HB 569: SNAP Funds Amendments - Utah

Amended 3/5/2026 15:03:999 → Substitute #1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised to remove a specific deadline for requesting a federal waiver to ban soft drinks from SNAP benefits. The version also corrected a timeline error regarding the definition of 'ultra-processed food,' changing the trigger from a fixed date to a specific number of days after the federal government defines the term. Additionally, the requirement to resubmit a denied waiver request was changed from a fixed three-month window to an annual requirement.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding the soft drink waiver request remains the same, but the timeline for defining 'ultra-processed food' is now tied to the federal definition rather than a specific calendar date.

TIMELINE

Removed the requirement to submit a soft drink waiver request by July 1, 2025, which was likely a placeholder date.

Changed the deadline for defining 'ultra-processed food' from a specific date to 'no later than three months after' the federal government defines the term.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the resubmission requirement for denied waiver requests from a mandatory three-month deadline to an annual submission until approval.

TECHNICAL

Corrected cross-references in the text to ensure consistency between subsections regarding which waiver requests must include specific justifications.

Amended Excerpts 3/5/2026 15:03:999 → Amended 3/5/2026 15:03:999 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reorganized from a fragmented set of line edits into a formal legislative substitute with a clear title and structure. It establishes new definitions for 'soft drinks' and 'ultra-processed foods' and mandates the Department of Workforce Services to request a federal waiver to restrict SNAP benefits for these items. The bill also sets specific deadlines for defining these terms, implementing the waiver, and reporting progress to committees.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a vague directive to a comprehensive framework that includes specific definitions, a formal waiver request process, implementation timelines, and mandatory reporting requirements.

DEFINITION

Added precise definitions for 'soft drink' and 'ultra-processed food' to clarify which items are restricted under the new SNAP rules.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for the Department of Workforce Services to define 'ultra-processed food' within 180 days of the federal definition and submit it to the Rules Review and General Oversight Committee.

Added a requirement to submit a federal waiver request to prohibit SNAP purchases of ultra-processed foods, including justification and an implementation plan.

TIMELINE

Set a specific effective date of May 6, 2026, and established deadlines for waiver implementation and annual reporting.

TECHNICAL

Converted informal line edits into a formal bill structure with a long title, general description, and organized sections.

Introduced → Amended Excerpts 3/5/2026 15:03:999 · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to delay the timeline for the Department of Workforce Services to implement restrictions on SNAP purchases of ultra-processed foods. The requirement to act after a federal waiver is granted was changed from six months to 180 days, and a new condition was added requiring the department to wait until the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officially defines 'ultra-processed food' before taking action.

TIMELINE

The deadline for implementing SNAP restrictions on ultra-processed foods was shortened from six months to 180 days after the federal waiver is granted.

REQUIREMENT

A new prerequisite was added: the department must wait until the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines 'ultra-processed food' before it can enforce the restrictions.

SNAP Funds Amendments

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