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Bill > HB5243


TX HB5243

Relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food and drink items under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.


summary

Introduced
03/14/2025
In Committee
04/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food and drink items under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) in Texas by restricting recipients from purchasing certain food and drink items using their benefits. Specifically, the bill prohibits SNAP recipients from buying energy drinks (defined as beverages with at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces), sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato or corn chips, and pre-packaged cookies. However, the bill includes several exceptions to these restrictions, such as allowing purchases of milk products, milk substitutes, infant formula, beverages intended for weight reduction, fruit or vegetable juices without added sugar, and products fortified with vitamins, minerals, or protein. The legislation defines various beverage categories and provides detailed criteria for what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes a provision allowing state agencies to delay implementation if they need to obtain federal waivers or authorizations first.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (53)

Terry Canales (D)* Stan Gerdes (R)* Cody Harris (R)* Lacey Hull (R)* Richard Raymond (D)* Jeffrey Barry (R),  Cecil Bell (R),  Keith Bell (R),  Ben Bumgarner (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  David Cook (R),  Pat Curry (R),  Jay Dean (R),  Mark Dorazio (R),  Paul Dyson (R),  Caroline Fairly (R),  James Frank (R),  Gary Gates (R),  Ryan Guillen (R),  Sam Harless (R),  Richard Hayes (R),  Cole Hefner (R),  Hillary Hickland (R),  Janis Holt (R),  Andy Hopper (R),  Helen Kerwin (R),  Stan Kitzman (R),  Stan Lambert (R),  Jeff Leach (R),  Mitch Little (R),  David Lowe (R),  Shelley Luther (R),  Don McLaughlin (R),  John McQueeney (R),  Will Metcalf (R),  Brent Money (R),  Eddie Morales (D),  Mike Olcott (R),  Angelia Orr (R),  Dennis Paul (R),  Keresa Richardson (R),  Nate Schatzline (R),  Alan Schoolcraft (R),  Joanne Shofner (R),  Shelby Slawson (R),  David Spiller (R),  Carl Tepper (R),  Steve Toth (R),  Ellen Troxclair (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Denise Villalobos (R),  Wesley Virdell (R),  Trey Wharton (R), 

Last Action

Left pending in committee (on 04/15/2025)

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