Michael Echols — House - District 14
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Live from the 2025 Regular Session
(1400 House floor votes analyzed - so far...)
Upcoming Committee Hearings
House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations
🏛 House📅 No upcoming hearing scheduled
🕗 Bills Pending: 6
Sponsored Bills
HR348: Requests the Louisiana Housing Corporation to monitor changes to terms and conditions of equity commitments made by investors to development projects in the state
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-13
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 👨⚖️ Floor Vote 📅 Mon, Jun 1 at 9:00 AM
HR212: Urges and requests the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission to research the benefits of using nuclear energy generation within the state
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-05
Author: Michael Echols (R)
📅 Not Scheduled
HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] removes "WHEREAS, nuclear energy has improved in both efficiency and technology within recent years, thereby..." technical (redundant)
Urges and requests the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission to research the legality and feasibility of utilizing nuclear energy in Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the benefits of nuclear energy, including improved efficiency, technological advancements, and low-emission electricity. It instructs the agencies to consider economic and environmental impacts, workforce implications, safety criteria, and potential site characteristics for nuclear facilities.
HR249: Creates a task force to study and recommend policies to promote Small Nuclear Reactors in Louisiana
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-11
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Alonzo Knox (D)
📅 Not Scheduled
Creates a task force to study and recommend policies supporting the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Louisiana. The task force will examine regulatory and zoning barriers, potential financial incentives, and workforce development needs. It will include representatives from Louisiana Economic Development, the Workforce Commission, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality, engineering colleges at LSU, Southern, Louisiana Tech, and ULL, as well as the chairman of the Public Service Commission. Louisiana Economic Development will provide staff support. The task force must submit its report with findings and recommendations at least 30 days before the 2026 Regular Session to the House and Senate Commerce Committees and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library. Members will serve without additional compensation.
HB117: Provides for adoption of a medical fee reimbursement schedule for workers' compensation (EG +$100,000 SD EX See Note)
Last Action: Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations.
Date: 2025-05-07
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Labor & Industrial Relations 5 📅 Not Scheduled
HOUSE committee amendments technical
Proposes updates to Louisiana’s workers' compensation medical fee reimbursement schedule. The bill mandates the adoption of a reimbursement schedule that aligns with those of similar regional states. It grants the assistant secretary of the Office of Workers' Compensation Administration the authority to establish, update, and oversee this schedule, ensuring annual adjustments based on collected data.
The legislation expands the responsibilities of the assistant secretary, requiring an evaluation of administrative efficiencies, paperwork reductions, and market expansion to improve patient access. The bill also stipulates that data collection for reimbursement calculations must follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Additionally, the Office of Workers' Compensation Administration must provide quarterly reports on rate studies and related processes to legislative committees, which will oversee the implementation. The initial reimbursement schedule is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
HB129: Establishes a corporate income tax credit for certain broker-dealer financial businesses (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: 👤 Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Ways and Means 93 📅 Not Scheduled
Proposes a corporate income tax credit for broker-dealer financial firms that establish or relocate their headquarters to a downtown development or cultural district in Louisiana. The credit equals 50% of the firm's corporate income tax liability and applies to the following tax year.
To qualify, a broker-dealer must:
- Be regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- Manage assets exceeding $500 million
- Employ over 200 people with an average annual wage of at least $50,000, excluding benefits
Applicants must apply through Louisiana Economic Development (LED), which will certify eligibility and enter into contracts of up to five years. Annual reviews will ensure continued compliance. The Louisiana Department of Revenue will be notified of credit approvals and any disqualifications. If a credit is later disallowed, it may be recovered with interest.
The program will not accept new applicants after January 1, 2036, and applies to contracts entered into from January 1, 2026, for tax years beginning the same year.
Aren’t we trying to get rid of corporate tax credits and lower the overall corporate income tax?
HB135: Provides relative to the sales and use tax exemption for certain institutions of higher education (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: 👤 Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Ways and Means 93 📅 Not Scheduled
HB233: Establishes an income tax credit for certain pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: 👤 Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Ways and Means 93 📅 Not Scheduled
Proposes the "Louisiana Drug Manufacturing Repatriation Act," which aims to incentivize pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers to relocate operations to Louisiana through income tax credits.
