HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE

TITLE 2. HEALTH

SUBTITLE E. HEALTH CARE COUNCILS AND RESOURCE CENTERS

For expiration of this chapter, see Section 119B.007.

CHAPTER 119B.  TEXAS NUTRITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sec. 119B.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "advisory committee" means the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.002.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED.  The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee is established to develop nutritional guidelines for residents of this state.  The advisory committee is administratively attached to the department.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.003.  MEMBERSHIP.  (a)  The advisory committee is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, including at least:
(1)  one expert in metabolic health, culinary medicine, lifestyle medicine, or integrative medicine;
(2)  one licensed physician certified in functional medicine;
(3)  one member representing the Texas Department of Agriculture;
(4)  one member representing a rural community;
(5)  one member representing an urban community; and
(6)  one pediatrician specializing in metabolic health.
(b)  In appointing the advisory committee members, the governor must:
(1)  consider recommendations provided by:
(A)  the chair of the senate committee on health and human services;
(B)  the chair of the house of representatives committee on public health; and
(C)  the chair of the house of representatives committee on human services; and
(2)  ensure not more than two members are affiliated with an academic or health-related institution of higher education if the appointment could reasonably create a conflict of interest between the goals of the advisory committee and the goals of the institution.
(c)  An individual is ineligible for appointment to the advisory committee if the individual:
(1)  owns or controls an ownership interest in a food, beverage, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing company; or
(2)  is related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity, as determined by Chapter 573, Government Code, to an individual who owns or controls an ownership interest in a food, beverage, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing company.
(d)  Before accepting an appointment under this section, an individual must disclose all past or existing affiliations with a food, beverage, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing company or any other affiliation that could reasonably create a conflict of interest with the goals of the advisory committee.  An advisory committee member who fails to disclose an affiliation described by this subsection is subject to removal by the governor.
(e)  Advisory committee members serve staggered four-year terms.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.004.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE DUTIES.  The advisory committee shall:
(1)  examine the impact of nutrition on human health and examine the connection between ultra-processed foods, including foods containing artificial color and food additives, and the prevalence of chronic diseases and other chronic health issues;
(2)  provide an independent review of scientific studies analyzing the effects of ultra-processed foods on human health;
(3)  provide education on the effects of ultra-processed foods on human health; and
(4)  develop and maintain dietary and nutritional guidelines based on the consensus of available scientific studies and information concerning diet and nutrition.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.005.  ANNUAL REPORT.  Not later than September 1 of each year, the advisory committee shall prepare and submit to the department, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over health and safety a written report that includes:
(1)  a summary of the scientific studies;
(2)  nutritional guidelines incorporating any new scientific findings; and
(3)  any other recommendations the advisory committee considers appropriate based on new scientific studies.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.006.  DEPARTMENT NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES WEB PAGE.  (a)  The department shall post on a publicly available web page on the department's Internet website the guidelines developed under Section 119B.004 in a manner that is easily accessible and readily understandable.
(b)  The department shall annually update information posted under this section based on the report submitted under Section 119B.005.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.007.  EXPIRATION.  The advisory committee is abolished and this chapter expires December 31, 2032.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 119B.008.  RULES.  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission may adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1179 (S.B. 25), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2025.