Texas lawmakers tackle public health and food system issues

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign message is gaining traction, especially in Texas. The state’s lawmakers are filing a slate of bills aimed at addressing the state’s food system, public health, and related concerns. This comes on the heels of Trump’s controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental activist and vaccine skeptic, as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy’s nomination signals a continued push against government-mandated vaccines, which aligns with recent legislative efforts in Texas.

Vaccine Mandate Legislation on the Rise

Texas lawmakers are responding to the broader national debate on vaccine mandates, a key issue for Kennedy and Trump. During a third special session last year, Texas legislators passed a law prohibiting private employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment, marking a significant victory for opponents of such mandates. This push to limit vaccine requirements is continuing into 2024.

Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) has filed multiple bills addressing vaccine-related issues. One of his most notable proposals, Senate Bill (SB) 96, seeks to introduce new vaccine administration requirements, enhance health exemptions, and mandate better transparency on vaccine risks, including record-keeping of adverse events. Hall also introduced a bill that would require clear labeling on food products that contain any ingredients derived from mRNA vaccines, ensuring consumers are fully informed about the contents of their food.

In addition to Hall’s efforts, Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) has filed legislation requiring informed consent before healthcare providers administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) has also introduced House Bill (HB) 383, which would strengthen the state’s ban on private employer vaccine mandates and protect employees who choose not to vaccinate from facing any adverse actions.

Scrutiny of Food Additives and “Lab-Grown” Meat

As concerns about public health extend to the food system, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advocacy against toxic chemicals and environmental toxins has resonated with lawmakers in Texas. Kennedy, known for his criticism of federal oversight, has warned that American children are growing up in a “toxic soup” due to harmful additives in food and chemicals in the environment. Texas lawmakers appear to be taking these concerns seriously, filing a variety of bills aimed at improving food safety and labeling.

Rep. Caroline Harris Davila (R-Round Rock) and Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) have jointly filed legislation to ban harmful food additives, including brominated vegetable oil and red dye number 3, from school meals provided through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. The bill would apply to both public school districts and charter schools, ensuring that students are not exposed to these potentially harmful substances.

Another hot-button issue in the state’s food system is the sale of cell-cultured, or lab-grown, meat. Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) has introduced a bill to ban the sale of such products in Texas, echoing similar actions taken by other states, including Florida and Alabama. These products, made by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment, have faced pushback from certain lawmakers who believe they should not be sold without clear labeling.

Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson (R-Galveston) has also filed legislation to require the clear labeling of meat, poultry, and shrimp products in Texas to indicate their origin. This bill aims to inform consumers about whether the food they are purchasing was produced within the state, with additional provisions for shrimp imported from outside the U.S. requiring restaurants to disclose their origin.

Health and Food Transparency

In addition to vaccine-related and food labeling legislation, other bills focus on improving transparency and consumer rights in the food and health sectors. Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) has filed a bill to require clearer labeling of certain products produced by “cottage food production operations.” Meanwhile, Rep. Mihaela Plesa (D-Dallas) introduced legislation to create a statewide health coordinating council to improve health literacy across Texas.

Rep. Valoree Swanson (R-Spring) has filed a bill to create a constitutional amendment securing the right to engage in ranching and the production of natural meat products. This bill highlights the state’s commitment to ensuring that Texas ranchers and producers maintain control over the state’s agricultural practices.

A State-Driven Approach to Public Health

With the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) overseeing public health in the state and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) managing the state’s food system, the state government plays a key role in addressing these issues. Nearly 32% of the state’s budget is allocated to DSHS, which is tasked with protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the food supply.

The federal Department of Health and Human Services, employing around 80,000 people across 13 divisions, is one of the largest government entities, with a $1.5 trillion budget as of 2022. Under Trump’s administration, the HHS is expected to continue its focus on deregulation, a theme that aligns with Kennedy’s appointment.

Looking Ahead

While Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS has sparked controversy and concern among some political factions, Texas lawmakers appear determined to continue advancing a legislative agenda focused on public health, food safety, and consumer rights. From vaccine mandates to food labeling and environmental toxins, the state is poised to tackle these issues head-on, with legislation that could set the stage for broader national debates in the coming years.