HB2165

THE CONTEXT: SNAP is a federal program that provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget and help the family afford nutritious food. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, an applicant must meet specific age, household, employment and income requirements ( USDA ).

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would require the DES Director to request a waiver from the USDA to exclude soda from SNAP, require the DES Director to prohibit SNAP enrollees from purchasing soda using SNAP benefits if the waiver is granted, and require the DES Director, if the waiver is not granted, to request a waiver annually until the waiver is granted.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for snap into an enforceable rule. It would require the DES Director to request a waiver from the USDA to exclude soda from SNAP, and would also require the DES Director to prohibit SNAP enrollees from purchasing soda using SNAP benefits if the waiver is granted, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.