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Bill would ban food stamp purchase of caffeine energy drinks, candy, some chips, cookies

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Proponents of a new bill are aiming to take away the opportunity for food stamp recipients to use their benefits for certain foods.

State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Baytown, filed House Bill 4364 in the House Committee of Human Services.

The proposal would ban recipients from employing food stamps on energy drinks and any beverages containing at least 54 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces. Coffee is exempt from this list.

It would also ban people from using food stamps to buy candy and some chips and cookies.

SNAP recipients would still be able to use their benefits to purchase vegetable or fruit juice.

What do you think?

Is this a bill with good intentions that would spruce up the eating habits of some of Texas’ neediest?