Texas 89th Legislature, Regular Session Status: Died

HB 4970 — Relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food and drink items under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

Last action — Referred to Human Services: Apr 3 2025 12:38PM

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. Died in session

This bill died with 89th Legislature, Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food and drink items under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

Bill Text

We don't have the full text on file for this bill yet.

Read HB 4970 on the official Texas source →

How this bill changes current law

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Compared against the Texas statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 1 section(s) of the Texas statutes: Section 33.031, Human Resources Code.

  • Section 33.031, Human Resources Code

    Sec. 33.031. PURCHASE OF CERTAIN FOOD AND DRINK ITEMS PROHIBITED UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) In this section: (1) "Energy drink" means a beverage containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces that is advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase to the consumer's mental or physical energy. The term does not include coffee or any substantially coffee-based beverage. (2) "Milk product" means a natural milk product regardless of animal source or butterfat content and regardless of whether reconstituted, including milk in liquid form, milk concentrate, and dehydrated milk. (3) "Sweetened beverage" means a nonalcoholic beverage to which a natural or artificial sweetener is added that is sold for human consumption, including a soft drink, a fruit or vegetable juice, and other flavored beverages. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a recipient of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits may not use those benefits to purchase: (1) an energy drink; (2) a sweetened beverage; (3) a carbonated beverage; (4) candy ordinarily packaged and sold for consumption without further preparation; (5) potato or corn chips ordinarily packaged and sold for consumption without further preparation; or (6) cookies ordinarily packaged and sold for consumption without further preparation. (c) The prohibition under Subsection (b) does not apply to the purchase of: (1) a milk product or a product, other than an energy drink, containing milk or a milk protein; (2) a milk substitute, including soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk; (3) a beverage, other than an energy drink or carbonated beverage, in which the only added sweetener does not add calories to the beverage; (4) a beverage intended by the manufacturer for consumption by an infant that is commonly referred to as "infant formula"; (5) a beverage, other than a carbonated beverage, intended by the manufacturer for use for weight reduction; (6) a fruit or vegetable juice, other than a carbonated beverage, to which no sugar has been added; (7) a beverage or other product, other than a carbonated beverage, intended for use as recommended by a health care professional, as defined by Section 247.067, Health and Safety Code; (8) a beverage or other product, other than a carbonated beverage, that contains plant protein sources; or (9) a product, other than an energy drink or carbonated beverage, that: (A) is fortified with a vitamin or mineral; and (B) contains a source of protein.

    added

Action History

  1. Referred to Human Services

  2. Read first time

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 183 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (183)

183 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 4970 do?
Relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food and drink items under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
Who sponsors HB 4970?
HB 4970 is sponsored by Briscoe Cain.
What is the current status of HB 4970?
This bill died with 89th Legislature, Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 4970?
Track HB 4970 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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