Bill > H0938

This bill amends existing Idaho law to revise the definitions of "candy" and "soda" for the purposes of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The changes aim to exclude a broader range of items from being considered "candy," such as baked goods, baking ingredients, savory snacks, fruit snacks made with real fruit, trail mix where nuts are the primary ingredient, various types of bars (granola, protein, meal replacement, etc.), and common baking ingredients like sugar and honey. Similarly, the definition of "soda" is expanded to exclude beverages that contain milk or milk substitutes, are more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, require preparation before consumption (like powders), are sports drinks for hydration, are oral rehydration solutions, or are manufactured as a source of nutrition or dietary supplement. The bill also states that the director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of these redefined "candy" and "soda" items with SNAP benefits, and will continue to seek this waiver annually until granted, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2026, due to an declared emergency.

Health and Social Services

Ways and Means Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0938/