Bill > HB0569

This bill amends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program providing food assistance, by requiring the Utah Department of Health to seek federal waivers to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soft drinks and, importantly, ultra-processed foods, which will be defined by the department in rule. The bill mandates that the department must define "ultra-processed food" within three months of the federal government defining it, and then submit this definition for review before requesting the waiver. The waiver request must include justifications like public health concerns and potential cost savings, along with plans for implementation, retailer point-of-sale system compatibility, recipient education, and tracking the impact of these restrictions. If a waiver is approved, the restrictions must be implemented within six months, and if denied, the department must resubmit the request annually until approved. The department is also required to report annually to a legislative committee on the waiver status, SNAP spending, challenges, and policy recommendations. This bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0569.html