BILL NUMBER:S3094A

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to establish a pilot program related to making
the gluten content of food available at certain state owned, operated,
or leased cafeterias; and providing for the repeal of such provisions
upon expiration thereof

PURPOSE:  To provide safety for those with food allergies who are
served through owned, operated or leased state businesses.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section One of the bill creates a pilot program making the gluten
content of food available at certain state cafeterias, and providing
for repeal upon expiration thereof.

Section Two provides this act shall take effect on the one hundred
eightieth day after it shall become law, and shall expire and be
deemed repealed three years after such date.

JUSTIFICATION:  This bill will create a pilot program to make
available the gluten content of foods served in certain cafeterias
owned by the state.  Pursuant to this legislation, the state shall
clearly and conspicuously post and make available all information
regarding the gluten content of foods being served and shall have an
employee available during the hours of operation with the capacity to
              

identify gluten-free food or beverages.

Approximately 15% of the United States population suffers from gluten
intolerance of one form or another, ranging from gluten sensitivity to
Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the
small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
Celiac disease affects people in all parts of the world.

Originally thought to be a rare childhood syndrome, celiac disease is
now known to be a common genetic disorder. It is also becoming more
prevalent, as gluten is now used in a far wider variety of foods than
in previous years. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate
gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found
mainly in foods, but may also be found in everyday products such as
medicines, vitamins and lip balms.

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be disabling and require
sufferers to spend large amounts of time and money treating the
disease or syndrome. This bill will create a pilot program designed to
reduce the suffering of sufferers who patronize state-owned cafeterias
as a way to determine the ultimate cost and feasibility of instituting
gluten labeling requirements in all state owned, leased and operated
eating establishments.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:  2011-12: S.1124 - Referred to Health 2010:
S.7460 - Referred to Health

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None.


EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the one hundred
eightieth day after it shall become law, and shall expire and be
deemed repealed three years after such date.