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HB 2350

Relating to enhancing nutrition in the supplemental nutrition assistance program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2350 aims to improve SNAP nutrition by excluding candy and soft drinks from eligible purchases, promoting healthier eating for low-income families in West Virginia.

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Bill Summary · HB 2350

Summary of House Bill 2350 (HB 2350)

Overview

House Bill 2350 (HB 2350) is a legislative proposal introduced in the West Virginia Legislature aimed at enhancing nutrition within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill seeks to modify the eligibility of certain food items under SNAP, specifically targeting candy and soft drinks.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 2350 is to improve the nutritional quality of food purchased with SNAP benefits. By excluding candy and soft drinks from the list of eligible food items, the bill aims to encourage healthier eating habits among SNAP recipients.

Key Provisions

  • Waiver Request: The Secretary of the Department of Human Services is mandated to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods under federal regulations (7 C.F.R. 271.2).
  • Prohibition on Purchases: If the waiver is granted, the Secretary will prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits.
  • Annual Requests: If the waiver is not granted, the Secretary is required to request the waiver annually until it is approved.

Impact

  • SNAP Recipients: The bill directly affects individuals and families who rely on SNAP benefits by limiting their ability to purchase certain non-nutritious food items.
  • Public Health: The legislation is intended to promote better dietary choices among low-income populations, potentially leading to improved public health outcomes.
  • State Administration: The Department of Human Services will be responsible for implementing the changes and managing the waiver requests.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: The bill was referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources for further discussion.
  • Markup Discussion: A markup discussion took place on February 19, 2025, indicating ongoing legislative interest and potential amendments.
  • Committee Deadlines: The bill has established deadlines for committee review, with significant dates including May 23, 2025, and June 1, 2025.

Conclusion

HB 2350 represents a significant step towards enhancing nutrition in the SNAP program by targeting the purchase of less healthy food options. If enacted, it could lead to healthier dietary choices for SNAP recipients and contribute to broader public health initiatives in West Virginia. The bill is currently under discussion and will require further legislative action to move forward.

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

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