State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) is preparing legislation for the 2026 legislative session that would remove candy and soda from the list of items that can be purchased using SNAP benefits.
The move follows other states that have requested federal waivers through executive action or legislation to exempt the items from SNAP eligibility.
"And most SNAP recipients are on Medicaid," Orr told WHNT. "Now, the taxpayers are paying for your healthcare, relating to what you're eating. And, the taxpayers are paying for the candy that you're putting in your mouth…"
Orr told the outlet some of his colleagues have reached out in favor of the effort.
"To help them with their needed necessities, and foods — not a problem," Orr said. "But, when you start saying, 'you know, I want a bunch of soft drinks, and I want a bunch of candy and I want someone else to pay for it,' that's ridiculous."
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