A scaled-back bill restricting the sale of candy, sugar-laden soft drinks and other so-called junk food at Arizona public schools got out of committee amid criticism that it trampled on local control.

The House K-12 Education Committee endorsed the bill Feb. 9 (H2544) on a 5-4 vote after first amending it to exclude high schools from the requirement.

The bill would require that cafeterias, snack bars and vending machines not sell candy or other foods and beverages heavy in sugar or saturated fat on the grounds of elementary, middle and junior high schools during school hours.

Arizona’s Department of Education would be required to develop minimum nutrition standards that are consistent with federal guidelines. Districts would have to comply with the standards.

The bill would not apply to sales before or after school hours, so snacks sold at sports contests would not be affected.

The bill drew support from the Arizona PTA, school nutritionists, health care providers, dairymen and some educators. It was opposed by vending machine operators and soft drink makers and at least two statewide school associations.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Mark Anderson of Mesa, defended it as a reasonable and necessary move, particularly since many parents don’t act in their children’s best interest on nutrition.

“This is a minimum policy that basically says we want healthy children,’ Mr. Anderson said.

Rep. Warde Nichols, R-Chandler, said decisions on nutrition should be left up to parents and local school district boards.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne supported the bill.

The bill next must clear the Health and Rules Committee before reaching the full House.

–Paul Davenport

Associated Press