Bill > HB1033

This bill directs the Mississippi Department of Human Services to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to allow the state to prohibit the purchase of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The bill defines "soft drinks" as carbonated nonalcoholic beverages with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners (excluding flavored carbonated water, milk-based drinks, soy/rice substitutes, or beverages that are at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice), "energy drinks" as beverages containing stimulants like caffeine, guarana, or taurine formulated to enhance energy or performance (which may also include herbal extracts, vitamins, sugars, or fruit pulp), and "candy" as sugar-based preparations with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or flavorings in bar, drop, or piece form (excluding protein bars, granola bars, or baking ingredients like sprinkles or chocolate chips). If approved, this prohibition would take effect on October 1, 2026, and would apply for the duration of the demonstration project.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1033.xml