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HB 44

APPROPRIATIONS/JUDGMENT: Appropriates funds for payment of a consent judgment against the state in the suit entitled State of La., through the Dept. of Transportation and Development v. Martin T. Frey et al.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dixon McMakin

HB 44 allows Alabama SNAP recipients to buy hot rotisserie chickens by requiring a waiver from the USDA, enhancing meal options for families in need.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 44

Summary of HB 44: Public Assistance and SNAP Benefits

Bill Number: HB 44
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
Introduced: September 18, 2025
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means General Fund
Effective Date: October 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 44 is to enable recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Alabama to purchase hot rotisserie chickens using their SNAP benefits. The bill mandates the Alabama Department of Human Resources to seek a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include hot rotisserie chickens as eligible food items under SNAP.

Key Provisions

  • Waiver Request: The bill requires the Alabama Department of Human Resources to formally request a waiver from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to add hot rotisserie chickens to the list of eligible foods for SNAP benefits.

  • Authorization of Purchases: If the waiver is granted, the department will authorize the purchase of hot rotisserie chickens with SNAP benefits.

  • Annual Resubmission: In the event that the waiver request is denied, the department is required to resubmit the waiver request annually until approval is obtained.

Impact

  • SNAP Recipients: The bill directly affects individuals and families who rely on SNAP benefits, potentially increasing their access to convenient meal options like hot rotisserie chickens.

  • Food Retailers: Grocery stores and retailers that sell hot rotisserie chickens may see an increase in sales if SNAP benefits can be used for these items.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Review: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means General Fund for further consideration.

  • Legislative Timeline: The bill was introduced on September 18, 2025, and is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2026, if passed.

Conclusion

HB 44 seeks to enhance the flexibility of SNAP benefits by allowing the purchase of hot rotisserie chickens, thereby providing more options for recipients. The requirement for annual resubmission of the waiver request ensures that the department remains proactive in seeking approval from the USDA. This bill reflects an effort to adapt public assistance programs to better meet the needs of Alabama's residents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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