California lawmakers seek tax, other limits on sugary drinks

State lawmakers are trying again to discourage the consumption of sugary beverages, proposing a tax, warning labels, and a ban on soda displays near checkout lines among other measures.

The five bills address what the Democratic lawmakers call a public health crisis leading to an increase in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other ills.

Assemblyman David Chiu from San Francisco says "the soda industry is the new tobacco industry," as he promoted his measure that would bar restaurants from selling soda in cups larger than 16 ounces.

He says "this is an industry that has used marketing and sales tactics to victimize low income communities, communities of color throughout our country."

He says one of four California adults is now obese, which is a 40-percent increase over two decades.  And more than half of Californians are overweight and more than half have either diabetes or pre-diabetes.

He says the average American drinks nearly 50 gallons of sugary beverages a year, consuming 39 pounds of extra sugar.

Another bill would ban soda discount coupons that Assemblyman Rob Bonta from Oakland said can result in "soda actually being cheaper than bottled water."

Assembly Republicans suggested the proposals are Democrats' latest attempt at nanny government.