AL SB57

Alabama Department of Human Resources must request a federal waiver from USDA Food and Nutrition Service to exclude candy and soda from SNAP-eligible food purchases

Candy is defined as confectionery products with sugar or corn syrup as a primary ingredient, including chocolate bars, non-chocolate candy, and chewing gum; soda is defined as carbonated beverages with sugar or corn syrup as the first two ingredients

Department of Revenue must coordinate implementation with retailers, providing at least one month's notice before the waiver takes effect, along with technical assistance and training

If the federal waiver is denied, the state must resubmit the request annually until approved

Retailers are protected from penalties for accidental acceptance of SNAP benefits for candy or soda purchases, unless they have more than three violations per fiscal year; effective date is October 1, 2026