California bill to add health habits education heads to governor

A bipartisan California bill backed by End Chronic Disease has cleared the state Assembly and now awaits Gov. Newsom’s decision. The measure would use the state’s existing curriculum review process to help students learn healthier habits tied to chronic disease prevention.

Why it matters: - More than 40% of school-aged children have at least one chronic health condition, including asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes and autoimmune disease. - Supporters say early education on nutrition, sleep, movement, stress and digital balance could help students make healthier choices and improve learning and long-term well-being. - The bill adds a prevention-focused approach to school health education without requiring a new class.

What happened: - Senate Bill 1133, the Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act, passed the California State Assembly with strong bipartisan support. - End Chronic Disease sponsored the legislation. - Senator Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach, authored the bill. - The measure now goes to Gov. Newsom for his signature.

The details: - SB 1133 would work through California’s existing curriculum review process. - The bill is designed to help education experts better connect preventive health topics within the state’s health education guidance. - The legislation covers nutrition and food literacy, sleep, physical activity, stress management and digital balance. - The bill does not require schools to adopt a specific curriculum. - The bill does not require schools to add a new class. - End Chronic Disease cited a national poll from last summer showing nearly 94% of likely voters support nutrition education in school health classes, with nearly 63% strongly supportive. - Other supporters include the Alameda County Office of Education, The California Baptist Capitol Ministry and Teen Lifestyle Medicine.

Between the lines: - The bill reflects a broader push to treat chronic disease prevention as a school issue, not just a healthcare issue. - California joins other states across the political spectrum pursuing policies aimed at healthier school environments. - The legislation avoids local school mandates, which may make it easier to implement within existing state guidance. - Kelly McKenna, CEO of End Chronic Disease, said helping young people understand how daily habits shape health is one of the most important investments policymakers can make. - Sen. Strickland said the issue affects every family and community in California and argued that children should learn how health habits affect learning and long-term well-being.

What’s next: - Gov. Newsom will decide whether to sign SB 1133 into law. - If signed, California schools could begin using the state’s curriculum review process to bring more preventive health content into health education guidance. - End Chronic Disease said it is available for media interviews about the bill and its potential impact.

The bottom line: - SB 1133 advances a low-friction way to teach students practical habits tied to prevention, health and classroom success.