New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico SB186: NO USE OF SNAP FOR SOFT DRINKS & CANDY
Status: In committee, January 29, 2026
What the bill says
An act relating to public assistance; prohibiting federal supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits from being used to purchase sweetened drinks and candy.
From the introduced text, January 29, 2026:
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 .233262.1 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ 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 (b) soymilk, rice milk or similar milk substitutes; or (c) at least fifty percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume." - 2 - .233262.1
Sponsors
- Pat Woods (R, SD-007) · primary sponsor
- Wilson, Rex (R, 33)
- Jay C. Block (R, SD-012)
Latest actions
- : Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SHPAC/SFC
- : Action Postponed Indefinitely
Subjects: HEALTH & HEALTH FACILITIES, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (programs)
Common questions
- What is SB186?
- SB186 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): NO USE OF SNAP FOR SOFT DRINKS & CANDY.
- What does SB186 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to public assistance; prohibiting federal supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits from being used to purchase sweetened drinks and candy.
- What is the status of SB186?
- In committee as of January 29, 2026. Latest action: Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SHPAC/SFC (January 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB186?
- Pat Woods (R, SD-007), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB186?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legType=B&legNo=186&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.