Bill > HB0403

This bill introduces new provisions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Utah, focusing on seeking a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase soft drinks. The bill defines key terms, including SNAP, SNAP benefits, and soft drinks, specifically excluding beverages containing milk, milk substitutes, or more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. The Utah state department is required to submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service by July 1, 2025, with a comprehensive justification that includes public health concerns, the program's statutory intent, and potential cost savings. The waiver request must also include an implementation plan for point-of-sale systems, a strategy for educating SNAP recipients about healthy food alternatives, and a mechanism to track the waiver's impact on recipients' spending and health outcomes. If the waiver is approved, the department must implement the soft drink restriction within six months; if denied, the department must resubmit the request annually. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual report to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee detailing the waiver's status, SNAP spending data, challenges, and policy recommendations. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0403.html