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Senate approves ban on SNAP purchases of soda after heated debate
Summary
The Arizona Senate passed House Bill 21-65 to bar use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds to buy soda. An amendment that would have held legislators to the same restriction failed; advocates and opponents argued over paternalism, stigma and public health.
The Arizona Senate on April 8 approved House Bill 21-65, a measure that removes the ability to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase soda, passing the bill by recorded tally of 17 ayes, 11 nays and 2 not voting.
The bill drew extended debate on the Senate floor about whether the state should limit how SNAP recipients spend benefits. Senators supporting the measure framed it as a public-health action; opponents called it paternalistic and stigmatizing.
Senator Hataffley, who offered the amendment at the Committee of the Whole stage, explained the amendment’s scope during floor debate, saying, “This amendment is specifically, including any public funds ... my amendment will also propose that our stipends, are not utilized to purchase soda.” The proposed Hataffley floor amendment sought to apply the same prohibition to taxpayer-funded stipends received by legislators. That amendment failed on a division vote (11 ayes, 15 nays).
Opponents used their time to warn about stigma and loss of autonomy. Senator QB said, “At its core, this bill is paternalistic and judgmental ... This bill unfairly targets low income individuals and families,” and concluded, “Rather than restricting choices, we should invest in education, incentives for healthier options, and policies that address the root causes of food insecurity and poor nutrition.” Senator Ortiz warned the soda restriction could be “just 1 step” and part of a broader effort to chip away at benefits.
Supporters argued the policy seeks to promote healthier purchases with public dollars. Several senators urged the chamber to set standards for taxpayer-funded benefits that align with nutrition goals.
After floor debate and a roll call, the Senate adopted the bill and instructed the secretary to transmit the measure to the House.
Votes at key points: the Hataffley floor amendment to apply the prohibition to legislative stipends failed on a division (11 ayes, 15 nays); final passage of HB 21-65 was recorded as 17 ayes, 11 nays, 2 not voting.
The legislation amends Title 46 (as read on the floor) to add a section relating to SNAP; the text as read directed the new language to section 46-2-32 (details of prohibited items as enacted will appear in the final enrolled bill). The Senate debate included questions about program design, the affordability of healthy food, and whether government should micromanage purchases made with benefits.
The bill’s passage does not immediately change program rules until the enrolled bill is transmitted to, and acted on by, the House and governor’s office.
