Use of SNAP benefits.
Use of SNAP benefits. Prohibits recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from purchasing: (1) energy drinks; (2) sweetened beverages; (3) carbonated beverages; (4) candy; (5) snack chips; and (6) cookies; with SNAP benefits. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) to provide to an individual, at the time the office approves the individual's application to receive SNAP benefits, specified educational materials regarding the effects of diet on an individual's health. Requires the office to apply for a waiver or authorization to implement the prohibition if a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is required, and allows a delay in implementation until the waiver or authorization is received.
HB1505 proposes to change how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used. Specifically, it would prevent SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy certain items like energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated beverages, candy, snack chips, and cookies. At the same time, it requires the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services to provide educational materials to SNAP applicants about the impact of diet on health. The office must also seek any necessary waivers or authorizations from federal agencies before implementing these changes and may delay the changes until such approval is received.
This bill would directly affect SNAP recipients by restricting the types of food they can purchase with their benefits. It also places an obligation on the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services to educate applicants about healthy eating. The bill was introduced by Representative Lindsay Patterson on January 21, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs for further review.
As of the last update on January 21, 2025, HB1505 has been introduced and referred to committee, with no further action taken yet. Key steps include the introduction of the bill and its referral to the appropriate committee for review and potential amendments.