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Bill > S941
NJ S941
NJ S941"New Jersey Healthy SNAP Act"; requires DHS to submit waiver to federal government to prohibit purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs the Department of Human Services (department) to submit to the federal Department of Agriculture a waiver to allow the State to prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollees from purchasing soft drinks with SNAP benefits. As defined in this bill, a "soft drink" means any non-alcoholic beverage that contains added caloric sweeteners or artificial sweeteners, but does not include: (1) any beverage that contains milk or a milk alternative, including, but not limited to soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or other similar products; or (2) any beverage that contains more than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice. The waiver request would include: (1) a justification citing public health concerns, SNAP's statutory intent, and potential cost savings to taxpayers; (2) an implementation plan to ensure that existing point-of-sale systems used by State retailers that participate in SNAP can properly enforce the proposed restriction; (3) a strategy for education and outreach to inform the SNAP recipients of alternative healthy beverage options; and (4) a reporting mechanism to track the impact of the waiver, including spending patterns and health outcomes. If the waiver submitted under the bill is approved, the department is to implement the restriction within six months of receiving federal approval. If the waiver is denied, the department is to resubmit the request annually until the approval is granted. The Commissioner of Human Services would be required to submit a report to the Governor and to the Legislature within 30 days of receiving a determination on a waiver request submitted pursuant to this bill. The report would include the determination made by the federal government, any reasons for a denial, if a denial was received, and any recommendations from the commissioner for further action to implement the provisions of this bill.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "New Jersey Healthy SNAP Act," mandates that the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) seek a waiver from the federal Department of Agriculture to prohibit individuals receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from purchasing "soft drinks" with their benefits. A "soft drink" is defined as any non-alcoholic beverage containing added caloric or artificial sweeteners, but specifically excludes beverages with milk or milk alternatives, and those that are more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. The waiver request must include justifications based on public health, SNAP's purpose, and potential taxpayer savings, along with a plan for implementation, retailer point-of-sale system adjustments, education for SNAP recipients about healthier alternatives, and a system to track the waiver's impact on spending and health. If approved, DHS must implement the restriction within six months, and if denied, they must resubmit the request annually until approved, reporting the federal determination and any recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S941 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/941_I1.HTM |
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