Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1263: Use of SNAP benefits.
Status: In committee, January 6, 2026
Prohibits Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits recipients from using SNAP benefits to purchase accessory foods, including: (1) energy drinks; (2) sweetened beverages; (3) soft drinks; (4) corn or potato chips; and (5) prepared desserts, including cookies, candy, ice cream, cakes, and pies. Allows SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared chicken that is not fried or breaded using SNAP benefits. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for a waiver or authorization to implement the prohibition and allowance if a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is required, and allows a delay in implementation until the waiver or authorization is received. Requires the Indiana department of health (department) to include promotion of healthy eating as part of the department's promotion of health and wellness activities, including by developing and making available materials that provide guidance on purchasing and preparing healthy foods on a limited budget.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services. SECTION 1. IC 12-7-2-1.1 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 1.1. "Accessory food", for purposes of IC 12-14-30-9.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 12-14-30-9.5(a). SECTION 2. IC 12-7-2-77.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 77.3. "Energy drink", for purposes of IC 12-14-30-9.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 12-14-30-9.5(b). SECTION 3. IC 12-7-2-179.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 179.6. "Soft drink", for purposes of IC 12-14-30-9.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 12-14-30-9.5(c). SECTION 4. IC 12-7-2-189.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 189.6. "Sweetened beverage", for purposes of IC 12-14-30-9.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 12-14-30-9.5(d). 2026 IN 1263--LS 6863/DI SECTION 5. IC 12-14-30-9.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 9.5. (a) As used in this section, "accessory food": (1) means accessory food items excluded from the definition of "staple food" under 7 CFR …
Sponsors
- Ryan Lauer (R, HD-059) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Authored by Representative Lauer
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs
Subjects: AGENCIES; Department of Health (IDOH), SOCIAL SERVICES; Food stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), AGENCIES; Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)
Common questions
- What is HB1263?
- HB1263 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Use of SNAP benefits.
- What does HB1263 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services.
- What is the status of HB1263?
- In committee as of January 6, 2026. Latest action: Authored by Representative Lauer (January 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1263?
- Ryan Lauer (R, HD-059).
- Where is the official record for HB1263?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1263
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.