HB 2396 Arizona House · 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session

SNAP; allowed purchases; waiver

HB 2396 requests an Arizona waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand what SNAP (food stamp) recipients can purchase with their benefits. If approved, SNAP recipients would be allowed to buy specific items currently restricted, including fresh/frozen meats, various milks (like almond or organic), cheeses, 100% juices, eggs, whole grains, and certain cooking oils. The bill requires Arizona's Department of Economic Security to annually request this federal waiver until granted. It does not affect existing approvals under the WIC program for other nutrition benefits.

Bill status vetoed 3 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

House Passage

Feb 2026

Vetoed

Feb 2026

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Vetoed Feb 20, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version (02/16/2026) · 4 edits · Feb 16, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was significantly rewritten to shift from a request allowing the purchase of specific non-traditional items (like nut milk and organic juice) to a new framework that restricts the purchase of low-nutritional-value items like sugary drinks and candy. The House version adds formal definitions for 'eligible' and 'noneligible' foods and includes a legislative finding to prioritize whole foods over processed snacks.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from expanding what recipients can buy to explicitly defining and restricting what they cannot buy.

ELIGIBILITY

The list of allowed items was replaced with a definition of 'eligible foods' that includes standard categories like whole meats, dairy, and grains, while explicitly excluding sugary beverages, candy, and low-nutrition snacks.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added to clarify what counts as an eligible food versus a noneligible food, such as sugar-sweetened beverages and prepared hot foods.

REQUIREMENT

The bill now requires the Department of Economic Security to provide clear guidance to retailers and recipients and to allow a reasonable time for compliance.

A new legislative finding was added stating the program's purpose is to promote nutritious food and responsible stewardship of taxpayer money.

Floor votes · House Feb 12, 2026

How they voted

34–25

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 60

Feb 12, 2026

D Democratic27

1 Yea 25 Nay 1

92% Nay

R Republican33

33 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Feb 20, 2026

Vetoed

Vetoed by Governor

executive

Feb 16, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

Jan 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

1 primary · 6 co-sponsors