A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details on the number of people who might be affected.

SNAP Food Purchase Rules

This bill changes what people can buy with SNAP benefits in Indiana by prohibiting certain unhealthy snacks and drinks while allowing the purchase of hot, non-fried chicken.

What This Bill Does

• It stops SNAP users from buying accessory foods like energy drinks, sweetened beverages, soft drinks, corn or potato chips, and prepared desserts such as cookies, candy, ice cream, cakes, and pies.
• It allows SNAP users to buy hot prepared chicken that is not fried or breaded.
• It requires the Indiana Department of Family and Social Services to get permission from federal agencies if needed before implementing these changes.
• It asks the Indiana Department of Health to help people learn how to eat healthy on a budget.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who use SNAP benefits in Indiana
• The Indiana Department of Family and Social Services
• The Indiana Department of Health

Terms To Know

SNAP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps people buy food.

Waiver

Permission from a government agency to do something different than usual rules.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill might not take effect right away if the state needs federal permission first.
• It's unclear how many people will be affected by these changes.

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services.
Use of SNAP benefits.

Current Bill Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services.

Use of SNAP benefits.

Prohibits Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits recipients from using SNAP benefits to purchase accessory foods, including: (1) energy drinks; (2) sweetened beverages; (3) soft drinks; (4) corn or potato chips; and (5) prepared desserts, including cookies, candy, ice cream, cakes, and pies. Allows SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared chicken that is not fried or breaded using SNAP benefits. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for a waiver or authorization to implement the prohibition and allowance if a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is required, and allows a delay in implementation until the waiver or authorization is received. Requires the Indiana department of health (department) to include promotion of healthy eating as part of the department's promotion of health and wellness activities, including by developing and making available materials that provide guidance on purchasing and preparing healthy foods on a limited budget.