Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Zolnikov, titled the "Montana Healthy SNAP Act," directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture. The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the purchase of soft drinks and candy using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, thereby aligning the program with its intended goal of improving food security and nutrition. The bill outlines the legislative findings that highlight the misuse of SNAP benefits for nonnutritive items, the impact of obesity-related health conditions on Medicaid costs, and the effectiveness of existing programs that restrict harmful products.

If the waiver request is approved, the Department is required to implement the restriction within six months and report annually to the governor and the interim committee on the status of the waiver, spending patterns, and any challenges faced. The bill also mandates that if the waiver is denied, the Department must resubmit the request annually until approval is granted. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.