Texas could ban recipients of food stamps from buying junk food

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) – A Webster lawmaker introduced a bill banning Texans from using food stamps to buy junk food.

Bill 4364, tabled by state representative Briscoe Cain, would make items such as sweets, chips, cookies, soda and energy drinks ineligible for food stamps.

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The bill defines energy drinks as beverages containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces and is advertised as "specially designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase in the mental or physical energy of the consumer". ABC News Reports.

Sweetened beverages – namely non-alcoholic beverages added to natural or artificial sweeteners such as soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices and other flavored drinks – would also be included in the ban.

If it is passed, the law will come into force on September 1, according to the bill.

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