Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB186

Alaska SB 186: Removing Soft Drinks from SNAP Benefits

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill changes Alaska law to stop people from using food stamp benefits to buy soft drinks, but only if the federal government approves a special waiver or says one is not needed by July 2027.

Changes the legal definition of 'food' in the state program to exclude soft drinks and tobacco products.
Defines a 'soft drink' as any nonalcoholic beverage with natural or artificial sweeteners, excluding milk-based drinks, soy, rice, other milk substitutes, and juices over 50 percent fruit or vegetable content.
Requires the Department of Health to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture for permission (a waiver) if needed to make these changes.
Sets a deadline of July 1, 2027, for federal approval before the new rules can start.

The new rules do not start unless the U.S. Department of Agriculture approves them by July 1, 2027.
If federal approval is denied after that date, this bill does not take effect.
The exact date the ban starts depends on when the federal government makes its decision.

Plain language

SNAP: A federal program that gives money for buying food, often called the food stamp program.
Waiver: Special permission from a higher authority to change standard rules or laws.

Official record

Validated

SNAP BENEFITS: PROHIBIT SOFT DRINKS An Act relating to removing soft drinks from the food stamp program; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity