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Texas Policy Research submitted the following written testimony to all members of the Texas House Committee on Human Services ahead of its interim hearing.
- Committee: House Committee on Human Services
- Hearing Date: May 5, 2026
- Context: 89th Legislature, Interim
- Subject: Implementation of Senate Bill 379
- Position: Support
- Submitted By: Jeramy Kitchen
- Entity: Texas Policy Research Action (TPRA)
Download the Submitted Testimony
The text below reproduces the testimony as submitted to the committee.
The submitted document linked above is the authoritative version.
Chairman Hull and Members of the Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the implementation of Senate Bill 379.
SB 379 represents a targeted and appropriate policy reform that seeks to align the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with its intended purpose. As enacted, the law prohibits the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sweetened drinks and candy, while preserving access to staple and nutritionally valuable foods.
At its core, this reform reinforces a basic principle: taxpayer-funded assistance programs should prioritize essential needs. SNAP was designed to support food security, not subsidize the purchase of high-sugar, low-nutritional products that contribute to long-term health challenges and increased public healthcare costs. Just as importantly, policies like SB 379 should be viewed within the broader goal of promoting independence and upward mobility. Public assistance programs are most effective when they serve as a temporary support system, not a permanent destination. By reinforcing clear boundaries around how benefits are used, the state helps reestablish the expectation that these programs are intended to meet basic needs while individuals work toward self-sufficiency.
As implementation moves forward, I encourage the Committee and the Health and Human Services Commission to remain focused on clarity, consistency, and restraint. Clear definitions and guidance will be essential to avoid confusion among retailers and recipients. At the same time, implementation should avoid unnecessary administrative complexity that could create barriers for eligible Texans accessing benefits for legitimate food purchases.
It is also important to recognize that this policy does not attempt to broadly regulate personal behavior. Instead, it establishes reasonable guardrails around how public funds are used. The goal is not to control individual choices, but to ensure that taxpayer resources are directed toward their intended purpose while reinforcing the transitional nature of public assistance.
Texas has taken a measured approach with SB 379. The policy is narrow in scope, clearly defined, and consistent with broader efforts to improve accountability and promote long-term independence.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sources
- Senate Bill 379, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2025)
Related TPR Work
- Written Testimony, Preventing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse | House Human Services, 5.5.2026
- Texas Policy Research Bill Analysis: Senate Bill 379 (SB 379)
- Federal Approval Granted: Texas SNAP Junk Food Ban Takes Effect April 2026
- SNAP Restrictions Put Welfare Limits to the Test
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