SB 577-FN (2026): prohibiting the use and recommending avoidance of specific color additives in meals offered or made available by public schools as a part of school breakfast and lunch meal programs.

SB 577-FN (2026)

prohibiting the use and recommending avoidance of specific color additives in meals offered or made available by public schools as a part of school breakfast and lunch meal programs.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Education Policy and Administration
• Senate committee: Education
• Subject: Education - General
• Chapter law: 270

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Education committee. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it. On February 19, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on February 19, 2026 and was referred to the House Education Policy and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 25, 2026, with 18 people signed in online: 15 in support and 3 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on May 4, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 15–2 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1778h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1778h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 21, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Ruth Ward. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 270 of the session laws. It takes effect July 1, 2028.

Sponsors

• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Debra Altschiller (D - SD24)
• Rep. Anita Burroughs (D - Carr 2)
• Rep. Carry Spier (D - Hills 6)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 20, 2026, 10:00 AM: hearing, Senate Education, SL Map Room
• February 19, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• March 25, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Education Policy and Administration, GP 232
• May 4, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Education Policy and Administration, GP 232
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• February 19, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1778h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 189:11-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 46
• SC 6
• SJ 4
• HJ 5, page 127
• HC 19, page 12
• HJ 13, page 17
• SJ 13
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45