April 21, 2006
Hearing Scheduled for May 3rd in Senate Health Committee
California Senator Liz Figueroa has introduced legislation (Senate Bill 1118) that would impose a tax of an unspecified percentage on television advertising for certain “foods of poor nutritional quality.” The tax would be imposed on advertising between the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm or during child-specific programming. The bill would also impose a 2 percent tax on carbonated beverages and food products sold from certain restaurants. The proceeds of the new taxes would be used to address childhood obesity, diabetes and other health conditions.
The text of the bill is available at by clicking here.
Senate Bill 1118 has been scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Health Committee on May 3rd. Senator Figueroa is a member of that committee.
As you know, the marketing community and individual food and beverage companies are working proactively to address the childhood obesity challenge. We plan to submit testimony to the Health Committee in opposition to any tax on food or beverage advertising.
If you have any additional information about this bill, please contact Keith Scarborough, ANA Vice President for State Government Relations at kscarborough@ana.net or (202) 296-1883.