HB 25-1059: Food Waste Reduction in Public Schools

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act encourages each local education provider to adopt a policy to reduce food waste in school cafeterias and food preparation facilities (policy). The policy may address food waste diversion and aversion initiatives, including composting, donation of excess food to local nonprofits, or share table programs that permit students to return whole food or beverage items for redistribution to other students. A local education provider that implements a policy shall comply with all applicable sanitation and health requirements, including protocols to prevent student exposure to allergens, and shall require school personnel to complete related safety training. Current law establishes the Colorado circular communities enterprise (enterprise) to award grants and other funding and to provide technical assistance to certain entities throughout the state that pursue a circular economy for waste management, including waste diversion and aversion. The act requires the enterprise to consider reducing food waste by incentivizing public schools to develop and implement effective composting, excess food donation, or share table programs. The act extends limited immunity from civil and criminal liability to school personnel and local education providers that supervise food and beverage redistribution in accordance with policies that include share tables. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 35 · Republican 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 17, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 8, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
3. April 8, 2025Sent to the Governor
4. April 7, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. March 28, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. March 19, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
7. March 18, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
8. March 17, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. March 12, 2025Senate Committee on Education Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. February 20, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Education
11. February 19, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. February 18, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history