S.B. No. 379 is a legislative bill that aims to prohibit the purchase of sweetened drinks and candy using benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, Section 33.031, to the Human Resources Code, defining "sweetened drink" as a nonalcoholic beverage containing five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweeteners, while excluding beverages that contain milk, milk substitutes, or more than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume. Under this new provision, SNAP recipients will be restricted from using their benefits to purchase sweetened drinks and candy that is typically sold for immediate consumption without further preparation.

The bill also includes a clause that allows state agencies to delay the implementation of any provision if a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is required. The effective date for this act is set for September 1, 2025. The bill has passed both the Senate and the House, with amendments, and has been certified by the respective legislative bodies.

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