Bill
LC 395
Prohibits using SNAP benefits to buy soft drinks or candy, affecting recipients and retailers; final definitions and enforcement details will come with the bill text.
Overview
- Title: Prohibit purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP benefits
- Bill Number: LC 395
- Introduced: September 27, 2024
- Status: (LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Classification: bill
- Subject: Health, Safety, Social Services (Health Care Services; Safety)
Purpose and intent
- The core objective is to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing certain items—specifically soft drinks and candy—with the aim of aligning SNAP purchases with public health considerations.
- As a draft bill, the exact language, definitions, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms are not publicly released in the provided information. Final text would clarify scope and implementation details.
Key provisions (as described by available information)
- Prohibition on SNAP purchases: The bill would prohibit using SNAP benefits to purchase soft drinks and candy.
- Definitions and specifics: The final bill would need to define what counts as “soft drinks” and “candy,” and could address related items or ambiguous product categories. It would also specify enforcement, penalties, and any carve-outs or exemptions (none are specified in the provided materials).
- Implementation details: The final text would outline effective dates, regulatory responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms. These details are not yet available.
Who would be affected
- SNAP recipients: Individuals and households participating in the SNAP program would be prohibited from using benefits to buy soft drinks and candy, subject to the bill’s final definitions.
- Retailers participating in SNAP: Stores and voucher-issuing entities would be required to comply with the new purchase restrictions, including any reporting or enforcement requirements.
- State program administrators and agencies: Responsible for implementing and enforcing the new rule, potentially including updates to program guidance and retailer training.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Drafting and delivery timeline:
- 2024-09-27: Drafter Assigned; Draft On Hold
- 2024-10-09: Draft On Hold
- 2025-02-06: Draft Taken Off Hold
- 2025-02-12 to 2025-02-18: Various stages including draft in Legal Review, Input/Proofing, Final Drafter Review
- 2025-02-18: (LC) Draft in Assembly; Draft Ready for Delivery; Draft Delivered to Requester
- Current status reflects a progressing draft, not yet enacted into law.
Notes
- This summary reflects the information available from the draft status notices. Final text, definitions, exemptions, and enforcement details will determine the bill’s practical impact and implementation requirements.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
