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 Section 46-232. This new section mandates that the Director of the Department of Economic Security (DES) request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollees to purchase a specified list of food items, including various meats, dairy products, juices, cereals, flours, sugars, tortillas, vitamins, water products, butter, and cooking oils.

Additionally, if the waiver is granted, the bill stipulates that these purchases will be permitted. The Director is required to continue requesting the waiver annually until it is granted. The bill also clarifies that this new provision does not restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing items already approved by the federal Women, Infants, and Children Food Program. Overall, the bill aims to expand the range of food items that SNAP enrollees can purchase, thereby enhancing their access to nutritious food options.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46-232