HB44 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donna GivensRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public assistance; Department of Human Resources required to request waiver to allow the purchase of hot rotisserie chickens with SNAP benefits, implementation of prohibition provided for

Summary

HB44 would require the Alabama Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver to allow SNAP benefits to cover hot rotisserie chickens, and to authorize such purchases if approved, with annual resubmission required if denied.

What This Bill Does

The bill directs the Department of Human Resources to request a waiver from the USDA to add hot rotisserie chickens to the list of SNAP-eligible foods. If the waiver is granted, the department must authorize SNAP purchases of hot rotisserie chickens. If the waiver is denied, the department must resubmit the request each year until it is approved. The act would become effective on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• SNAP beneficiaries in Alabama would be able to use SNAP benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chickens if the waiver is granted.
• The Alabama Department of Human Resources and its staff would be responsible for filing the waiver request with USDA and implementing the waiver if approved, including ongoing annual resubmission if the waiver is denied.

Key Provisions

• The commissioner of the Department of Human Resources must request a waiver from USDA to add hot rotisserie chickens to the definition of eligible foods under SNAP.
• If USDA approves the waiver, the department shall authorize the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chickens.
• If the waiver is denied, the commissioner must resubmit the waiver request to USDA annually 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