Bill Sponsors
Perez, Fellela, Corvese, Ackerman, Sanchez, Felix, Hull, Chippendale, Hopkins, and Fascia
Committee
House Corporations
Summary
Select
This legislation amends the Rhode Island "Truth in Food Disclosure Law." It mandates that by January 1, 2030, all liquid beverages sold in the state must reduce their added sugar content by 50% compared to the levels present in those beverages as of July 1, 2026. The bill utilizes the Food and Drug Administration's definition for "added sugars" and requires this content to be listed on beverage containers. The law applies to all liquid beverages sold for consumption within Rhode Island.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Promotes public health by forcing a drastic reduction in sugar consumption, potentially lowering rates of diabetes and obesity which disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized communities.
- Challenges the unchecked power of large food and beverage corporations by regulating product formulations that contribute to chronic disease.
- Reduces the long-term strain on the public healthcare system and social safety nets by mandating preventative measures against diet-related illnesses.
Cons for Progressives
- May lead to higher grocery prices for working-class families as manufacturers pass the significant costs of product reformulation and supply chain adjustments onto consumers.
- Could result in job losses in local distribution, retail, and manufacturing sectors if the ban on popular standard beverages causes a sharp decline in sales.
- Might encourage corporations to replace sugar with artificial chemical sweeteners, the long-term health effects of which are debated and may not align with holistic wellness goals.
Pros for Conservatives
- Could potentially reduce the long-term taxpayer burden associated with state-funded healthcare programs by lowering the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases.
- Encourages a healthier workforce, potentially increasing overall economic productivity and reducing absenteeism related to chronic health issues.
- Utilizes existing federal FDA definitions for "added sugars" rather than creating a new, complex state-level bureaucracy to define ingredients.
Cons for Conservatives
- Represents extreme government overreach and a "nanny state" mentality that dictates personal dietary choices and infringes on individual freedom to purchase preferred products.
- Imposes massive regulatory burdens on private businesses, forcing them to alter manufacturing processes specifically for a small market, which violates free market principles.
- Likely to drive revenue out of the state as consumers cross borders to purchase full-sugar beverages, harming local retailers and respecting no boundaries of interstate commerce.
Constitutional Concerns
High Risk. This legislation likely violates the Dormant Commerce Clause by placing an undue burden on interstate commerce. By forcing national manufacturers to create specific product formulations solely for Rhode Island, the state is regulating commerce beyond its borders. It may also face challenges regarding the deprivation of business liberties without due process. The mandate effectively bans standard products legal in the other 49 states.
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Beverage Manufacturers
- Grocery Stores
- Restaurant Owners
- Consumers
- Convenience Store Owners
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
Importance
Measures population affected and overall level of impact.
Freedom Impact
Level of individual freedom impacted by the bill.
Public Services
How much the bill is likely to impact one or more public services.
Regulatory
Estimated regulatory burden imposed on the subject(s) of the bill.
Clarity of Bill Language
How clear the language of the bill is. Higher ambiguity equals a lower score.
Enforcement Provisions
Measures enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance (if applicable).
Environmental Impact
Impact the bill will have on the environment, positive or negative.
Privacy Impact
Impact the bill is likely to have on the privacy of individuals.
Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/14/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 23-62 of the General Laws entitled "Truth in Food Disclosure Law" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
23-62-3. Reduction in added sugar in liquid beverages.
On and after January 1, 2030, all liquid beverages sold for consumption in Rhode Island shall reduce the total amount of added sugars in the liquid beverage by fifty percent (50%) of the added sugars content in that beverage as of July 1, 2026. As used herein, the term "added sugars" has the same meaning as defined by the Food and Drug Administration rules on food labeling (21 CFR Part 101); provided, the amount of added sugars content shall be listed on the liquid beverage container as provided by state and federal law.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2030.
23-62-3. Reduction in added sugar in liquid beverages.
On and after January 1, 2030, all liquid beverages sold for consumption in Rhode Island shall reduce the total amount of added sugars in the liquid beverage by fifty percent (50%) of the added sugars content in that beverage as of July 1, 2026. As used herein, the term "added sugars" has the same meaning as defined by the Food and Drug Administration rules on food labeling (21 CFR Part 101); provided, the amount of added sugars content shall be listed on the liquid beverage container as provided by state and federal law.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2030.