Overview
- The House voted 58-11 to pass HB 1056, advancing the proposal to a Senate committee for consideration.
- Supporters, led by Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, present the bill as aligning SNAP with WIC’s nutrition focus to reduce obesity and diabetes and to lower future Medicaid costs.
- An adviser to Gov. Larry Rhoden opposed the legislative approach, estimating about $500,000 annually to administer and noting the state now covers 75% of SNAP administrative costs.
- Retailers and grocers warn of compliance burdens and potential effects on rural and tribal food access, and they say current language could also restrict diet sodas and products like Pedialyte.
- If the bill becomes law, the policy would still require federal approval before any purchasing restrictions could take effect.