Sen. Vincent A.V. Borja introduced Bill 215-28, a measure designed to remove financial barriers for school-affiliated student organizations that host food-based fundraisers.
The proposal follows feedback Borja received at an Oct. 28 town hall meeting at Tiyan High School.
Under the bill, any student organization or school group at public or private schools from elementary through post-secondary would be exempt from paying sanitary permit fees for temporary food service facilities used for fundraising.
Fundraisers would be eligible for the exemption for events lasting up to three consecutive days, provided organizers comply with all public health inspection and sanitation standards and submit a certification from a school administrator verifying the fundraising purpose.
The bill makes clear that waiving the fee does not remove public-health responsibilities.
Student groups would still be required to meet sanitation rules and regulations under the supervision of the Department of Pubic Health and Social Services. The measure directs Public Health to create and implement regulations to facilitate the exemption within 90 days of the law’s enactment.
