Senate Bill 154 mandates that the Department of Health Services (DHS) seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks using FoodShare benefits, which are part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The bill defines "candy" and "soft drinks" according to existing state law and requires DHS to take action based on the outcome of the waiver request. If the waiver is granted, DHS must implement the prohibition; if not, the department is required to resubmit the waiver request annually until it is approved.

This legislation aims to restrict the use of FoodShare benefits for items deemed less nutritious, aligning with public health goals. The bill emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to secure the necessary waiver, ensuring that the prohibition on candy and soft drinks can be enforced if federal approval is obtained.