Bill > SB1071

This bill introduces new provisions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Arizona aimed at improving eligibility verification and reducing potential fraud. The bill requires the Department of Economic Security to conduct multiple monthly and quarterly reviews of recipient information, including data from various state departments and federal sources such as the Social Security Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and FBI. These reviews will check for changes in circumstances that might affect SNAP eligibility, such as changes in income, employment, residency, incarceration status, and lottery or gambling winnings. The bill mandates that the department post quarterly aggregated data about SNAP investigations on its public website, including the number of cases investigated, referrals to the Attorney General, improper payments, and recoveries. Additionally, the bill modifies rules for electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, establishing new protocols for replacement card requests and out-of-state purchases. If a recipient requests more than two replacement cards in a year, the department will initiate a fraud investigation. The bill also requires the department to investigate and potentially remove individuals who make exclusively out-of-state purchases or who may no longer be Arizona residents, with potential referral to federal authorities.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81877