MontanaMontana would seek federal approval to restrict some SNAP purchases
Montana's health department would seek federal permission to restrict SNAP purchases of candy and some sweet drinks, with education and enforcement plans required in its request.
What it does
Montana's health department would ask federal officials for permission to stop SNAP benefits from paying for candy and some sweet drinks. The restriction would depend on federal approval.
The department would report each year on the request and SNAP spending in Montana. If federal officials reject the request, the department would have to try again annually.
Argument forRecipients could learn about healthier food options through outreach the department would have to include in its request.
Argument againstRecipients could lose the choice to buy some sweet drinks and candy with SNAP benefits if federal officials approve the request and Montana applies the restriction.
More detail
The Department of Public Health and Human Services would ask the federal government for permission to bar SNAP purchases of candy and some sweet drinks. The proposed restriction would cover candy and sweetened, nonalcoholic drinks bought with SNAP benefits. It would exclude drinks containing milk or milk substitutes, and drinks with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. The request would have to explain public health reasons, SNAP's purpose, and expected taxpayer savings, and include plans for enforcement, education, and tracking results. If federal officials approve the request, the department would put the restriction in place within six months of receiving authorization.
The department would resubmit a denied request each year and report to the governor and a legislative committee. These duties would apply to the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The report would cover the request's status, SNAP spending patterns in Montana, and any challenges or recommendations for further action. The annual report would be due by September 30.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 23(H) Died in CommitteeDied
- Apr 10(H) Tabled in Committee - (H) Human ServicesMinor
- Vote recorded to_table. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 19(H) Hearing - (H) Human Services
- Mar 19(H) Hearing Canceled - (H) Human Services
- Mar 19(H) Hearing - (H) Human Services
- Mar 17(H) 1st Reading
- Mar 7(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Human ServicesMinor
- Mar 6(S) Transmitted to House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 6(S) 3rd Reading
- Mar 6(S) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Mar 5(S) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 5(S) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Mar 1(S) Committee Report - (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety
- Vote recorded do_pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 1(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety
- Feb 27(S) Fiscal Note Printed
- Feb 26(S) Fiscal Note Signed
- Feb 25(S) Fiscal Note ReceivedMinor
- Feb 22(S) Hearing - (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety
- Feb 19(S) Fiscal Note Requested
- Feb 19(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Public Health, Welfare and SafetyMinor
- Feb 18(S) 1st Reading
- Feb 18(S) Introduced
- Feb 18(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Feb 18(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
- Feb 18(LC) Draft in Assembly
- Feb 17(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
- Feb 17(LC) Draft in Input/Proofing
- Feb 13(LC) Draft in Edit
- Feb 12(LC) Draft in Legal Review
- Feb 6(LC) Draft Taken Off Hold
- 2024
- Oct 9(LC) Draft On Hold
- Sep 27(LC) Draft On Hold
- Sep 27(LC) Drafter AssignedIntroduced
Healthcare