The bill, H.B. No. 5243, aims to amend the Human Resources Code by adding a new section that prohibits the purchase of certain food and drink items using benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, recipients will be barred from using their benefits to buy energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated beverages, candy, potato or corn chips, and cookies that are typically sold for immediate consumption without further preparation. The bill defines key terms such as "energy drink," "milk product," and "sweetened beverage" to clarify what items fall under these prohibitions.

However, the bill also outlines exceptions to this prohibition. Recipients will still be allowed to purchase milk products, milk substitutes, certain low-calorie beverages, infant formula, weight reduction beverages, unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices, and products recommended by healthcare professionals, among others. The bill stipulates that if a state agency determines that federal authorization is needed for any provision, implementation may be delayed until such authorization is obtained. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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