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HB 2122

SNAP; work requirement waivers; exemptions

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Michael Carbone and 4 co-sponsors

Arizona bill restricts SNAP work requirement waivers for able-bodied adults, tightening eligibility and potentially reducing food assistance access for thousands of state residents.

Vetoed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2122

Legislative bill overview

HB 2122 modifies Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by restricting the state's ability to waive work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. The bill limits exemptions that currently allow certain individuals to receive SNAP benefits without meeting federal work hour requirements, bringing Arizona's policy closer to federal baseline rules.

Why is this important

SNAP work requirements directly affect approximately 100,000+ Arizonans who receive food assistance. Changes to exemption policies determine who can access benefits during unemployment, underemployment, or economic hardship. This represents a tradeoff between program accessibility and work incentive goals that influences both beneficiary populations and state administrative costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic hardship vs. work incentives: Restricting waivers may cut benefits to people in areas with genuinely low job availability or those facing temporary barriers to employment, versus supporters' view that waivers enable dependency
  • Administrative burden and accuracy: Determining who qualifies for exemptions requires case-by-case review; stricter rules could reduce fraud but increase bureaucratic costs and deny benefits to eligible individuals through administrative error
  • Disparate impact on vulnerable populations: Work requirement policies historically affect low-income communities, people with disabilities, rural residents, and those with caregiving responsibilities differently, raising equity concerns about blanket restriction of waivers

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

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