SB 639 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2086
07/08
SENATE BILL 639
SPONSORS: Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Long, Dist 20; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Sullivan, Dist 18; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Rochefort, Dist 1; Rep. Sabourin, Rock. 30; Rep. Polozov, Merr. 10; Rep. Alexander Jr., Hills. 29
COMMITTEE: Commerce
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a committee to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives in food and beverages sold in New Hampshire.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2086
07/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives in foods and beverages sold in New Hampshire.
2 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:
(a) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(b) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c) One public health or nutrition expert, appointed jointly by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house.
II. Legislative members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.
3 Duties. The committee shall:
I. Review scientific evidence regarding the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other commonly used food additives, including brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide.
II. Examine policies adopted in other states, and assess potential implications for New Hampshire consumers, schools, and businesses.
III. Consult with the department of health and human services, the department of education, food safety experts, pediatricians, and industry stakeholders about the health and safety impacts of commonly used food additives.
IV. Consider whether restrictions, labeling requirements, or phase-outs of certain additives are appropriate in New Hampshire.
4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the senate member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
5 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate clerk, the house clerk, the chairpersons of the house and senate health and human services committees, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2026.
6 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 13, 2026 | Senate | Hearing |
| Jan. 29, 2026 | Senate | Floor Vote |
Jan. 29, 2026: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
Jan. 20, 2026: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 01/29/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 3
Dec. 8, 2025: Hearing: 01/13/2026, Room 100, SH, 10:30 am; SC 46
Nov. 25, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 1