S E N A T E A M E N D M E N T

   AMENDMENT NO. _____

310896031496000/SM

April 22, 2025

ADOPTED		TABLED	CARRIED OVER	FAILED	RECONSIDERED

Clerk of the Senate

   ADOPTION NO. _____

BILL NO: H.4025  (Reference is to Printer's Date 04/22/25-S.)

04572000 

 Senator CLIMER proposes the following amendment (SM SNAP BENEFITS V2):

 Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 38, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, page 393, after line 9, by adding an appropriately numbered new proviso to read:

/ (DSS: SNAP Benefits) (A) In the current fiscal year, the department shall submit a request for a federal waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, to authorize the department to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy and soft drinks. "Candy" shall be defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces, that does not require refrigeration. "Soft drink" shall be defined as a nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water and flavored and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners but does not include a beverage that contains milk; milk products; soy, rice, or other milk substitutes; or more than fifty percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

 (B) The waiver request shall include:

  (1) justification for the waiver, including:

   (a) public health concerns related to excessive sugar consumption and diet-related diseases;

   (b) SNAP's statutory intent to promote food security and nutrition; and

   (c) cost savings to taxpayers by reducing Medicaid expenditures related to diet-induced conditions.

  (2) an implementation plan ensuring that existing point-of-sale systems used by South Carolina retailers can enforce the restrictions;

  (3) a strategy for education and outreach utilizing existing programs such as the USDA FNS's SNAP-Ed Connection program to inform SNAP recipients of alternative healthy food options; and

  (4) a mechanism to track the impact of the waiver restrictions on SNAP recipients, including spending patterns postimplementation and health outcomes, particularly Medicaid trends for diet-related illnesses.

 (C) If the requested waiver is approved by the USDA FNS, the department shall implement the SNAP benefits restriction within six months from the date of approval.

 (D) The department shall work with SNAP-authorized retailers to ensure compliance by updating point-of-sale systems to prevent the purchase of restricted items using SNAP benefits.

 (E) On or before November first of the current fiscal year, the department shall submit a written report to the General Assembly, which includes the following:

  (1) the status of the waiver request, including whether it is pending, approved, or denied;

  (2) any data received from the federal government on SNAP spending trends in South Carolina, including any reductions in soda and candy purchases;

  (3) recommendations for further policy action related to SNAP nutrition standards.

 (F) The annual report must be included in the department's annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly. / 

 Renumber sections to conform.

 Amend sections, totals and title to conform.