Key Provisions:
Tax Credit Structure:
Qualifying taxpayers can receive a credit against Louisiana income tax based on the type and lifespan of manufacturing equipment placed into service:
- 0.5% for three-year property
- 1% for five-year property
- 1.5% for seven-year property
- 2% for ten-year property
- 2.5% for fifteen-year or greater property
The maximum credit per taxpayer per year is capped at $10 million.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, a taxpayer must:
- Engage in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing as classified under NAICS Sector 31-33
- Close an existing manufacturing facility in Canada, Mexico, China, India, Singapore, the UK, or the EU and relocate the operations to Louisiana
Qualified Property:
The credit applies to tangible property integral to manufacturing or production, depreciable under Section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code, and classified as Section 1245 property. The property must be newly acquired or constructed by the taxpayer in Louisiana. Additionally, computer software used to control or monitor manufacturing processes in the state may qualify.
HB235: Increases the excise tax levied on consumable hemp products and dedicates revenues collected from the tax (OR +$5,100,000 SD RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: 👤 Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Ways and Means 93 📅 Not Scheduled
Proposes significant changes to the taxation and allocation of revenues from consumable hemp products in Louisiana.
Key Provisions:
1. Excise Tax Increase: The bill seeks to raise the excise tax on consumable hemp products from the current rate of 3% to 20% of the retail sales price. This tax would be in addition to existing state and local sales taxes. Retailers would be required to report and remit this tax monthly.
2. Creation of the Consumable Hemp Testing and Regulation Fund: The legislation establishes a special fund in the state treasury dedicated to supporting the operations of university-affiliated laboratories in Louisiana that test consumable hemp products. If no such laboratory is operational and fully approved by the Louisiana Department of Health, the funds would be used to support other approved laboratories or the department's regulatory activities related to consumable hemp products.
3. Revenue Allocation: After fulfilling obligations to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, the bill outlines the following distribution of the collected excise tax revenues:
o 15% to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund
o 30% to the Criminal Justice and First Responder Fund
These measures aim to enhance regulatory oversight of consumable hemp products while directing additional funds to education and public safety initiatives within the state.
HB264: Provides for transparency and compensation practices relative to pharmacy benefit managers (EN +$90,000 SG EX See Note)
Last Action: Effective date: 06/20/2025.
Date: 2025-06-20
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Beryl Amedee (R) Tony Bacala (R) Lawrence Bagley (R) Dennis Bamburg (R) Mike Bayham (R) Beau Beaullieu (R) Stephanie Berault (R) Beth Billings (R) Delisha Boyd (D) Rhonda Butler (R) Josh Carlson (R) Barbara Carpenter (D) Dewith Carrier (R) Robert Carter (D) Kim Carver (R) Tehmi Chassion (D) Emily Chenevert (R) Kimberly Coates (R) Vincent Cox (R) Raymond Crews (R) Daryl Deshotel (R) Phillip DeVillier (R) Kellee Dickerson (R) Jessica Domangue (R) Kathy Edmonston (R) Peter Egan (R) Julie Emerson (R) Les Farnum (R) Gabe Firment (R) Bryan Fontenot (R) Brian Glorioso (R) Troy Hebert (R) Dodie Horton (R) Jason Hughes (D) John Illg (R) Steven Jackson (D) Mike Johnson (R) Travis Johnson (D) Edmond Jordan (D) Timothy Kerner (R) Vanessa Caston Lafleur (D) Jacob Landry (R) Shane Mack (R) Denise Marcelle (D) Danny McCormick (R) Jack McFarland (R) Wayne McMahen (R) Dixon McMakin (R) Michael Melerine (R) Dustin Miller (D) Candace Newell (D) Joseph Orgeron (R) Charles Owen (R) Troy Romero (R) Rodney Schamerhorn (R) Laurie Schlegel (R) Annie Spell (R) Vincent St. Blanc (R) Joseph Stagni (R) Sylvia Taylor (D) Francis Thompson (R) Christopher Turner (R) Debbie Villio (R) Joy Walters (D) Roger Wilder (R) Jeff Wiley (R) John Wyble (R) Adam Bass (R)
...and 63 more.
📅 Not Scheduled
ENGROSSED FISCAL NOTE [LINK] it is unclear why the initial tens of millions in cost has disappeared. This question needs to be asked.
FISCAL NOTE [LINK] is staggering.. See the notes below the first chart in the fiscal note.
