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, 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 certain beverages like milk, milk substitutes, and those with a high percentage of vegetable or fruit juice. Under this new provision, SNAP recipients will not be allowed to use their benefits to purchase sweetened drinks or 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 act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following its passage through both the Senate and House with amendments.

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