SENATE BILL 186

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Pat Woods and Rex Wilson and Jay C. Block

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; PROHIBITING FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFITS FROM BEING USED TO PURCHASE SWEETENED DRINKS AND CANDY.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Public Assistance Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE--PROHIBITED USES.-- 

          A. A person who receives benefits from the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program shall not use those benefits to purchase a sweetened drink or candy.

          B. As used in this section:

                (1) "candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops or pieces; and

                (2) "sweetened drink" means a nonalcoholic beverage made with water that contains five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweeteners. "Sweetened drink" does not include a beverage that contains:

                     (a) milk or milk products;

                     (b) soymilk, rice milk or similar milk substitutes; or

                     (c) at least fifty percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume."

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