Bill > HB1505

This bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Indiana to restrict the types of food and beverages that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Specifically, the bill prohibits SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy energy drinks (defined as beverages with at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces and marketed for metabolic stimulation), sweetened beverages, carbonated beverages, candy, snack chips, and cookies. The bill provides several exceptions to these restrictions, including milk products, milk substitutes, infant formula, and beverages recommended by healthcare professionals. Additionally, the bill requires the office administering SNAP benefits to provide educational materials to recipients when their application is approved, focusing on healthy eating and the negative health impacts of restricted foods. The materials must include statistical data and visual representations of how diet affects health outcomes. The bill also allows the administering office to request a federal waiver if necessary to implement these changes and can delay implementation until such a waiver is granted. The provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1505/details