Bill > SB1299

This bill directs the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to submit a federal waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to impose restrictions on foods that can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The waiver request must include justifications related to public health, program intent, and potential cost savings, and must outline an implementation plan for point-of-sale systems, a strategy for educating SNAP recipients about healthy food alternatives, and a mechanism for tracking the waiver's impact on spending patterns and health outcomes. If the initial waiver request is denied, DHS must modify and resubmit the request within 60 days and continue doing so until approval is received. Upon federal authorization, DHS would have six months to implement the food restrictions, which may be based on factors like food type, brand, volume, and nutritional content, potentially using guidelines from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The bill also requires DHS to submit an annual report to state legislative leaders and the Governor detailing the waiver's status, SNAP spending data, and any policy recommendations. The act is set to become effective on September 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1299&Session=2600