HOUSE H&G committee amendments [LINK] clarify that information submitted to the insurance commissioner by a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), if specifically marked as confidential, will remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure. This includes contract terms and other proprietary data. However, the amendment allows the commissioner to retain some authority over how the information is used or disclosed, which is addressed in the remaining bill text.
HOUSE INS committee amendments [LINK] clarify and expand transparency and oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). They redefine "rebates" to include all negotiated price concessions and discounts related to prescription drugs. The amendments authorize the insurance commissioner to review PBM compensation programs and examine PBM records to verify reimbursement fairness to pharmacies. Additionally, certain PBM records and compensation details provided to the commissioner are exempted from public records laws, except when shared with other state regulators or during official proceedings.
Proposes amendments to R.S. 22:1657.1(A) concerning the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana.
The bill mandates that PBMs apply pharmaceutical rebates in a manner that benefits both covered individuals and health plan sponsors.
Key provisions of the bill:
1. Calculation of Cost-Sharing:
PBMs are required to determine a covered individual's cost-sharing amount for each prescription drug at the point of sale. This calculation must incorporate a reduction equivalent to 100% of all rebates associated with the dispensing or administration of the drug.
2. Allocation of Excess Rebates:
In instances where the rebate amount surpasses the individual's cost-sharing obligation, the surplus savings must be transferred to the employer or entity sponsoring the health plan.
The primary beneficiaries of the cost-sharing provisions in House Bill No. 264 would be:
1. Covered Individuals (Patients):
Patients filling prescriptions would benefit directly at the point of sale. The bill requires that 100% of pharmaceutical rebates be applied when calculating a patient's out-of-pocket cost. This would effectively lower copays or coinsurance amounts, meaning patients could pay less for medications.
2. Health Plan Sponsors (e.g., Employers):
If the rebate amount exceeds what the patient owes, the remaining savings would go to the employer or organization that sponsors the health plan. This could reduce overall health plan costs, potentially helping employers lower premiums or invest in better benefits for employees.
3. Indirectly, the Broader Healthcare System:
By increasing transparency and aligning financial incentives, the bill could pressure PBMs to manage drug costs more equitably, potentially contributing to broader cost control efforts in healthcare.
The group that might not benefit—or could even lose out—would be the PBMs themselves, since the bill reduces their ability to retain rebates without passing them on to others.
HB317: Establishes prohibited acts by certain healthcare facility lessors and lessees (RE SEE FISC NOTE SG RV)
Last Action: Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.
Date: 2025-05-06
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Health & Welfare 5 📅 Not Scheduled
HOUSE floor amendments 5&6 [LINK] change definitions of lessor and lessee entities. Other amendments technical.
HOUSE committee amendments technical
Seeks to establish the "Hospital Lease Accountability Act" within Louisiana law. The primary aim of this legislation is to ensure that executive officers and board members of entities leasing healthcare facilities cannot misuse corporate protections to evade personal liability for misconduct that leads to financial distress in these facilities.
Key provisions of the bill include:
· Personal Liability: Courts may hold executive officers and board members personally liable if their egregious actions cause or significantly contribute to a lessee healthcare facility's financial distress.
· Definition of Financial Distress: The bill outlines specific scenarios constituting financial distress, such as facility closure or significant service reductions, failure to pay employees for 30 consecutive days, or filing for bankruptcy.
· Obligations of Lessor Entities: In events of financial distress, lessor entities are required to:
1. Provide sufficient funds to maintain the facility's operations for 12 months.
2. Reimburse the state for any expenditures made to keep the facility operational.
3. Disclose detailed financial records of transactions with the lessee facility over the preceding five years.
· Penalties: Board members and executive officers of lessor entities may face personal liability, including repayment of funds extracted from the lessee facility and civil penalties up to $250,000 per individual for knowingly engaging in or approving detrimental financial arrangements.
The bill's overarching goal is to promote accountability and transparency in the governance of essential healthcare service providers in Louisiana, thereby safeguarding the state's healthcare infrastructure.
HB415: Authorizes enhanced promotional play allowances for gaming operators that make certain capital investments (EG -$50,600,000 GF RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, ordered engrossed, recommitted to the Committee on Appropriations.
Date: 2025-05-22
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Appropriations 71 📅 Not Scheduled
Provides promotional play allowances for gaming operators who make capital investments in Louisiana through tax credits.
Key Provisions:
1. Increased Promotional Play Credit:
- Current law allows gaming operators up to $5 million annually in promotional play wagers, which are untaed.
