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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
supplemental nutrition assistance program; eligibility
Purpose
Modifies requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) eligibility for individuals convicted of a controlled-substance related felony.
Background
SNAP is a federally funded program run by the Department of Economic Security (DES) that assists in the prevention of under-nutrition for low-income parents and their children by providing benefits for the purchase of food. The U.S. Food and Nutrition Service determines various food items that SNAP enrollees can purchase, including: 1) breads and cereals; 2) fruits and vegetables; 3) meats, fish and poultry; and 4) dairy products (U.S. FNS).
Individuals convicted of a controlled substance-related felony, if random drug testing is agreed to, may be eligible for SNAP benefits if the person: 1) successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program; 2) is currently accepted for treatment in a substance abuse program but has been wait-listed; 3) is currently participating in a substance abuse treatment program; 4) is determined by a licensed medical provider to not need substance abuse treatment; or 5) is in compliance with all terms of probation. DES must adopt rules relating to drug testing for SNAP eligibility purposes, including more frequent drug testing for offenses that occurred within 24 months of application (A.R.S. § 46-219).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1.
Repeals various SNAP eligibility criteria for individuals convicted of a
controlled
substance-related felony, including:
a) successfully completing a substance abuse treatment program;
b) being accepted into a substance abuse treatment program but placed on a waiting list;
c) being accepted into and participating in a substance abuse treatment program; or
d) being determined by a licensed medical provider to not need substance abuse treatment.
2. Qualifies a person convicted of a controlled substance-related felony for SNAP benefits if the person is in compliance with all terms of probation, including any required drug testing.
3. Removes the requirement that DES adopt drug testing rules for SNAP eligibility purposes.
4. Makes a technical change.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 1/19/22 DP 8-0-0-2
3rd Read 2/24/22 44-15-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 21, 2022
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