This bill mandates that the Department of Social Services in South Dakota submit a federal waiver request by September 1, 2026, to exclude soft drinks from the list of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The request is to be made in accordance with federal law, specifically 7 U.S.C. 2026 and 7 C.F.R. 271.2. If the waiver is granted, the department is required to implement the exclusion of soft drinks within six months. Should the waiver not be approved, the secretary must continue to submit annual requests until approval is obtained.

The bill defines "soft drink" as a nonalcoholic beverage containing natural or artificial sweeteners, explicitly excluding milk and milk products, rice or soy milk substitutes, and certain juices approved by the Department of Health for the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. This legislative action aims to modify the types of beverages that can be purchased with SNAP benefits, focusing on promoting healthier choices among recipients.