Public assistance; Department of Human Resources required to request waiver to prohibit the purchase of soda, candy, prepared desserts, and energy drinks with SNAP benefits, implementation of prohibition provided for

HB 492 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from being used to buy candy, soda, prepared desserts, and energy drinks. If approved, the waiver would block SNAP purchases of these items, with retailers getting at least one month's notice before implementation. The bill defines specific items excluded (e.g., sodas listing sugar as a primary ingredient, energy drinks with ≥65mg caffeine per 8oz, and ready-to-eat processed desserts), while clarifying that coffee, tea, and baking ingredients remain eligible. If the waiver is denied, the state must resubmit the request annually until approved.