John Kavanagh Proposes Stricter SNAP Monitoring

Senator John Kavanagh (R-AZ) has introduced legislation that would increase oversight of people receiving food stamp benefits in Arizona.

The Republican lawmaker from Fountain Hills pre-filed a bill requiring the Department of Economic Security to work with multiple state and federal agencies to regularly check whether recipients still qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Under the proposed legislation, officials would conduct monthly or quarterly reviews looking for specific changes in recipients' circumstances. These checks would include gambling winnings of $3,000 or more, employment changes, address changes, incarceration status, and shifts in income or wages.

The bill would also mandate that the Department of Economic Security (DES) publicly report how much money was recovered through fraud investigations and noncompliance cases, and track improper payments made through the program.

Cost Concerns

Additionally, the Department of Health Services (DHS) and the DES would be required to review federal data sources monthly to determine if recipients remain eligible for benefits. 

This information includes income from jobs, Social Security payments, pension benefits, employment records, child support data, and the FBI's database of wanted criminals.

Because the federal government currently pays for all SNAP benefits, under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, states with error rates above 6% may have to pay more. 

According to Arizona Capitol Times, Arizona's error rate is 8.84% and expected to rise to 10.4%, which could cost the state around $139 million by 2028, or as much as $208 million if the rate climbs higher.

The proposal aims to reduce payment errors in Arizona's food assistance program by creating more frequent verification processes. 

The bill has been pre-filed, meaning it was submitted before the legislative session officially begins. It will need to pass through committee review and votes in both the state Senate and House of Representatives before it can become law.