The House Education Committee approved House Bill 190 as amended, reporting the bill out of committee by roll call (18-8).

House Bill 190, sponsored in committee by Representative Ortitai, would add a section to the school code requiring the Department of Education together with the Department of Health to develop educational information and recommendations on eating-disorder awareness for parents, guardians and key school personnel. "We've been working on this now for about 5 years," Representative Ortitai said, arguing schools are a natural place for parents to start when seeking information.

Members considered amendment A0006, offered by Representative Curry, which designated the Department of Health as the lead agency rather than the Department of Education. Representative Carson urged support for the amendment, saying, "The Department of Health will be better prepared to develop the guidelines and materials regarding eating disorders, which the Department of Education can then disseminate." The committee approved the amendment on a roll call, 21-5.

After adopting the amendment, the committee voted on the bill as amended. The clerk read the roll: the yeas were 18 and the nays were 8; the committee reported House Bill 190 as amended.

The sponsor and members said the proposal aims to ensure consistent, researched guidance reaches schools and families, and to form a task force to advise on appropriate materials and dissemination. Members noted the bill had been considered in prior sessions and that supporters and educators had worked on the measure over several years.