REFERENCE TITLE: SNAP; allowed purchases; waiver.

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

SB 1368

Introduced by

Senator 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; purchases; waiver; definitions

A. The director of the department of economic security shall request any waiver from the united states department of agriculture to implement this section that includes the authority to restrict the purchase of noneligible foods using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.

B. If the WAIVER is not granted, the director shall resubmit the request annually and may pursue the united states department of agriculture pilot or demonstration authority as allowed under federal law.

C. The department shall provide clear guidance to supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients and retailers and allow a reasonable implementation period to ensure compliance with this section.

D. This section does not reduce benefit amounts, restrict access to eligible foods or limit participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

E. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Eligible foods" means any food item that may be purchased using supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and includes the following categories:

(a) Whole meats, poultry and fish, including frozen, fresh or canned products.

(b) Dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream and milk alternatives.

(c) Eggs and egg substitutes.

(d) Fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, dried or canned products without added sweeteners.

(e) Grains and grain products, including flour, rice, pasta, cereals and tortillas.

(f) Cooking oils and fats.

(g) Water products without added sweeteners or sugar substitutes.

(h) One hundred percent fruit or vegetable juice.

(i) Any food item approved for purchase under the federal women, infants and children food program.

2. "Noneligible foods" includes any of the following:

(a) Sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda and energy drinks.

(b) Candy and confectionery products.

(c) Snack foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the united states department of agriculture.

(d) Prepared hot foods intended for immediate consumption.END_STATUTE

Sec. 2. Legislative findings

A. The legislature finds that the supplemental nutrition assistance program is intended to:

1. Promote access to nutritious food.

2. Support the health and well-being of recipients.

3. Ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer monies.

B. The purpose of section 46-232, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act, is to prioritize access to whole and minimally processed foods while limiting the purchase of items with minimal nutritional value.