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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
VETOED
SNAP; mandatory employment; training
Purpose
Requires the Department of Economic Security (DES) to require able-bodied adults under 60 years old who are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to participate in a mandatory employment and training program, as prescribed by federal law, unless the recipient meets criteria for exemption.
Background
SNAP is a federal program that provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget and help the family afford nutritious food. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, an applicant must meet specific age, household, employment and income requirements (USDA).
As defined by federal law, employment and training program means a program that contains case management services such as comprehensive intake assessments, individualized service plans, progress monitoring or coordination with service providers. DES is required to implement and design an employment and training program in consultation with the Workforce Arizona Council or in consultation with private employers or employer organizations if that is deemed to be more effective or efficient. This program must be approved by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for the purpose of assisting members of households participating in SNAP in gaining skills, training, work or experience that will: 1) increase the ability of household members to obtain regular employment; and 2) meet state or local workforce needs (7 U.S.C § 2015(d)).
Arizona's SNAP program, the Arizona Nutrition Assistance Program, has income eligibility requirements that must be met in addition to the federal eligibility requirements. To qualify, an applicant must be a resident of Arizona and is required to: 1) have a current bank balance under $2,001; or 2) have a current bank balance under $3,001 and share a household with a person who is either at least 60 years old or possesses a disability. A one-person household must also earn less than $18,954 per year. This threshold increases by $6,682 for each additional person in the household (U.S. Benefits).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires DES to require able-bodied adults under 60 years old who are receiving SNAP benefits to participate in a mandatory employment and training program, as prescribed by federal law, unless the recipient is:
a) in compliance with work registration requirements under Title IV of the Social Security Act or the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation System;
b) a parent or other member of a household who is responsible for the care of an incapacitated person or a dependent child under six years old;
c) a bona fide student enrolled at least half time in a recognized school, training program or institution of higher education, unless the recipient is ineligible to participate under federal law;
d) a regular participant in a drug addiction or an alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program;
e) employed a minimum of 30 hours per week or is receiving weekly earnings equal to the minimum hourly rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1939, multiplied by 30 hours; or
f) 16, 17 or 18 years old and attending school, enrolled in an employment training program on at least a half-time basis or is not the head of a household.
2. Specifies that a person who is noncompliant with the work registration requirements of Title IV of the Social Security Act or the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation System is noncompliant with employment and training program requirements.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicates in her veto message that H.B. 2502 would undermine Arizona's efforts to connect SNAP participants with high-quality training and job support services, and that resources should be allocated towards the SNAP Career Advancement Network instead of the supports contemplated in the bill.
House Action Senate Action
HHS 2/12/24 DP 6-4-0-0 HHS 3/12/24 DP 4-2-1-0
3rd Read 2/22/24 31-28-0-0-1 3rd Read 3/27/24 16-11-3
Vetoed by the Governor on 4/2/24
Prepared by Senate Research
April 8, 2024
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