- The proposed law allows operators to earn additional promotional play credits equal to qualifying capital outlays.
2. Credit Limits:
- Credit cannot exceed 10% of certified capital outlay or 20% of gross gaming revenue, whichever is greater.
- Credits can be claimed for up to 10 years, after which unused credits are forfeited.
3. Certification Requirement:
- The Louisiana Gaming Control Board must certify capital expenditures as "qualifying capital outlays" before promotional play credits are earned.
4. Definition of Qualifying Capital Outlay:
- Includes expenditures for lands, buildings, equipment, or other improvements made after January 1, 2022, to increase taxable revenue or enhance licensed gaming facilities.
- Includes projects to move riverboat gaming facilities landside.
5. Strategic Economic Development Plan:
- Louisiana Economic Development is directed to prepare and submit a strategic plan regarding gaming taxes and incentives by January 1, 2027.
Potential Impact:
The bill incentivizes capital investment in gaming facilities by providing tax credits tied to qualifying investments.
HB559: Provides relative to human services districts and boards (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Last Action: Effective date: 08/01/2025.
Date: 2025-06-20
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Lawrence Bagley (R) Peter Egan (R) Gabe Firment (R) Adrian Fisher (D) Steven Jackson (D) Mike Johnson (R) Roger Wilder (R) Mark Wright (R)
...and 3 more.
📅 Not Scheduled
HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] require human services district and authority boards to have their executive directors confirmed by the secretary and surgeon general. Boards must adopt consistent performance measures, optimize billing, integrate primary care, conduct annual patient surveys, and publicly report results. They must present annual progress reports at the state capitol. The Department of Health oversees policy development, implementation, and monitoring of board activities.
HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] require human services district and authority boards to submit yearly reports on their progress toward statewide health goals. Reports must include program summaries, performance data, challenges, and improvement plans. The Louisiana Department of Health will set reporting standards and submit a statewide summary to the legislature by February 1 each year.
Establishes centralized oversight of Louisiana’s human services districts through the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and surgeon general, creates the Louisiana Population Health Coordinating Council (LPHCC), and mandates alignment with a new Statewide Population Health Strategy (SPHS).
Key Provisions:
- Grants LDH and the surgeon general strategic oversight of all human services districts and authorities.
- Requires all local boards to align policies with the SPHS and collaborate with executive directors hired by the surgeon general.
- Executive directors report directly to the surgeon general and serve as voting members of the LPHCC.
- Creates the 17-member LPHCC within LDH, chaired by the surgeon general, tasked with developing and coordinating the SPHS.
- Sets goals for the SPHS including reducing preventable hospital visits, improving maternal health, expanding behavioral health access, and addressing disparities.
- Mandates LDH to conduct annual reviews, consolidate duplicative contracts, and adopt data tools to monitor performance and reduce fraud.
- Requires submission of an annual report on fraud, waste, and duplication to legislative committees.
HB598: Authorizes income tax credits for businesses within certain manufacturing industries (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: 👤 Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Ways and Means 93 📅 Not Scheduled
MORE TAX CREDITS as we try to move away from these to FUND a cut to overall individual and corporate tax rates.
Authorizes a state income tax credit for certain manufacturers that invest in qualified manufacturing and productive equipment in Louisiana.
Key Provisions:
- Creates a nonrefundable income tax credit for businesses in motor vehicle, aerospace products and parts, and medical equipment and supplies manufacturing sectors.
- Credit is based on investment in qualifying equipment placed in service in Louisiana, with percentages tied to the equipment’s federal recovery period:
- 0.5% for 3-year property
- 1% for 5-year property
- 1.5% for 7-year property
- 2% for 10-year property
- 2.5% for 15-year or greater property
- Annual credit cap of $10 million per taxpayer.
- Unused credits may be carried forward up to 10 years but may not exceed tax due in any year.
- Credit is subject to recapture if the equipment is sold or moved out of state before its recovery period ends.
- Taxpayers cannot receive any other state tax incentives for the same activity.
