South Dakota Passes Bill to Ban Soft Drink Purchases with SNAP

Governor unsure if he will sign the legislation, believes it's a federal issue

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:32pm

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The South Dakota legislature has passed a bill that would ban the purchase of soft drinks using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill now heads to the governor, who has expressed uncertainty about signing it, stating that he believes this is an issue the federal government should decide on.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader debate around using SNAP benefits to purchase sugary and unhealthy foods. Proponents argue it would improve nutrition and health outcomes for low-income residents, while critics say it unfairly restricts personal choice.

The details

The bill, which passed both the state House and Senate on Thursday, would require the Department of Social Services to submit a federal waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude soft drinks from the list of eligible food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Governor Larry Rhoden has stated that while he doesn't disagree with the intent of the bill, he believes this is an issue that should be decided at the federal level.

  • The bill passed the South Dakota legislature on February 27, 2026.

The players

Larry Rhoden

The Governor of South Dakota who is unsure if he will sign the bill banning soft drink purchases with SNAP benefits.

South Dakota Department of Social Services

The state agency that would be required to submit a federal waiver to exclude soft drinks from the SNAP eligible food list if the bill is signed into law.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal agency that would need to approve the state's waiver request to ban soft drink purchases with SNAP benefits.

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What they’re saying

“I don't disagree with anything in the bill, but I believe this is something the federal government should decide on.”

— Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota

What’s next

Governor Rhoden will decide whether to sign or veto the bill in the coming days.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate around using SNAP benefits to purchase sugary and unhealthy foods, with proponents arguing it would improve nutrition and critics saying it unfairly restricts personal choice. The governor's uncertainty about signing the bill suggests this may ultimately be an issue that requires federal intervention.