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Lawmakers introduce bill to restrict SNAP purchases of candy and soda
Summary
Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS32087 to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and candy and to ask the Department of Health and Welfare to seek a federal waiver; the committee approved introduction and sponsors said the department will bear waiver request staffing costs.
Representative Jordan Redmond (District 3, Kootenai County) said RS32087 aims to exclude certain junk food items, namely candy and soda, from SNAP eligibility.
"Taxpayers are currently funding a growing health crisis, with soda ranking number 1 as the commodity bought through SNAP," Redmond said and asked the committee to introduce the RS as a step toward improving public health.
During discussion, members raised definitional and implementation concerns. Representative Fuhrman, who moved to introduce the RS, asked about the likelihood of obtaining a federal waiver; Redmond said, "I think that the chances are higher now with the new administration, but as you very well know, getting waivers granted from the federal government can be very difficult. So again, this legislation would ask our department to submit a waiver to request for that."
Representative Wheeler and others asked whether the bill’s definition of "soda" might unintentionally exclude diet sodas or certain sparkling or mineral waters; Redmond acknowledged definitional challenges and said stakeholders had raised similar concerns: "I think you're right. I think there will be some things wrapped into that definition that is just going to be difficult to qualify."
Redmond also told the committee he spoke with the department and was told staff are available to prepare a waiver request "so they will have no added cost to our general fund." The motion to introduce RS32087, moved by Representative Fuhrman, passed by voice vote and the RS was introduced.
Members requested that the sponsor and department address detailed definitions, waiver likelihood, and stakeholder impacts at the full hearing.
