Bill > HB1773

This bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to submit a demonstration waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of sweetened drinks and candy using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the department to request a federal waiver by January 1, 2027, to exclude sweetened drinks (defined as non-alcoholic beverages with 5 or more grams of added sugar, with exceptions for milk and certain juices) and candy (defined as sugar-based confections) from eligible SNAP food items. The waiver request must include proposed implementation methods, coordination with retailers, an education program to help SNAP recipients make healthier food choices, and an evaluation plan to measure the impact on nutrition and health outcomes. If the waiver is approved, the department must adopt rules to implement the restrictions, notify SNAP retailers, and provide technical assistance for updating point-of-sale systems. Additionally, beginning November 1, 2026, the commissioner must submit an annual report to state leadership detailing the waiver request status, implementation progress, and data on program outcomes. The bill aims to promote healthier food choices among SNAP recipients and will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1592&inflect=2