House Republicans in Arizona are moving forward with a set of bills intended to align the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules with recent federal reforms under H.R. 1. The committee, chaired by State Representative Selina Bliss, will meet on Monday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. to consider legislation that targets eligibility verification, work requirements, waiver accountability, and oversight of improper payments. The session will be available via livestream at https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?clientID=6361162879&eventID=2026021003.
“SNAP should be a hand up, not a blank check,” said House Majority Leader Michael Carbone. “When benefits flow to people who no longer qualify or who do not even live here, the program is weakened for families who truly need help. These bills tighten eligibility, reinforce work expectations, and protect taxpayers while keeping SNAP available for the vulnerable.”
Among the legislation under consideration are HB 2442 (mandatory employment and training), HB 2448 (work requirement waivers and exemptions), HB 2206 (error rate forensic audit), and HB 2797 (verification for SNAP and TANF programs). Additional related measures include changes to unemployment benefit requirements and budget unit vacancy reporting.
The main reform bill, HB 2797—sponsored by Carbone—would require regular data checks across state and federal systems to confirm factors such as income, employment status, incarceration, deaths, and residency for those receiving SNAP benefits. It would also flag excessive out-of-state Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) use, identify households with large gambling winnings, and refer suspected fraud cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Polling cited by supporters indicates strong voter backing for these reforms; according to proponents, 78 percent support using existing data for eligibility verification and 73 percent support work-related requirements for able-bodied adults seeking SNAP benefits.
“If someone is collecting benefits while living out of state or sitting on gambling winnings, that is not compassion, it is negligence,” Carbone said. “HB 2797 closes loopholes and establishes straightforward verification so benefits reflect current income, work status, and residency.”
Other proposed changes would advance expanded work requirements from H.R. 1 and restrict certain waivers unless approved by the Legislature. They would also mandate that Arizona’s Department of Economic Security reduce SNAP payment error rates to three percent—a move estimated by legislative analysts to save tens of millions of dollars annually for taxpayers while lowering exposure to federal cost-sharing penalties.
“H.R. 1 made it clear that work expectations and eligibility rules matter again,” Chairman Bliss said. “Our SNAP reforms reinforce responsibility while protecting parents, seniors, and the disabled. This package keeps the program strong so it can continue serving families who qualify and rely on it.”
Lawmakers warn that failing to enact these changes could leave Arizona vulnerable to federal penalties due to high error rates or improper payments under H.R. 1.
Carbone has represented Arizona’s 25th House District since his election in 2023 as a Republican replacing Michelle Udall.
