Bill > H0109

This bill proposes to amend Idaho law by requiring the director of the Department of Health and Welfare to seek a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soda from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps). The bill specifically defines "candy" as a sugar-based preparation that does not contain flour and requires no refrigeration, and "soda" as any non-alcoholic sweetened beverage that is not primarily made of milk, vegetable juice, or fruit juice, and does not require preparation before consumption. If the waiver is granted, the director must prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase these items. If the initial waiver request is denied, the director is required to submit a new waiver request annually until successfully obtaining approval. The bill is set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, and is presented as an emergency measure, which suggests the legislators view the restrictions on SNAP benefits as urgent and important for improving nutritional outcomes.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0109/