ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ A proposal to make beverage companies place a health label on sugary drinks is advancing in the New York state Assembly.

The bill was forwarded on Wednesday to the Committee on Codes, often a bill’s last stop before a floor vote. But the measure still faces big obstacles, particularly in the Republican-led state Senate.

The labels would warn consumers of regular soda and other sugary drinks about the dangers of obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.

Public health officials say the labels would discourage overconsumption of sugar and save thousands of lives.

Retailers and beverage companies oppose the idea, questioning why sugary beverages should be singled out when there are many sources of sugar in the average American diet.

California lawmakers defeated a similar proposal last year.