TITLE: Relating to a study on food deserts and their disproportionate impact among communities of color.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study on food deserts and their disproportionate impact among communities of color.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study on food deserts and their disproportionate impact among communities of color. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. (a) In this section: (1) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services. (2) "Food desert" means a geographic area in this state the department determines is an area with limited access to healthy and nutritious food. (b) The department, in collaboration with any appropriate state agency, shall conduct a study on food deserts and any disproportionate impact food deserts have on communities of color. In conducting the study, the department shall: (1) investigate the causes of food deserts; (2) investigate the health effects of food deserts; (3) investigate the financial impact of food deserts; (4) compare access to healthy and nutritious food related to an individual's: (A) age; (B) race and ethnicity; and (C) socioeconomic background; and (5) investigate the origins of any disproportionate impact food deserts have on communities of color. (c) Based on the results of the study conducted under this section, the department shall develop recommendations for legislative and other action to: (1) address disparities in food access among communities of color; and (2) increase access to healthy and nutritious food. (d) Not later than September 1, 2026, the department shall prepare and submit to each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the Department of State Health Services a written report summarizing the results of the study and including the recommendations developed under this section. (e) This Act expires September 1, 2027. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.