Idaho lawmakers are one step closer to passing a bill that could restrict what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries can buy with their benefits.

Why It Matters

Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, there has been a renewed push by Republican lawmakers to ban the purchase of "junk" food using SNAP benefits.

If the legislation succeeds, tens of thousands of beneficiaries could be affected. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 130,900 Idaho residents collect monthly SNAP benefits.

What To Know

House Bill 109 would require Idaho to seek federal approval to exclude candy and soda from the list of foods eligible for purchase using SNAP. On Monday, the bill passed the state House of Representatives in a 38-32 vote. All nine House Democrats and 23 Republican lawmakers opposed the bill.

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