Bill > AB180

This bill requires the Department of Health Services to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks using FoodShare benefits, which is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The bill also mandates the creation of an electronic platform to identify which products are eligible for purchase with FoodShare benefits, aiming to improve program administration and accuracy in determining product eligibility. This platform will involve a centralized database of universal product codes (UPCs) that will be continuously updated and integrated with retailers' point-of-sale systems, with a focus on minimizing technical burdens for small businesses. The bill also includes provisions for funding the development and administration of this platform, as well as making adjustments to staffing levels within the Department of Health Services related to food stamp program quality control and administration.