House Bill No. 3188 aims to amend the Human Resources Code by introducing a new section that prohibits the use of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing certain food items. Specifically, recipients will be barred from using their benefits to buy sweetened beverages, candy, potato or corn chips, and cookies that are typically sold for immediate consumption without further preparation. The bill defines "milk product" and "sweetened beverage" to clarify the items affected by this prohibition.

However, the bill includes exceptions to this prohibition, allowing the purchase of specific items such as milk products, milk substitutes, beverages with non-caloric sweeteners, infant formula, weight reduction beverages, unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices, and products recommended by healthcare professionals. Additionally, it permits the purchase of beverages containing plant protein sources or fortified products with vitamins or minerals that also contain protein. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes a provision for state agencies to seek federal authorization if necessary before implementing any part of the act.

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Introduced: ()