Oklahoma Senate committee passes 'Fit Kids' bill

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The second time is the charm for a bill to ban vending machine sales that sell soft drinks in elementary and middle schools.<br><br>The Senate Education Committee passed the bill

Monday, February 16th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The second time is the charm for a bill to ban vending machine sales that sell soft drinks in elementary and middle schools.

The Senate Education Committee passed the bill on a 10-to-6 vote Monday, sending it to the full Senate for a vote.

The bill by Senator Bernest Cain also requires snacks in the vending machines that meet nutrition requirements.

The bill had stalled in the committee last week after getting opposition from the soft drink industry and some school districts.

The committee also passed a related bill that calls for more physical education classes in elementary and middle schools and courses dealing with nutrition, smoking and related subjects.

Soft drinks will still be allowed in high school vending machines, but will cost more than more nutritious drinks.