An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for healthier choices in SNAP waiver.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill seeks to improve the nutritional quality of food purchased with SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania. It proposes a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow the state to exclude certain unhealthy items from SNAP eligibility, specifically sugar-sweetened beverages, candy, and prepared desserts. The bill also requires a study to assess the potential cost savings and public health impacts of this change, and outlines specific exceptions to the restrictions, such as 100% fruit juice and medical foods.
Key provisions
- Requests a SNAP food restriction waiver from the USDA to exclude sugar-sweetened beverages, candy, and prepared desserts.
- Requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to implement regulations to exclude these items from SNAP purchases.
- Mandates a report from the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee evaluating cost savings, public health impacts, and implementation challenges.
- Specifies exceptions to the restrictions, including 100% fruit juice, milk, infant formula, medical foods, and certain beverages.
- Defines key terms such as ‘sugar-sweetened beverage’ and ‘prepared dessert’ for clarity.
- Requires notification to relevant Senate and House committees regarding waiver requests and approvals.
- Sets a timeline for the department to submit the waiver request and for the approval or denial of the waiver.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1240 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
6 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
David Argall
Lynda Schlegel Culver
Patrick Stefano
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