Arizona Senate Republicans have advanced four bills aimed at tightening oversight of the state’s administration of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), citing concerns about payment errors and potential fraud.
The measures — Senate Bills 1002, 1331, 1333, and 1334 — passed the chamber along party lines in 17–13 votes and now move to the Arizona House of Representatives, where Republicans also hold a majority.
Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, sponsored the legislation and said the goal is to reduce waste and ensure taxpayer dollars are properly managed.
SB 1002 would expand the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s authority to verify SNAP eligibility. The bill allows the agency to cross-check data such as out-of-state benefit usage, incarceration records, death records, child support information, and lottery winnings. Kavanagh has argued that Arizona’s SNAP payment error rate — reported at about 10% — is too high and must be brought down.
Under recent federal changes tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states with elevated error rates could face financial penalties. Glenn Farley of the Common Sense Institute Arizona has estimated Arizona could owe between $150 million and $200 million if it fails to lower its rate below 6% by fiscal year 2028.
SB 1331 would impose work requirements on SNAP recipients age 60 or younger, with exemptions for those meeting federal work registration standards, caregivers, students, and individuals in rehabilitation programs.
SB 1333 sets a target of reducing Arizona’s SNAP payment error rate below 3% by December 30, 2030. It would require quarterly legislative reports beginning in fiscal year 2026–2027. If targets are missed, the state would need to submit a corrective action plan explaining how it intends to comply.
SB 1334 would restrict the Department of Economic Security’s ability to request federal waivers for work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. The bill shifts authority over such waivers from the executive branch to the Legislature, preventing the department from seeking or renewing exemptions without legislative authorization unless federally mandated.
Kavanagh said the Legislature has a responsibility to oversee spending because each exemption increases program costs. He expressed confidence the House will pass the measures but acknowledged Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs could veto them. Republicans do not currently hold enough seats to override a veto.
