HB4121 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB097 17513 KTG 62717 b

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB4121

Introduced , by Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Secretary of Human Services shall seek a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture no later than December 31, 2012 to allow the State to impose a general ban on the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sugar sweetened beverages. Defines "sugar sweetened beverages" to mean beverages in liquid form and intended for human consumption that contain more than 10 calories per fluid ounce, excluding fruit juices without added sugar, milk products, and milk substitutes. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning public aid.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding Section 12-4.4a as follows:

(305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new)

Sec. 12-4.4a. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; waiver; ban on sugar sweetened beverages.

(a) As used in this Section:

"SNAP" means the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as the Food Stamps Program.

"Sugar sweetened beverages" means beverages in liquid form and intended for human consumption that contain more than 10 calories per fluid ounce, excluding fruit juices without added sugar, milk products, and milk substitutes.

(b) The Secretary of Human Services shall seek a waiver no later than December 31, 2012 from the United States Department of Agriculture to allow the State to impose a general ban on the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sugar sweetened beverages. The Secretary shall consult with members of the General Assembly in developing the waiver and must obtain the approval of the General Assembly prior to implementing the waiver.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.