Bill > HB2165

This bill proposes to modify Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance benefits to low-income individuals, by requiring the director of the Department of Economic Security to seek a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture to prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing soda using their benefits. Specifically, if the waiver is granted, the bill would prevent SNAP participants from buying carbonated beverages containing more than one gram of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. If the initial waiver request is denied, the director must continue to submit annual waiver requests until approval is obtained. The bill defines "soda" as any carbonated drink that meets the specified sugar and sweetener criteria. This proposed legislation aims to promote healthier food choices among SNAP recipients by restricting the use of government-provided nutrition benefits for sugary beverages, which are often linked to obesity and other health issues.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81863