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HB 1236

Human Resources, Department of - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," which requires the department to submit a request for a waiver from the United States department of agriculture's food and nutrition service to seek authorization to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy and soft drinks. - Amends TCA Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Zachary

Tennessee requests USDA waiver to ban SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks, restricting beneficiaries' food choices while implementation costs and federal approval prospects remain uncertain.

Received from House, Passed on First Consideration
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Bill Summary · HB 1236

Legislative bill overview

HB 1236, the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," directs Tennessee's Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) beneficiaries from purchasing candy and soft drinks. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 71 and has passed the House with amendments.

Why is this important

SNAP serves approximately 900,000 Tennesseans and represents significant federal nutrition assistance. Restricting eligible food categories would fundamentally change program benefits, potentially affecting purchasing power and dietary autonomy while raising questions about program administration costs and federal approval likelihood.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal approval uncertainty: The USDA has historically rejected similar waiver requests, citing concerns about administrative burden and equity; Tennessee's request may face the same obstacles
  • Program administration costs: Implementing purchase restrictions requires new tracking systems and retailer compliance mechanisms, raising implementation expenses that may offset claimed health benefits
  • Equity and paternalism concerns: Critics argue restricting purchases for low-income individuals while others can buy the same items raises fairness questions and reflects value judgments about what beneficiaries "should" eat
  • Economic impact on retailers: Small convenience stores and grocery chains in rural areas may face disproportionate compliance costs
  • Nutritional effectiveness unclear: Evidence on whether restrictions improve health outcomes versus simply reducing food purchasing power is mixed and contested

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

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