Bill > HF3603

This bill directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to request a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by January 1, 2027, to prevent the purchase of specific items using SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. The waiver would specifically target prohibiting the purchase of candy, defined as sugar-based confections; energy drinks, defined as beverages with at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces advertised for energy boost, excluding coffee and tea; and soda, defined as carbonated beverages with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, with exceptions for plain carbonated water, beverages that are more than 50% juice, or those with less than five grams of added sugar.