Rating: +1

Bill Summary:
H0109 adds a new section (§56-275) to Idaho Code directing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to seek a federal waiver to exclude candy and soda from the list of eligible items under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill defines “candy” and “soda” with clear nutritional criteria and requires the Department to annually request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) until approval is granted. If the waiver is approved, the state will prohibit SNAP purchases of candy and soda. An emergency clause makes the bill effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
H0109 strongly aligns with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and personal health and responsibility. By attempting to restrict the use of taxpayer-funded benefits for nutritionally empty items, the bill reinforces the intent of SNAP as a temporary nutritional safety net—not a subsidy for junk food. It respects state sovereignty by challenging federal standards, promotes better stewardship of public funds, and encourages healthier dietary habits without expanding bureaucracy. The bill exemplifies common-sense reform within existing federal constraints and upholds conservative values of limited and purposeful government assistance.