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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
VETOED
SNAP; waivers; exemption.
Purpose
Prohibits the Department of Economic Security (DES) from seeking, applying for, accepting or renewing any waiver of work requirement under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for able-bodied adults without dependents unless it is required by federal law or authorized by state law. Prohibits DES from exercising the option to provide exemptions from the SNAP work requirement unless authorized by state law.
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).
General work requirements to qualify for SNAP, for applicants between 16 and 59 years old, include: 1) registering for work; 2) participating in SNAP employment and training or workfare, if assigned by DES; 3) accepting a suitable job if offered; and 4) not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours below 30 hours a week without a good reason. To be exempted from these requirements, an applicant must be: 1) already working at least 30 hours a week or earning wages at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours; 2) meeting work requirements for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the unemployment compensation program; 3) taking care of either a child under six years old or an incapacitated person; 4) unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation; 5) participating regularly in an alcohol or drug treatment program; or 6) studying in a school or training program at least half-time.
An applicant between 18 and 52 years old that can work and has no dependents may need to meet the additional able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirement in addition to the general work requirements. An applicant can meet the ABAWD work requirement by: 1) working at least 80 hours a month, including volunteer work; 2) participating in a federal, state or local work program, including SNAP employment and training, at least 80 hours a month; 3) participating in a combination of work and work program hours for a total of at least 80 hours a month; or 4) participating in workfare for the number of DES-assigned hours each month. To be exempted from these requirements, an applicant must be: 1) a veteran; 2) pregnant; 3) living with someone under 18 in the SNAP household; 4) experiencing homelessness; 5) 24 years old or younger and in foster care upon turning 18 years old; or 6) exempted from the general work requirements (USDA).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits DES from seeking, applying for, accepting or renewing any waiver of work requirement under SNAP for able-bodied adults without dependents unless it is required by federal law or authorized by state law.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicates in her veto message that H.B. 2503 would inhibit Arizona's ability to provide critical and timely access to food through SNAP to Arizona families, retailers and farmers, at a time when communities are facing economic challenges, as well as place additional strain on food banks.
House Action Senate Action
HHS 2/12/24 DP 6-3-0-1 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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