An Act to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks
This bill establishes a new tax on bottled sugary drinks sold in Massachusetts to encourage consumers to choose healthier beverage options. The legislation defines specific terms such as "sugary drink," "sugar," and "non-nutritive sweetener" to determine which products are subject to the tax, while explicitly exempting milk, natural juices, and beverages for medical use. Revenue generated from this tax will be directed to the state's Health Promotion Fund to support public health initiatives. The law applies to distributors, retailers, and manufacturers selling these products within the Commonwealth.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Mar 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Jul 17, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Mar 21, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Revenue
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jason Lewis
DDemocratic
Co
Becca Rausch
DDemocratic
Co
Mike Barrett
DDemocratic
Co
Mike Moore
DDemocratic
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