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Committee advances bill asking state to seek waiver to limit SNAP purchases
Summary
A House Health and Human Services committee advanced HB902, which would ask DPHHS to seek a USDA waiver to narrowly define SNAP‑eligible foods, add an age restriction on EBT card use and create a transitional benefit to soften the benefits cliff; opponents warned of retailer burdens and harm to food‑insecure Montanans.
A House Health and Human Services committee voted to advance a bill asking the Department of Public Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver that would narrow what items can be bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The bill, HB902, also would prohibit EBT use by household members under 16 and create a transitional benefit that keeps some SNAP support in place as families move into higher earnings.
The bill sponsor told the committee the change is meant to “encourage purchasing foods in grocery stores and preparing nutritious, quick, easy meals.” The sponsor also described a one‑time $802,000 general‑fund appropriation to implement the program if the federal waiver is approved.
Opponents said the restrictions would create new logistical burdens for small retailers and risk stores stopping SNAP acceptance entirely. Kira Condon of the Montana Food Bank Network called limits “unnecessary, ineffective policy that burdens small businesses and stigmatizes over 81,000 Montanans.” Brad Griffin of the Montana Retail Association said retailers would need an up‑to‑date electronic list of restricted products, staff training and clear customer communications to prevent long checkout delays.
DPHHS officials Jessie Counts and Jennifer Fox appeared as informational witnesses to answer implementation questions.
The committee passed HB902 in executive action. The committee record shows the motion carried on a roll call (committee tally recorded in the transcript). The bill now moves forward through the legislative process; implementation of any purchase restrictions would depend on federal approval of the waiver.
