by A bill to name Hershey’s Kiss as Pennsylvania’s official state candy has passed the House and is now under Senate review. The move highlights the cultural and economic impact of The Hershey Company within the state.
What Happened
House Bill 1030, sponsored by Representative Thomas Mehaffie (R-106), aims to officially designate Hershey’s Kisses as the State Candy of Pennsylvania.
The bill passed the Pennsylvania House earlier this week with a vote of 150–53. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Key Details
If approved, Hershey’s Kisses would immediately become the state’s official candy.
The designation would remain valid as long as The Hershey Company continues operations in Pennsylvania.
The bill emphasizes the global recognition of Hershey’s Kisses and their production scale—over 70 million Kisses are made daily in Hershey.
The legislation also notes the company’s significant contributions to Pennsylvania’s economy, particularly its support for the dairy industry.
Reactions or Statements
While the bill passed with strong support, some lawmakers have previously expressed concern about favoring one company with the state title.
Senator Lisa Boscola, for example, indicated plans to introduce a competing bill naming Peeps as the official state candy instead.
Despite differing views, bipartisan support helped move HB 1030 forward.
Investigation or What’s Next
The bill now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for debate and a potential vote.
If passed, Hershey’s Kisses will be recognized as the official State Candy in perpetuity.
Public and legislative discussions may continue, especially with alternate proposals like Senator Boscola’s Peeps bill on the horizon.
FAQs
What is House Bill 1030?
It is a legislative proposal to designate Hershey’s Kisses as the official State Candy of Pennsylvania.
Why Hershey’s Kisses?
The bill cites their iconic status, daily production volume, and The Hershey Company’s economic impact within Pennsylvania.
Has the bill passed?
It passed the House with a 150–53 vote and is now under consideration in the Senate.
What other candies are being considered?
Senator Lisa Boscola has suggested Peeps as an alternative official candy for the state.
Is the title permanent?
Yes, but only as long as The Hershey Company remains based in Pennsylvania.
Summary / Final Takeaway
House Bill 1030 brings Hershey’s Kisses one step closer to becoming Pennsylvania’s official State Candy. While it enjoys strong legislative backing and public appeal, it still requires Senate approval to become law. The sweet debate continues.
