Senate committee adopts amendments to SNAP sugar-restriction bill, advances measure 11-5
February 05, 2026 | Senate, Alabama Legislative Sessions, Alabama
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Senator Orr on Thursday presented SB57, a bill designed to track other states seeking U.S. Department of Agriculture waivers that would limit purchases under SNAP to items meeting specified sugar-content criteria. "It doesn't reduce benefits at all, but it does rein in certain products based on the sugar content," Orr said as he introduced two amendments to clarify covered products.
The committee adopted a short amendment that narrowed the confection definition — excluding jams, jellies, marshmallows and certain baked goods — and a longer amendment that designates the Department of Revenue to maintain a master list of compliant products by SKU and product code if a federal waiver is granted. Orr told colleagues 18 states had sought similar waivers and said designation of a list keeper was requested by grocery and convenience-store groups to ease checkout issues.
Supporters, including a physician who spoke to the committee, framed the bill as a public‑health measure aimed at childhood obesity and long‑term Medicaid costs. One senator emphasized the potential benefits: "Helps the child and the nutrition of the child," the sponsor said.
Opponents questioned implementation details and fairness. Senator Jones warned the bill could impose substantial administrative costs on small retailers and lead to long checkout lines at stores without modern scanners, saying, "I just don't think the juice is worth the squeeze." Other senators said singling out SNAP recipients raised equity concerns and that cashier or scanner errors could create liability and enforcement problems.
Because additional members were present, the clerk called a long roll on the longer amendment; the chair announced the amendment and the bill moved forward on a favorable report with an 11‑to‑5 vote. The committee recorded adoption of both amendments and advanced SB57 to the next stage; the bill will proceed to additional consideration and any required federal waiver steps before changes to SNAP eligibility at checkout could take effect.
Next steps: The committee advanced SB57 and it will be placed on the Legislature's calendar for further action; any state action under the bill would be contingent on a federal waiver from USDA.
The committee adopted a short amendment that narrowed the confection definition — excluding jams, jellies, marshmallows and certain baked goods — and a longer amendment that designates the Department of Revenue to maintain a master list of compliant products by SKU and product code if a federal waiver is granted. Orr told colleagues 18 states had sought similar waivers and said designation of a list keeper was requested by grocery and convenience-store groups to ease checkout issues.
Supporters, including a physician who spoke to the committee, framed the bill as a public‑health measure aimed at childhood obesity and long‑term Medicaid costs. One senator emphasized the potential benefits: "Helps the child and the nutrition of the child," the sponsor said.
Opponents questioned implementation details and fairness. Senator Jones warned the bill could impose substantial administrative costs on small retailers and lead to long checkout lines at stores without modern scanners, saying, "I just don't think the juice is worth the squeeze." Other senators said singling out SNAP recipients raised equity concerns and that cashier or scanner errors could create liability and enforcement problems.
Because additional members were present, the clerk called a long roll on the longer amendment; the chair announced the amendment and the bill moved forward on a favorable report with an 11‑to‑5 vote. The committee recorded adoption of both amendments and advanced SB57 to the next stage; the bill will proceed to additional consideration and any required federal waiver steps before changes to SNAP eligibility at checkout could take effect.
Next steps: The committee advanced SB57 and it will be placed on the Legislature's calendar for further action; any state action under the bill would be contingent on a federal waiver from USDA.
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