HB31 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public assistance; Department of Human Resources required to request waiver to prohibit the purchase of soda, energy drinks, candy, and processed desserts with SNAP benefits, implementation of prohibition provided for

Summary

HB31 would require Alabama's Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver to exclude soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts from SNAP-eligible foods and enforce a ban if approved, with annual resubmission if denied, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

The bill directs the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to request a waiver from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to exclude soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts from the definition of 'eligible foods' under SNAP. If the waiver is granted, the department would prohibit using SNAP benefits to buy those items. If the waiver is denied, the department must resubmit the waiver request to USDA FNS annually until approval is obtained. The act becomes effective on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• SNAP beneficiaries in Alabama would be affected by a potential prohibition on using SNAP benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts if the waiver is approved.
• The Alabama Department of Human Resources would be responsible for pursuing the waiver and implementing the restriction (and for resubmitting the request annually if denied).

Key Provisions

• Defines terms used in the bill, including candy, energy drink, prepared dessert, soda, and SNAP-related terminology.
• Requires the commissioner of the Department of Human Resources to request a waiver from the USDA to exclude soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts from the definition of 'eligible foods' under SNAP.
• If the waiver is approved, the department shall prohibit SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.
• If the waiver is denied, the department shall annually resubmit the waiver request to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service until approval is granted.
• The act becomes effective on October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health