House approves restricting sugary drinks under SNAP, sponsor calls it a public‑health measure

Pierre, S.D. — The South Dakota House on Feb. 4 passed House Bill 10‑56, a measure directing the Department of Social Services to pursue a federal waiver to disallow purchases of sugar‑sweetened beverages with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

"House Bill 10‑56 is a public health bill and it represents a really good first step in aligning our supplemental nutrition assistance program with nutrition standards that are similar to WIC," sponsor Representative Rayfeld said on the House floor. Supporters argued the change would reduce diet‑related chronic disease and align SNAP with other federal nutrition programs.

Sponsors repeatedly described the proposal as an evidence‑based step. Representative Rayfeld noted studies and national purchasing data and said the bill would follow models used in other assistance programs. She told colleagues implementation costs in other states ranged widely — "0 to minimal dollars all the way up to about $500,000" — depending on administrative choices and which products were restricted.

Opponents raised practical concerns about retail implementation, especially in rural communities where grocery options are limited and legacy point‑of‑sale systems require upkeep. Representative Whitman warned the policy risks stigmatizing families on assistance, saying it could be "a punitive measure that just continues to chip away at the dignity of families that utilize SNAP." Several lawmakers pressed sponsors on whether sports drinks, flavored electrolyte beverages and other edge cases would be covered.

Lawmakers also debated whether the change would create new administrative burdens for small grocers and gas station vendors and whether a state waiver process would be effective. Proponents said the bill intentionally used a narrow, WIC‑like definition to limit ambiguity and ease retailer compliance.

The House approved final passage of HB 10‑56 by roll call, with the clerk reporting ayes 58, nays 11, excused 1. The bill's next procedural steps were not specified on the floor at the time of passage.

Votes at a glance: HB 10‑56 — passed in the House, ayes 58, nays 11, excused 1.

Reporting note: Direct quotes in this article are attributed to legislators who spoke on the floor. The House debate included technical cost estimates and statutory references provided by members; the article does not infer federal or administrative approvals beyond the floor record.