Bill Summary for S 481 (2017-2018)

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Summary date: 

Mar 29 2017

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
Senate Bill 481 (Public) Filed Wednesday, March 29, 2017
AN ACT REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SEEK A WAIVER FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE THAT WOULD AUTHORIZE THE STATE TO PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN FOODS UNDER THE FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP).
Intro. by J. Davis.

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Bill summary

Includes whereas clauses.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Social Services (Division), by October 1, 2018, to request a waiver from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizing the State to prohibit the use of benefits under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the following: (1) purchase of food items that may have little or no nutritional value, including, but not limited to, soft drinks, candy, cakes, and cookies, that are otherwise subject to State sales tax; or (2) bulk purchases of grocery items that, if purchased in smaller quantities, would be considered prepared food and, therefore, subject to State sales tax.

Requires the Division, within 60 days from the date the USDA grants the waiver, to amend its rules to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of food items having little or no nutritional value and bulk purchases of grocery items that, if purchased in smaller quantities, would be considered prepared food.

Requires the Division to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services within 30 days of the USDA's decision to either grant or deny the waiver.