Two measures that would alter how Idahoans use the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, were introduced by a lawmaker from North Idaho on Friday morning.
Rep. Jordan Redman, a Republican from Coeur d’Alene, told the Idaho House Health and Welfare committee that the first bill would target the junk food issue. To remove soda and candy off the list of goods eligible for SNAP, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare would need to apply for federal clearance.
Within 18 months of the law’s enactment, another bill would mandate that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare replace current SNAP benefit cards with ones that have picture identification. At least 125,000 Idahoans were eligible for SNAP assistance in 2023, the government reports.
According to the legislation, the bill is expected to cost the federal government and the state a total of $1.1 million.
According to Redman, the goal of this law is to decrease SNAP fraud and increase accountability.
Redman was questioned by Rep. Faye Thompson, R-McCall, about the legislation’s potential effects on disabled people who are unable to buy on their own. Redman replied that he would advise people to get a declaration of power of attorney.
Both bills were approved by the committee, paving the path for a future public hearing.
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