Senate Bill 57 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB57 would require Alabama to seek a federal waiver to ban candy and soda from SNAP-eligible foods, and would prohibit SNAP purchases of those items if the waiver is granted (with annual resubmission if denied).

What This Bill Does

The bill requires the Department of Human Resources to apply to the USDA for a waiver to exclude candy and soda from what SNAP can cover. If the waiver is approved, the state agency would prohibit using SNAP benefits to buy candy or soda. If the waiver is denied, the department must resubmit the request every year until approval is granted.

Who It Affects

• SNAP recipients in Alabama who would be barred from using SNAP to buy candy or soda if the waiver is granted.
• The Alabama Department of Human Resources and SNAP retailers, who would implement the waiver process and enforce the prohibition if approved (including annual resubmission if denied).

Key Provisions

• Requires the Department of Human Resources to request a waiver from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to exclude candy and soda from the definition of 'eligible foods' under SNAP.
• If the waiver is granted, the department shall prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy and soda.
• If the waiver is denied, the commissioner shall annually resubmit the waiver request until approval is granted.
• Defines terms (e.g., candy, soda, SNAP benefit, Department) and sets an effective date of 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