Senate Bill 1154, known as the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tennessee by prohibiting the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to request a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to implement this restriction. The waiver request must include justifications related to public health concerns, the statutory intent of SNAP, and potential cost savings for taxpayers, along with an implementation plan, educational outreach strategies for SNAP recipients, and a reporting mechanism to track the waiver's impact.

If the waiver is granted, the department is required to enforce the restriction within six months and provide an annual report to the governor and relevant legislative committees on the waiver's status, SNAP spending patterns, and any challenges or recommendations for future policy actions. The definitions of "candy" and "soft drinks" will align with federal definitions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.