In a rare and powerful show of bipartisan leadership, Governor Katie Hobbs has officially signed the school-focused Arizona Healthy Schools Act (a self-described “MAHA bill” by its supporters)—a groundbreaking law that bans ultraprocessed foods from being served or sold in Arizona public schools during the regular school day, starting in the 2026–2027 school year. The bill, HB 2164, was introduced and championed by Representative Leo Biasiucci, whose political journey from the Green Party to the Republican Party has come full circle in the form of a deeply health-focused, pro-youth piece of legislation.
With childhood obesity rates climbing and growing concerns about the long-term effects of synthetic food additives, HB 2164 sets a new gold standard in public school nutrition. The law prohibits schools that participate in federal meal programs from serving any food or beverage containing a list of 11 controversial ingredients, including potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, and various artificial dyes such as Red Dye 40 and Yellow Dye 5—additives long scrutinized for their impact on child health and development.
Biasiucci, a former Green Party member known in his early political years for his environmental and wellness advocacy, referred to the bill on social media in a statement following its passage.
The bill passed the Arizona House with overwhelming bipartisan support (59-0-1) and moved swiftly through the Senate. Governor Hobbs signed the bill with enthusiasm a HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Arizona.
Under the MAHA bill, the Arizona Department of Education is tasked with developing a compliance form and maintaining a public list of schools that meet the new standards. Importantly, the bill allows parents or guardians to still pack ultraprocessed snacks or meals for their children, respecting individual choice while reshaping institutional responsibility.
A Model for Other States?
Health experts and education advocates are already hailing Arizona’s move as visionary. While several states have flirted with tighter school nutrition policies, Arizona becomes the first in the nation to specifically ban ultraprocessed foods using a clear, chemical-based definition. The legislation positions the Grand Canyon State as a national leader in combating childhood obesity and promoting school wellness.
Biasiucci’s leadership in crafting a bill grounded in both science and common values—paired with Hobbs’ readiness to act—represents a growing appetite for health-centered, bipartisan policymaking.
What’s Next for the MAHA Bill?
Implementation will take place over the next year, giving schools time to transition menus and vendors. The Department of Education will support the rollout with certification tools and public transparency measures.
As Arizona schools prepare to phase out vending machines stocked with artificially colored snacks and breakfasts laced with chemical emulsifiers, one thing is clear: MAHA is more than just a policy shift—it’s a cultural one.
And in a time when political division often dominates headlines, the MAHA bill stands as a powerful reminder that protecting children’s health is a cause that transcends party lines.
Photo taken by Gage Skidmore