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HB 31

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Reed Ingram

Alabama requires the state to seek federal waiver allowing SNAP restrictions on soda, energy drinks, candy, and processed desserts to promote healthier purchasing.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Health
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Bill Summary · HB 31

Legislative bill overview

HB 31 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver allowing the state to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) beneficiaries from purchasing soda, energy drinks, candy, and processed desserts. If approved, the state would implement restrictions on these food categories for SNAP purchases within Alabama.

Why is this important

SNAP serves approximately 800,000 Alabamians and represents a significant portion of food budgets for low-income households. This bill attempts to influence purchasing behavior toward healthier foods, reflecting concerns about diet-related health outcomes in the state, though it would represent a significant change to how federal food assistance operates.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority questions: SNAP is a federal program with uniform national rules; Alabama would need federal approval, and the Biden and Trump administrations have both resisted state-level restrictions on food categories
  • Equity and dignity concerns: Critics argue this creates a two-tiered food system where lower-income individuals face restrictions not applied to other shoppers, and questions whether government should dictate personal dietary choices
  • Nutritional complexity: Defining "processed desserts" is vague, and some restricted items (certain beverages) contain added nutrients; restrictions don't address underlying food access and affordability issues driving unhealthy purchases
  • Implementation feasibility: Retailers would need new point-of-sale systems to enforce category restrictions, creating compliance costs and potential administrative burden

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

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