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Lawmakers introduce RS seeking SNAP waiver to bar candy and soda purchases
Summary
Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS32087 asking the department to seek a federal SNAP waiver to restrict purchases of candy and soda with SNAP benefits; supporters cited public health concerns while members raised questions about definitions, enforcement and vulnerable shoppers.
Representative Jordan Redmond (District 3, Kootenai County) asked the House Health & Welfare Committee to introduce RS32087, a draft that would ask the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to request a federal waiver to exclude 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, arguing the change would be a step toward improving public health. The draft would direct the department to submit a waiver request to the federal government to change allowable SNAP purchases.
Members asked practical questions. Representative Fuhrman, who moved introduction of the RS, asked about the prospects for 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." He told the committee the department has staff available to prepare the waiver and that submitting a waiver request would have "no added cost to our general fund."
Committee members raised definitional and equity concerns. Representative Wheeler asked whether the soda definition might exclude diet sodas or certain sparkling waters; Redmond acknowledged definitions will be difficult and said stakeholders had raised similar concerns. Representative Ekberg asked whether the sponsor had consulted dietitians or diabetes organizations; Redmond said he had met with two dietitians who were generally supportive but ‘‘hadn’t seen the language quite yet.’’
Representative Thompson asked where the line is drawn on regulating purchases for SNAP recipients and cited examples from other jurisdictions. The sponsor and committee members said they expect more detailed discussion and stakeholder input at a full hearing. Representative Fuhrman moved to introduce RS32087; the committee adopted the motion by voice vote and RS32087 was introduced.
