"New Jersey Healthy SNAP Act"; requires DHS to submit waiver to federal government to prohibit purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits.

The New Jersey Healthy SNAP Act (S 4348) requires the state's Department of Human Services (DHS) to request a federal waiver prohibiting SNAP (food assistance program) benefits from being used to buy soft drinks. It directly affects SNAP recipients in New Jersey and participating retailers. The bill defines "soft drink" as non-alcoholic beverages with added sweeteners (excluding milk alternatives and juice-based drinks), and mandates DHS submit a waiver request within 90 days with public health justification, implementation plans for point-of-sale systems, recipient education strategies, and impact tracking. If approved by the federal government, the restriction would take effect within six months; if denied, DHS must resubmit annually. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but seeks federal approval to modify how benefits can be spent.