SNAP eligibility; probation compliance

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not provide an effective date or indicate if the bill has been signed into law by the governor, only that it passed the legislature.

SNAP Eligibility Rules for People on Probation

This law allows some people convicted of felony drug crimes after August 22, 1996 to get SNAP benefits if they agree to random drug testing and meet specific conditions like completing treatment or following probation rules.

What This Bill Does

• Allows certain people with felony convictions involving controlled substances to qualify for SNAP benefits if they agree to random drug testing.
• Lists five ways a person can become eligible, including finishing treatment, being on a waiting list for treatment, participating in treatment, not needing treatment according to a doctor, or following all probation terms.
• Requires the state department to create rules that include more frequent drug testing for crimes committed within 24 months of applying.

Who It Names or Affects

• People convicted after August 22, 1996, of a felony offense involving the use or possession of a controlled substance.
• The state department responsible for managing SNAP rules and drug testing requirements.

Terms To Know

SNAP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a government program that helps people buy food.

Controlled substance

Drugs or medicines regulated by federal law because they can be abused or cause harm.

Probation compliance

Following all rules set by a judge while serving time outside of prison, which may include drug testing requirements.

Limits and Unknowns

• The law does not specify an effective date in the provided text.
• Eligibility only applies if the person agrees to random drug testing; those who refuse cannot use this path for eligibility.
• Specific details about how often tests must happen are left for future rules by state officials.

Official Summary Text

SB1780 - SNAP eligibility; probation compliance

Current Bill Text

SB1780 - 572R - I Ver

REFERENCE TITLE:
SNAP eligibility; probation compliance

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

SB 1780

Introduced by

Senator
Gonzales

AN
ACT

amending section 46-219, Arizona
Revised Statutes; relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Section 46-219, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE
46-219.

Supplemental nutrition assistance program; eligibility after
conviction

A.
Notwithstanding section 13-3418

and if the person agrees to random drug testing
, a person
who is convicted after August 22, 1996 of a felony offense that has as an
element of the offense the

use or possession of a
controlled substance as defined in 21 United States Code section 802(6) may be
eligible for the supplemental nutrition assistance program if the person
meets at least one of the following criterion:

1. Successfully completes a substance
abuse treatment program.

2. Is currently accepted for treatment
in a substance abuse treatment program but is subject to a waiting list to
receive available treatment, and the person remains enrolled in the treatment
program and enters the treatment program at the first available opportunity.

3. Is currently accepted for treatment
in and is participating in a substance abuse treatment program.

4. Is determined by a licensed medical
provider to not need substance abuse treatment.

5. If applicable,
is in
compliance with all terms of probation
, including any drug
testing requirements, as applicable
.

B. The department shall adopt rules
related to drug testing pursuant to this section that include more frequent
drug testing for offenses that occurred within twenty-four months of the
date of application.

END_STATUTE