Gerdes Bill Bars SNAP Candy, Unless It Contains Milk

The text as introduced · 520 words

89R4916 AND-D

By: Gerdes
H.B. No. 5243

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food and drink

items 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 CERTAIN FOOD AND DRINK ITEMS

PROHIBITED UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a)

In this section:

(1) "Energy drink" means a beverage containing at

least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces that is

advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic

stimulation or an increase to the consumer's mental or physical

energy. The term does not include coffee or any substantially

coffee-based beverage.

(2) "Milk product" means a natural milk product

regardless of animal source or butterfat content and regardless of

whether reconstituted, including milk in liquid form, milk

concentrate, and dehydrated milk.

(3) "Sweetened beverage" means a nonalcoholic

beverage to which a natural or artificial sweetener is added that is

sold for human consumption, including a soft drink and other

flavored beverages.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a recipient of

supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits may not use

those benefits to purchase:

(1) an energy drink;

(2) a sweetened beverage;

(3) a carbonated beverage;

(4) candy ordinarily packaged and sold for consumption

without further preparation;

(5) potato or corn chips ordinarily packaged and sold

for consumption without further preparation; or

(6) cookies ordinarily packaged and sold for

consumption without further preparation.

(c) The prohibition under Subsection (b) does not apply to

the purchase of:

(1) a milk product or a product, other than an energy

drink, containing milk or a milk protein;

(2) a milk substitute, including soy milk, rice milk,

or almond milk;

(3) a beverage, other than an energy drink or

carbonated beverage, in which the only added sweetener does not add

calories to the beverage;

(4) a beverage intended by the manufacturer for

consumption by an infant that is commonly referred to as "infant

formula";

(5) a beverage, other than a carbonated beverage,

intended by the manufacturer for use for weight reduction;

(6) a fruit or vegetable juice, other than a

carbonated beverage, to which no sugar has been added;

(7) a beverage or other product, other than a

carbonated beverage, intended for use as recommended by a health

care professional, as defined by Section 247.067, Health and Safety

Code;

(8) a beverage or other product, other than a

carbonated beverage, that contains plant protein sources; or

(9) a product, other than an energy drink or

carbonated beverage, that:

(A) is fortified with a vitamin or mineral; and

(B) contains a source of protein.

SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act

a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a

federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,

the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or

authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the

waiver or authorization is granted.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.