SB3524 - Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Act Summary

• Imposes $0.01 per ounce excise tax on bottled sugar-sweetened beverages sold by distributors in Illinois, with equivalent tax on syrups and powders based on final beverage volume produced.

• Creates Illinois Wellness Fund to receive tax revenue after administrative costs are deducted; 50% allocated to obesity and chronic disease prevention programs (schools, public health, nutrition, physical activity, oral health) and 50% to Illinois Medicaid program.

• Requires distributors to obtain permits from Department of Revenue before selling sugar-sweetened beverages, syrups, or powders; permits expire annually and are non-transferable.

• Establishes Council of State Agencies and multi-sector Advisory Board to govern the Wellness Fund, direct grant distributions, conduct program evaluations, and report to General Assembly every 3 years on fund allocation and impact.

• Tax revenue allocated to Medicaid covers dental services restoration, medical nutrition therapy, weight management programs, chronic disease self-management, and preventive services; effective January 1, 2015.