35A-17 - SNAP Benefits Waiver

Title 35A > 35A-17

Sections (2)

SNAP Benefits Waiver

35A-17-101 - Definitions.

35A-17-101(1) “SNAP” means the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, 7 U.S.C. Chapter 51. 35A-17-101(2) “SNAP benefit” means a financial benefit, coupon, or privilege available under SNAP. 35A-17-101(3) “Soft drink” means a nonalcoholic beverage that is made with carbonated water and that is flavored and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.”Soft drink” does not include a beverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes, or that is greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

35A-17-102 - SNAP waiver request — Requirements — Reporting.

35A-17-102(1) On or before July 1, 2025, the department shall submit a request for a federal waiver to the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, to authorize the department to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of soft drinks.The waiver request described in Subsection (1)(a) shall include: justification for the waiver, including:public health concerns;SNAP’s statutory intent; andcost savings to taxpayers;an implementation plan to ensure that existing point-of-sale systems used by Utah retailers are able to enforce the waiver restrictions;a strategy for education and outreach to inform SNAP recipients of alternative healthy food options; anda mechanism to track the impact of the waiver restrictions on SNAP recipients, including:spending patterns; andhealth outcomes. 35A-17-102(2) If the waiver under Subsection (1) is approved by Food and Nutrition Services, the department shall implement the SNAP benefits restriction under Subsection (1) no later than six months after the day on which the waiver is granted.If the waiver under Subsection (1) is denied, the department shall:resubmit the request for a waiver no later than three months after the day on which the waiver is denied; andresubmit the request annually until a waiver approval is granted. 35A-17-102(3) On or before November 1 of each year, the department shall provide a written report to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee detailing:the status of the waiver request;data on SNAP spending patterns in Utah;any identified challenges with SNAP; andany recommendations for further policy action.The report described in Subsection (3)(a) shall be included in the department’s annual report in accordance with Section 35A-1-109.