UT HB0569

Requires the Department of Workforce Services to submit a federal waiver request to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soft drinks (defined as carbonated, flavored, sweetened nonalcoholic beverages excluding milk-based drinks or those over 50% juice)

Requires DWS to define "ultra-processed food" in rule within 180 days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines the term, and submit a separate federal waiver to prohibit SNAP purchases of ultra-processed foods

Waiver requests must include justification based on public health concerns, SNAP's statutory intent, and taxpayer cost savings, along with a retailer point-of-sale implementation plan, recipient education strategy, and impact tracking mechanism

If a waiver is approved, DWS must implement the restriction within six months; if denied, DWS must resubmit within three months and continue resubmitting annually until approved

DWS must report annually by November 1 to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee on waiver status, SNAP spending patterns, challenges, and policy recommendations; bill takes effect May 6, 2026