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Committee declines to concur on SNAP purchase restrictions for soda and candy
Summary
After extended debate on definitions and retail burden, the committee declined to concur with Senate Bill 354 — a proposal directing DPHHS to seek a USDA waiver to restrict SNAP purchases of soft drinks and candy — and later moved the bill to the table.
The House Health and Human Services Committee considered Senate Bill 354, which would direct the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver to prohibit purchases of soft drinks and candy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Committee staff described competing amendments, including one that would remove candy so the restriction applied only to soft drinks.
Members debated the policy and practical implications at length. Vice Chair Howell opposed reintroducing the bill from the table, saying "we don't need to be micromanaging what people are spending their SNAP dollars on" and raising enforcement concerns for small retailers. Representative Rebus argued the proposal would deny choices to people who rely on SNAP and described the policy as harsh toward low-income residents. Representative Zephyr noted potential impacts on sports drinks and WIC-related store participation, and Representative Nicholas Cocos argued that limiting purchases of sugary beverages is an appropriate management of public funds.
The committee took multiple roll-call votes on amendments and the motion to concur; votes were closely divided on several questions. The clerk announced the final roll call as 8 in favor and 13 opposed and the motion to concur with SB354 failed. The committee then moved SB354 to the table by voice vote and exited executive action. The chair adjourned the meeting.
