Human Resources, Department of - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," which requires the department to submit a request for a waiver from the United States department of agriculture's food and nutrition service to seek authorization to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy and soft drinks. - Amends TCA Title 71.

SB 1154, the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," would require Tennessee to seek a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from purchasing candy and sugary drinks. If approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this restriction would affect SNAP recipients (who could no longer buy these items with benefits) and retailers (who would need updated point-of-sale systems). The bill mandates that the waiver request include public health justification, an implementation plan for retailers, and education programs for recipients. Tennessee would also submit annual reports tracking spending patterns and implementation challenges, with the policy set to take effect July 1, 2025, if the waiver is granted.