bill barring SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks

The text as introduced · 373 words

89R11173 AND-F

By: Gerdes
H.B. No. 2955

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to prohibiting the purchase of candy and soft drinks under

the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 33, Human Resources Code,

is amended by adding Section 33.031 to read as follows:

Sec. 33.031. PURCHASE OF CANDY AND SOFT DRINKS PROHIBITED

UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) In this

section:

(1) "Candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey, or

other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with

chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the

form of bars, drops, or pieces.

(2) "Soft drink" means a nonalcoholic beverage that

contains natural or artificial sweeteners. The term does not

include a beverage that contains:

(A) milk or milk products;

(B) soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes; or

(C) more than 50 percent of vegetable or fruit

juice by volume.

(b) A recipient of supplemental nutrition assistance

program benefits may not use those benefits to purchase candy or

soft drinks.

SECTION 2. (a) As soon as practicable after the effective

date of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human

Services Commission shall develop and seek a waiver or other

appropriate authorization from the appropriate federal agency to

restrict the purchase of candy and soft drinks under the

supplemental nutrition assistance program provided under Chapter

33, Human Resources Code, as required by Section 33.031, Human

Resources Code, as added by this Act.

(b) If the waiver or other authorization requested by the

Health and Human Services Commission under Subsection (a) of this

section is not approved by the appropriate federal agency, the

executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission

shall annually develop and the commission shall apply for and

actively pursue a waiver or other authorization described by

Subsection (a) of this section until the waiver or other

authorization is approved.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.