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Committee introduces bill asking state to seek waiver to limit SNAP purchases of soda and candy
Summary
Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS32087, which would direct the department to seek a federal waiver to restrict purchase of soda and candy with SNAP benefits; sponsors and members discussed definitional issues, waiver difficulty and potential impacts on people with special dietary needs.
Representative Jordan Redmond (District 3, Kootenai County) introduced RS32087 to address what he described as a "junk food epidemic" and to request the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare seek a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP purchases of soda and candy.
Redmond said soda ranks as the top commodity purchased with SNAP funds and argued the state should pursue a waiver to limit those purchases. "Taxpayers are currently funding a growing health crisis, with soda ranking number 1 as the commodity bought through SNAP," he said.
Committee members asked several clarifying questions. Representative Fuhrman asked about the likelihood of obtaining a federal waiver; Redmond said chances may be higher under the current federal administration but noted waivers can be difficult to obtain and that the bill would ask the department to submit a waiver request. Representative Wheeler raised definitional concerns — for example, whether diet sodas, sparkling waters or mineral waters might be excluded or included by the bill's definition of "soda." Redmond acknowledged definitions will be difficult to craft and said stakeholders had raised similar concerns.
Representative Ekberg asked whether the sponsor had consulted dietitians or diabetes associations about possible impacts on people with special dietary needs. Redmond said he had met with two dietitians who were supportive of the concept but had not yet seen final language.
Representative Thompson asked about where the state would draw the line on regulating purchases with SNAP funds and whether such restrictions could expand. Redmond framed the proposal as oversight of taxpayer-funded benefits to promote healthy living and said it was aimed at reducing public-health harms.
Fuhrman moved to introduce RS32087 and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript does not record a fiscal estimate or details of a waiver strategy; Redmond said the department has staff to pursue a waiver and that he was not aware of added general-fund costs for waiver submission.
RS32087 was introduced and will require a full hearing to sort definitions, the department's waiver plan and fiscal implications.
