Bill to Ban Sugar-Sweetened Sports Drinks in Schools Advances

When California banned sugar-sweetened soda in public schools six years ago, there was a loophole: sugared electrolyte replacement beverages (sports drinks). SB 1255, legislation by Senator Alex Padilla in the San Fernando Valley, took another step today when the Senate Education Committee approved it in a 6 to 2 vote. “We have prohibited the sale of soft drinks at schools during the school day to improve both the health and academic focus of our children, SB 1255 continues that effort,” said Senator Padilla. “This is a common sense step forward in the effort to address the obesity epidemic in California." The bill is sponsored by Governor Schwarzenegger.