(March 13, 2025) – Today, the House Welfare Reform Committee voted on Senate Bill 79. The legislation directs the Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance. The committee recommended the bill favorably. 

The committee also held a hearing on Senate Bill 85. The legislation directs the Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary to review and compare data for Public Assistance Program eligibility. The committee asked questions of the Kansas Revisor's Office staff and state agencies, including The Kansas Department of Health and Environment State Medicaid Office, the Kansas Inspector General, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and Kansas Department for Children and Families.