Bill > HB4305

This bill seeks to modify the state's food assistance program by attempting to restrict the purchase of soda using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are government-provided funds to help low-income individuals and families buy food. Specifically, the bill requires the state department to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude soda from the list of eligible food items. If the USDA grants the waiver, the department would then prohibit SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase soda. The bill defines "soda" broadly as any nonalcoholic beverage containing natural or artificial sweeteners, with exceptions for beverages that contain milk, milk substitutes, or are more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume. If the initial waiver request is denied, the department is required to submit a new waiver request annually until it is granted. The goal of the bill appears to be promoting healthier food choices among SNAP recipients by limiting their ability to buy sugar-sweetened beverages.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4305