Bill > HB2015

This bill directs the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) that would allow Kansas to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks using food assistance benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the secretary to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods. If such a waiver is granted, the secretary would be required to prohibit food assistance recipients from purchasing these items. If the initial waiver request is denied, the secretary must continue to request the waiver annually until it is granted. The bill defines "candy" and "soft drinks" using existing state tax law definitions. This legislation aims to restrict the use of public assistance funds for what are considered unhealthy food items, with the goal of promoting better nutrition among food assistance recipients.