TN HB1236

Requires Tennessee's department to submit a federal waiver request to the USDA to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase candy and soft drinks

Waiver request must include justification citing public health concerns and taxpayer cost savings, an implementation plan for retailer point-of-sale systems, and a recipient education strategy

Department must implement the restriction within 6 months of receiving federal approval

Mandates annual reporting to the governor and legislative health committees on waiver status, SNAP spending patterns, and policy recommendations

Effective date: July 1, 2025