Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) is pleased to announce that his legislation, Senate Bill 1133, The Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act, has been signed into law by Governor Newsom.
“This bill is very personal for me as I lost a childhood friend too soon due to the health choices he made when he was younger,” said Senator Strickland. “His passing at age 50 was a heartbreaking reminder that the habits we make early in life can have a lasting impact on our health and longevity.”
The Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act gives students practical information to make healthier choices in their everyday lives. The national nonprofit End Chronic Disease is the sponsor of the bipartisan legislation.
“When more than 40% of school-aged children and 76% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic health condition, many of which are often preventable, we need to start thinking about health earlier in life. Every student deserves a fair shot at being healthy, and good health starts with education,” said Kelly McKenna, CEO of End Chronic Disease. “We’re grateful to Senator Strickland for his leadership in carrying this bill on behalf of California’s children, and to the California Legislature for recognizing that improving our nation’s health begins long before someone becomes a patient."
“I am excited that this new landmark student health bill will give students a better understanding of how nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress, and technology can influence their health, academic success, and lifelong well-being. Through my bill, California joins a growing number of states pursuing policies that support healthier school environments and focus on prevention,” concluded Senator Strickland.
What will Senate Bill 1133 do?
The legislation addresses nutrition and food literacy, sleep, physical activity, stress management, digital balance, and environmental factors that affect health. By bringing these subjects together, students can better understand how their daily routines influence their physical health, mental well-being, and ability to learn.
SB 1133 does not require schools to add a new class or adopt a specific curriculum. Instead, it works through California’s existing curriculum review process, allowing education experts to better connect preventive health topics within the state’s health education guidance.