Senate Bill 57 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Mar 19, 2026

Notable

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: The bill would require Alabama to seek a federal waiver to exclude candy and soda from SNAP benefits and implement that prohibition if the waiver is granted.
What This Bill Does
It directs the Department of Human Resources to apply for a USDA waiver to remove candy and soda from SNAP-eligible foods. If the waiver is approved, SNAP benefits could not be used to buy candy or soda, with at least one month’s notice to retailers, and the Department of Revenue would coordinate implementation and help retailers identify eligible and ineligible items and provide guidance and training. If the waiver is denied, the Department must resubmit annually until approved, and retailers would be shielded from penalties for accidental candy/soda purchases under the waiver, except after more than three accidental acceptances in a fiscal year.

Who It Affects
SNAP beneficiaries in Alabama would be limited to not using benefits for candy or soda if the waiver is approved
SNAP-authorized retailers would need to adjust practices, educate staff, and follow new guidance and identification requirements
State agencies (Department of Human Resources and Department of Revenue) would carry out waiver requests, coordinate implementation, and provide support to retailers

Key Provisions
Candy and soda are defined specifically (candy includes confectionery primarily composed of sugar/syrups; excludes baked goods and certain cooking ingredients).
DHR must request a USDA waiver to exclude candy and soda from SNAP eligibility (7 C.F.R. § 271.2).
If the waiver is approved, SNAP purchases of candy and soda are prohibited; retailers must receive at least one month’s notice before the waiver takes effect; Revenue coordinates implementation and provides retailer guidance.
Revenue will coordinate with SNAP-authorized retailers to identify eligible vs. ineligible items and provide guidance using existing product codes/identifiers; technical assistance and training will be offered to retailers.
If the waiver is denied, DHR must resubmit annually until approval is granted.
If the waiver is approved, retailers are not subject to penalties for accidental candy/soda SNAP purchases, unless they have more than three accidental acceptances in a fiscal year.
Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 4, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Health