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Committee gives favorable report to bill ending broad‑based categorical eligibility for SNAP
Summary
A Senate committee voted to report favorably a bill by Senator Orr that would eliminate broad‑based categorical eligibility for SNAP in Alabama; supporters said the change would align state practice with federal asset tests, while opponents warned it would raise state administrative costs, reduce federal dollars to Alabama and harm food‑insecure
A Senate committee on an unspecified date voted 10-4 to give a favorable report to legislation sponsored by Senator Orr that would eliminate broad‑based categorical eligibility (BBCE) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Alabama.
The bill would require that SNAP applicants be evaluated under the federal asset test instead of being automatically deemed eligible through a linked cash welfare benefit brochure, a practice known as BBCE. Senator Orr said the measure would close what he described as a loophole that allows applicants with assets above federal limits to receive SNAP in some states.
Opponents at the public hearing — including Carol Gunlock of Alabama Arise, April Hartsville of Voices for Alabama’s Children and Victor Odomo of Bread for the World — argued the change is premature, would raise state administrative costs and reduce federal benefit dollars flowing to Alabama. Gunlock told the panel that 43 or 44 states use BBCE and that administrative costs of stricter asset testing often exceed any savings because the state pays half the program’s administrative cost while the federal government pays most of the benefit cost.
"The benefit cost is a percent federal. So we're gonna be spending state dollars to save federal dollars and not even getting a return on the investment," Carol Gunlock said. She also warned that federal regulations on assets have not been updated in decades and that reverting to the old asset test could disqualify low‑income households with modest belongings.
April Hartsville, representing Voices for Alabama’s Children, urged the committee to delay action until federal changes are clearer. "We ask that you consider carrying this bill over or delaying its enactment until after the federal legislation is enacted and addresses this issue," Hartsville said, citing forthcoming federal proposals that could alter eligibility rules.
Victor Odomo, with Bread for the World and the Hunger Free Alabama coalition, said SNAP spending returns billions to Alabama and that most SNAP recipients access benefits via categorical eligibility linked to other federal programs. "This is not a loophole — it is there under federal law and regulations; 40 states use it," Odomo said, and he urged the committee to study the local economic impacts before changing policy.
Senator Orr moved the measure for a favorable report and Senator Elliott seconded. Committee members raised questions about DHR operations, staffing, and the potential cost to the state of modifying eligibility processes. Senator Coleman asked for agency testimony to better understand verification and staffing implications.
A separate procedural motion to carry the bill over for additional study was made on the floor and failed; the committee then proceeded to a roll-call vote and reported the bill favorably by a 10-4 margin.
The recorded tally on the committee floor was 10 yeas and 4 nays. Several senators and witnesses asked the committee to hold further discussions with the Department of Human Resources, given an estimated fiscal note referenced in the hearing and pending federal rulemaking.
The committee did not adopt amendments on the floor; senators said they will continue conversations with agencies about the administrative burden, verification frequency and the expected federal changes.
