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HB 44

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Givens

Alabama seeks federal waiver to allow SNAP purchases of hot rotisserie chickens, expanding food access for low-income residents currently limited to uncooked items.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means General Fund
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Bill Summary · HB 44

Legislative bill overview

HB 44 directs Alabama's Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver allowing hot rotisserie chickens to be purchased with SNAP benefits (food stamps). The bill includes provisions for implementing a prohibition on such purchases if the waiver is denied. Currently, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot or prepared foods, only raw ingredients and shelf-stable prepared items.

Why is this important

This bill addresses food access and nutrition for low-income households by potentially expanding what foods SNAP recipients can purchase. Hot rotisserie chickens are affordable, protein-rich, and require no cooking equipment—meaningful for people without kitchen facilities or cooking skills. However, it challenges federal SNAP rules designed to encourage home food preparation and control program costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance: The USDA maintains strict rules against hot/prepared foods in SNAP to encourage home cooking and stretch benefit dollars further; a waiver is unlikely and would set a national precedent
  • Program costs: Hot rotisserie chickens are more expensive than raw chicken; expanding eligible purchases could increase federal SNAP spending if participation rises
  • Equity concerns: Benefits differ by state under a waiver system, potentially creating inconsistent access to the same foods across state lines

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

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