- Applies to taxable periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
HCR64: Urges and requests the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission to research and implement nuclear energy generation within the state
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
Date: 2025-05-22
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Pending: 🏛 Natural Resources and Environment 33 📅 Not Scheduled
HR218: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to coordinate with stakeholders to develop a healthcare plan for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-11
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Tehmi Chassion (D) Alonzo Knox (D)
📅 Not Scheduled
HR236: Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-04
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Daryl Adams (D) Beryl Amedee (R) Tony Bacala (R) Lawrence Bagley (R) Dennis Bamburg (R) Mike Bayham (R) Beau Beaullieu (R) Stephanie Berault (R) Beth Billings (R) Ryan Bourriaque (R) Delisha Boyd (D) Chad Boyer (R) Ken Brass (D) Jacob Braud (R) Chad Brown (D) Marcus Bryant (D) Rhonda Butler (R) Josh Carlson (R) Barbara Carpenter (D) Dewith Carrier (R) Robert Carter (D) Wilford Carter (D) Kim Carver (R) Tehmi Chassion (D) Emily Chenevert (R) Kimberly Coates (R) Vincent Cox (R) Raymond Crews (R) Paula Davis (R) Daryl Deshotel (R) Phillip DeVillier (R) Jason DeWitt (R) Kellee Dickerson (R) Jessica Domangue (R) Kathy Edmonston (R) Peter Egan (R) Julie Emerson (R) Les Farnum (R) Gabe Firment (R) Adrian Fisher (D) Bryan Fontenot (R) Barbara Freiberg (R) Foy Gadberry (R) Jay Galle (R) Brett Geymann (R) Brian Glorioso (R) Kyle Green (D) Troy Hebert (R) Chance Henry (R) Stephanie Hilferty (R) Dodie Horton (R) Jason Hughes (D) John Illg (R) Steven Jackson (D) Mike Johnson (R) Travis Johnson (D) Edmond Jordan (D) Timothy Kerner (R) Alonzo Knox (D) Jeremy LaCombe (R) Vanessa Caston Lafleur (D) Jacob Landry (R) Terry Landry Jr. (D) Ed Larvadain (D) Rodney Lyons (D) Shane Mack (R) Denise Marcelle (D) Danny McCormick (R) Jack McFarland (R) Wayne McMahen (R) Dixon McMakin (R) Michael Melerine (R) Shaun Mena (D) Dustin Miller (D) Pat Moore (D) Nicholas Muscarello (R) Joseph Orgeron (R) Charles Owen (R) Neil Riser (R) Troy Romero (R) Rodney Schamerhorn (R) Laurie Schlegel (R) Annie Spell (R) Vincent St. Blanc (R) Joseph Stagni (R) Phillip Tarver (R) Polly Thomas (R) Francis Thompson (R) Christopher Turner (R) Lauren Ventrella (R) Debbie Villio (R) Roger Wilder (R) Jeff Wiley (R) Matthew Willard (D) Mark Wright (R) John Wyble (R) Rashid Young (D) Jerome Zeringue (R)
...and 93 more.
📅 Not Scheduled
HR251: Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education study and report relative to the voting threshold required for parental approval for the conversion of a preexisting school to a charter school
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-11
Author: Michael Echols (R)
📅 Not Scheduled
HR290: Requests the Department of Insurance to annually submit comprehensive reports of received complaints relative to property and casualty insurance companies
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-06-13
Author: Michael Echols (R)
📅 Not Scheduled
HR3: Requests the state Department of Education to study the feasibility of and potential costs associated with prohibiting certain foods and beverages in public schools
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-05-28
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Beryl Amedee (R) Kathy Edmonston (R)
📅 Not Scheduled
HR4: Memorializes the United States Congress to support funding for the ability to focus on purchasing American agricultural products and the removal of ultra-processed food and beverages from K-12 public schools
Last Action: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
Date: 2025-05-28
Author: Michael Echols (R)
Co-sponsors: Beryl Amedee (R) Mike Bayham (R) Beth Billings (R) Kimberly Coates (R) Kellee Dickerson (R) Kathy Edmonston (R) Peter Egan (R) Adrian Fisher (D) Jason Hughes (D) Steven Jackson (D) Mike Johnson (R) Vanessa Caston Lafleur (D) Shaun Mena (D) Troy Romero (R) Rodney Schamerhorn (R) Roger Wilder (R) John Wyble (R)
...and 12 more.
📅 Not Scheduled
Urges Congress to support funding for prioritizing American-grown food and eliminating ultra-processed items from K-12 public schools.
Key Provisions:
- Seeks increased federal support to help schools purchase U.S. agricultural products.
- Promotes removal of ultra-processed foods and beverages from school meals.
- Emphasizes health benefits, economic impact, and improved food quality through shorter supply chains.