AR HB1743

Restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchases of "food products" only, excluding candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks.

Define "food products" as substances in liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried, or dehydrated form sold for ingestion and consumed for taste or nutritional value, including prepared foods.

Direct the Department of Human Services to prohibit SNAP benefit use for non-food products and consult with the Department of Finance and Administration using guidelines from the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act of 1941.

Require the Department of Human Services to request a federal demonstration waiver from the United States Secretary of Agriculture to implement these restrictions.

Delay implementation for at least one year following federal waiver approval, during which the state shall conduct outreach and educational activities to inform SNAP beneficiaries, retailers, and the public about the changes.