HB438 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits, waiver by status of work requirements to receive, prohibited

Summary

HB438 would bar waivers of federal SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and require them to work, train, or volunteer, with a department-run training program.

What This Bill Does

The bill prevents the Department of Human Resources from seeking waivers of federal work rules for able-bodied SNAP adults without dependents. It requires these individuals to either work at least 20 hours per week, participate in a state-developed work training program, or perform volunteer community service, with limited exemptions. It also requires the state to create an Individual Employment Plan and publish a list of agencies for community service, plus it provides a one-time 3-month SNAP eligibility extension if someone loses their job or program, within a 36-month period.

Who It Affects

• Able-bodied adults without dependents (ages 18-49, not disabled) who are applicants or recipients of SNAP benefits; they must satisfy the new work, training, or volunteer requirements or face ongoing eligibility under the program.
• The Alabama Department of Human Resources, which must develop the work training program and Individual Employment Plan, approve and publish a list of community service providers, and administer the new rules and exemptions.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources from requesting a waiver of federal work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents who are SNAP applicants or recipients.
• Requires every able-bodied adult without dependents on SNAP to meet one of: at least 20 hours of work per week (averaged monthly), participate in a department-developed work training program, or participate in volunteer community service up to the value of the SNAP benefit.
• Requires the Department to develop a work training program and an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) that outlines goals, actions, and responsibilities for the participant.
• Requires the Commissioner to approve and publicly list community agencies that provide opportunities to fulfill work requirements through community service.
• Provides a temporary eligibility extension of up to three months for a recipient who loses a job, training, or community service position, available only once in any 36-month period.
• Defines 'able-bodied adult without dependents' as a person aged 18-49, with no dependents and not disabled.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Food Stamps