This bill mandates that the Department of Social Services in South Dakota submit a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture by September 1, 2026, to exclude soft drinks from the list of eligible foods under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). The bill specifies that if the waiver is approved, the department must implement the restriction within six months. In the event that the waiver is not approved, the secretary is required to submit annual requests until approval is granted.

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 eligibility in 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.