California Legislative Session Update: Strong Progress for Heart Health Priorities

The California Legislature has officially concluded its 2026 legislative session, and we’re proud to share that several American Heart Association priorities made significant progress this year. We are now turning our attention to the Governor’s desk, where key decisions will determine whether these important measures become law.

✅ SB 945 (Weber Pierson) – CPR in Schools

SB 945 successfully passed the Legislature and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. This bill will help ensure more California students graduate with lifesaving CPR knowledge and skills.

Send a message today urging him to sign this important legislation into law.

✅ SB 977 (Weber Pierson) – Healthy Children’s Meals

SB 977 has also cleared the Legislature and is headed to the Governor for consideration. The bill will help families more easily identify healthier meal options for children when dining out.

Email the Governor to ask him to sign this bill!

✅ AB 2244 (Gabriel) – Non-Ultraprocessed Certified Food Standard

AB 2244 passed both houses of the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. This innovative measure would establish a voluntary certification standard to help consumers identify foods that are not ultraprocessed.

ℹ️ SB 869 – Menu Warning Labels for Added Sugars

On August 19, the American Heart Association removed its support for SB 869 after the bill was amended to allow restaurants to provide added sugar information through a QR code. Under the amended bill, consumers would have to take an extra step to find this information by scanning a QR code rather than seeing clear warning icons directly on menu items.

We do not believe the amended bill provides the level of transparency we had hoped for or would be as effective as displaying clear warning icons directly on menus.

Thank you to the volunteers, advocates, partners, and lawmakers who helped advance these important policies. Your emails, calls, meetings, and stories made a difference. As we await the Governor’s decisions in the coming weeks, we remain optimistic about the opportunity to improve the health of Californians across our state.