On Wednesday, the South Dakota Senate passed a bill that seeks federal approval to restrict SNAP benefits from being used to purchase sweetened soft drinks. This initiative has sparked a debate about the implications of government assistance and public health.
Senate Approval of House Bill 1056
The Senate voted 27-6 in favor of House Bill 1056, which now awaits the governor’s review. The bill tasks the Department of Social Services with requesting a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit purchases of “soft drinks” with SNAP benefits. This request is due by September 1, 2026.
If the waiver is granted, the state must enforce the ban within six months; if rejected, the state will reapply annually until approval is received.
Definition and Implications
The bill categorizes a “soft drink” as any nonalcoholic beverage that contains either natural or artificial sweeteners, while expressly excluding milk products, milk substitutes, and certain juices approved by WIC.
Support and Opposition
Sen. Sydney Davis, R-Burbank, who sponsored the bill, expressed that taxpayer funds should not support sugary beverages under a program designed to assist families in purchasing food.
Sen. Paul Miskimins, R-Mitchell, a retired dentist, lent his support with anecdotes from his dental practice. He highlighted the detrimental effects of sugary drinks on children’s dental health, noting that one mother brought her two-year-old twins to him with 32 cavities and seven abscesses due to their sugary drink consumption.
He also recounted a case of a teenager with severely decayed teeth attributed to drinking “eight to ten Mountain Dews a day.”
Concerns from Rural Senators
Sen. Tamara Grove, R-Lower Brule, cautioned that the bill could pose challenges for small, rural stores, which typically operate on tight margins. She also questioned the selective targeting of sugary drinks while allowing other sweetened items to remain purchasable.
Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, remarked that retailers already manage updates to their product databases and did not foresee the proposed changes as overly burdensome.
Government Stance
The White House has shown support for the initiative, emphasizing that the primary purpose of the SNAP program should be nutrition rather than sugary beverages.
As it stands, the bill is poised for final consideration from the governor.
Key Takeaways
- The Senate approved House Bill 1056 to restrict SNAP purchases of sweetened soft drinks.
- The bill passed with a 27-6 vote and awaits the governor’s decision.
- SNAP will seek federal permission to implement this restriction by September 1, 2026.
- Soft drinks are defined as nonalcoholic beverages with sweeteners, excluding certain milk products and WIC-approved juices.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on rural stores and the selective nature of the ban.
- The White House has endorsed the bill, aligning SNAP’s goals with nutritional standards.
FAQ
What is House Bill 1056?
House Bill 1056 is a proposal that seeks to prevent the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing sweetened soft drinks in South Dakota.
When must the waiver request be submitted?
The South Dakota Department of Social Services must submit the waiver request by September 1, 2026.
What happens if the waiver is granted?
If the federal government approves the waiver, the state must implement the ban on soft drinks within six months.
What is the reasoning behind the bill?
Supporters argue that taxpayer money should not subsidize sugary drinks, which can negatively impact public health.
What are the concerns about this bill?
Opponents worry that the ban may complicate operations for small, rural stores, which already face challenges in maintaining profit margins.
