, facilities, and properties that are owned or leased by the state;
     (iii) Food and beverages that are prepared on-site by private operators and state-operated cafeterias and cafes that are sold to state employees and the public; and
     (iv) Food and beverages that are provided to custodial populations, including clients, inmates, and patients.
     (2) The department of health shall provide written implementation guidance to all agencies and may provide technical support to assist agencies implementing food and beverage provision and services policies pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
     (3) The department of social and health services and the department of corrections may identify special populations with particular health or religious dietary needs that need to be exempt from the requirements of this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   By July 1, 2015, the department of health must submit a report to the legislature summarizing the implementation of the food and beverage provision and service policy developed under section 2 of this act, changes needed to food provision and service practices, any savings and other benefits realized through the policy, and recommendations for any policy modifications.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Nothing in this chapter applies to food served:
     (1) In support of training programs conducted by the Washington state patrol;
     (2) In support of other criminal justice training programs, such as training for park rangers; or
     (3) At the criminal justice training center.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Sections 1 through 4 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 70 RCW.