The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically addressing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill mandates that the Director of the Department of Economic Security request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude soda from SNAP benefits. If the waiver is granted, the Director would then prohibit SNAP enrollees from using their benefits to purchase soda. In the event that the waiver is not granted, the Director is required to continue requesting a waiver annually until approval is obtained.

Additionally, the bill defines "soda" as any carbonated beverage containing more than one gram of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. This new language would be inserted into the existing statutes, thereby updating the legal framework governing SNAP in Arizona to reflect these changes regarding the purchase of soda with program benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46-232
House Engrossed Version: 46-232