TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 43 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO MANAGE THE FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) AND TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS PURCHASING FOOD OR DRINK ITEMS WITH SNAP BENEFITS TO PURCHASE STORE BRAND FOOD OR DRINK ITEMS WHEN AVAILABLE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Chapter 5, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 43-5-1410.    (A)    For purposes of this article, 'SNAP' means the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is the federal food purchasing assistance program for low- and no-income individuals created pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1977.

(B)    The Department of Social Services shall serve as the single state agency designated to receive SNAP funding and manage the program. The provisions of this article, regulations promulgated pursuant to this article, and department policy and procedure must be consistent with the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, and with federal regulations promulgated to implement that act.

Section 43-5-1420.    An individual purchasing a food or drink item with SNAP benefits shall purchase the store brand food or drink item when available."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.