An Act relating to removing soft drinks from the food stamp program; and providing for an effective date.

SB 186 would remove soft drinks from the list of eligible purchases under Alaska's food stamp program (SNAP). The bill defines "soft drink" as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages (excluding milk-based drinks or those with over 50% juice) and amends the state's food definition to exclude them. It requires Alaska to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to implement this change, with the policy only taking effect if the waiver is approved by July 1, 2027. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but prepares for a potential future restriction on using benefits for soft drinks.