REFERENCE TITLE: SNAP; prohibited purchases; waiver

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

2025

HB 2165

Introduced by

Representatives Biasiucci: Fink, Gillette, Kolodin;  Senators Angius, Shamp

An Act

amending title 46, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 46-232; relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 46, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 46-232, to read:

START_STATUTE46-232. Use of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits; prohibited purchases; waiver; definitions

A. The director of the department of economic security shall request a waiver from the United States Department of AGRICULTURE to exclude candy, soft drinks and any other comparable food item from the supplemental nutrition assistance program.  If the waiver is granted, the director shall prohibit enrollees in the supplemental nutrition assistance program from purchasing candy, soft drinks or any other comparable food item using program benefits.  If the waiver is not granted, the director shall request a waiver annually until the waiver is granted.

B. For the purposes of this section:

1. "candy" means a preparation of sugar, honey or other natural or artificial sweetener in combination with chocolate, fruit, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings that forms bars, drops or pieces.

2. "Soft drink":

(a) Means a non-alcoholic beverage that contains natural or artificial sweeteners.

(b) Does not include a beverage that contains:

(i) Milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes.

(ii) More than fifty percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume. END_STATUTE