Committee advances bill asking USDA waiver to exclude soda and candy from SNAP purchases

BOISE — The House Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Bill 109 to the House floor with a do-pass recommendation after debate over whether Idaho should ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow removal of soda and candy from SNAP-eligible purchases.

Representative Jordan Redmond (R-3), sponsor of the bill, asked the committee to seek a USDA waiver removing soda and candy from SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), calling the move part of a “Make America Healthy Again” effort and citing statements by federal officials expressing interest in improving SNAP nutrition standards.

Opponents warned the bill’s language is broad and administratively difficult. Representative Thompson argued the bill’s definition of prohibited products — phrased to cover preparations of sugar, honey or artificial sweeteners combined with other ingredients — could sweep in items that offer nutrition, such as granola or protein bars. Retailers and witnesses previously testified that implementation would be burdensome.

Representative Levitt moved to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; a roll call was requested and recorded. The committee’s recorded result was eight in favor and seven against.

Proponents said the measure targets sugary products subsidized by federal food assistance and would align state policy with public-health goals. Opponents said the bill’s definition is imprecise and could create enforcement and retail compliance problems if the state attempts to limit SNAP-eligible items.

House Bill 109 now moves to the full House for further consideration.