OLYMPIA, Wash. – Lawmakers with the Washington State Legislature are proposing a new tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
Supporters of HB 2734 including prime sponsor Rep. Chipalo Street tout the bill as a way to address rising food insecurity and health issues related to sugary drinks.
The legislation aims to use tax revenue to support programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the fruit and vegetable incentives program.
The tax would be implemented beginning January 1, 2028, at a rate of $0.03 per fluid ounce on sugar-sweetened beverages.
The proposed legislation highlights the health risks associated with sugar-sweetened beverages, noting their contribution to chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
These health issues are particularly prevalent among children, lower-income populations and communities of color due to targeted marketing and socioeconomic disparities, said language in the bill.
The bill emphasizes that food insecurity is a growing problem in Washington, with 11% of residents affected. Among low-income and moderate-income groups, the food insecurity rate is 55%, the bill added.
