House Bill 492 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, candy, prepared desserts, and energy drinks with SNAP benefits, implementation of prohibition provided for

Summary

HB492 would require the Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver to exclude candy, soda, prepared desserts, and energy drinks from SNAP-eligible foods, and would prohibit their purchase with SNAP benefits if the waiver is granted.

What This Bill Does

The Department of Human Resources must request a waiver from the USDA to exclude the specified items from SNAP eligibility. If USDA approves the waiver, the state would prohibit SNAP purchases of these items, and the Department of Revenue would work with SNAP retailers to implement the change and provide guidance on what is eligible. The department would also provide retailers with notice and assistance, including how to identify eligible and ineligible products using standard product codes. If the waiver is denied, the state would resubmit the request annually until it is approved.

Who It Affects

• SNAP recipients in Alabama would be restricted from buying candy, soda, prepared desserts, and energy drinks with SNAP benefits if the waiver is granted.
• SNAP-authorized retailers and their staff would need to follow the new guidance and adjust checkout practices and product eligibility identification to comply.

Key Provisions

• DHR must request a waiver from USDA to exclude candy, soda, prepared desserts, and energy drinks from the definition of eligible foods under SNAP.
• If the waiver is granted, SNAP benefits would be prohibited for purchases of those items, with retailers given at least one month's notice before the change takes effect.
• DOR would coordinate the waiver's implementation, working with retailers to identify eligible and ineligible items and to provide guidance on SNAP purchases using standard product identifiers.
• DOR would provide technical assistance and training to retailers to help them comply and minimize disruption.
• If the waiver is denied, the commissioner must resubmit the waiver application annually until approval.
• The bill defines terms like candy, soda, energy drink, and prepared dessert for this policy and sets the effective date as October 1, 2026.

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

Subjects

Health