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SB 217

'Healthy Start"; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Davenport and 15 co-sponsors

SB 217 requires Arkansas to seek USDA approval to ban candy and soft drinks from SNAP purchases, promoting healthier eating for recipients and impacting retailers.

Senate Read and Referred
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 217

Summary of Senate Bill 217 (SB 217)

Overview

Senate Bill 217 (SB 217) is a legislative proposal introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly aimed at amending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill seeks to require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude candy and soft drinks from the list of eligible foods that can be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 217 is to enhance nutrition among SNAP recipients by limiting the purchase of items that are considered less healthy, specifically candy and soft drinks. By excluding these items, the bill aims to promote healthier eating habits among individuals and families who rely on SNAP assistance.

Key Provisions

  • Waiver Request: The Secretary of the Department of Human Services is mandated to request a waiver from the USDA to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods under SNAP.
  • Prohibition on Purchases: If the waiver is granted, the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits will be prohibited.
  • Annual Requests: If the waiver is not granted, the Secretary is required to request the waiver annually until it is approved.

Affected Parties

  • SNAP Recipients: Individuals and families who receive SNAP benefits will be directly affected, as they will no longer be able to purchase candy and soft drinks if the waiver is granted.
  • Department of Human Services: The DHS will be responsible for initiating and managing the waiver request process.
  • Retailers: Stores that accept SNAP benefits will need to adjust their inventory and sales practices based on the outcome of the waiver request.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 11, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read and passed multiple times in both the Senate and House, with significant actions occurring in April 2025.
  • Enactment: SB 217 was signed into law and is now designated as Act 969 as of April 22, 2025.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bill: House Bill 107 (HB 107) is a companion bill that addresses similar issues regarding SNAP eligibility.

Conclusion

SB 217 represents a significant shift in the approach to nutritional assistance within Arkansas, focusing on healthier food choices for SNAP recipients. The success of this initiative will depend on the approval of the waiver from the USDA and the subsequent implementation of the new purchasing restrictions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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