HB 612

Abstract

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Establishes the Childhood Health Promotion Program to prevent and reduce the incidence and prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents, especially among populations with high rates of obesity and obesity-related health complications including, but not limited to, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, asthma, and other conditions. Provides several features of the Childhood Health Promotion Program. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall periodically collect and analyze information from schools, health and nutrition programs, and other sources to determine the prevalence of childhood obesity in the State. Amends the School Code. Authorizes and encourages every school district and the Chicago Board of Education to establish a Child Nutrition Advisory Committee to study all facets of the current nutritional policies of the district and board including, but not limited to, the goals of the district and board to promote health and proper nutrition, vending machine sales, menu criteria, educational curriculum teaching health nutrition, educational information provided to parents or guardians regarding healthy nutrition and the health risks associated with obesity, opportunities offered to parents or guardians to encourage healthier eating habits to students, and the education provided to teachers and other staff as to the importance of health nutrition.