Senate Republicans Pass Major Anti-Fraud Package to Protect Taxpayer Dollars
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are moving aggressively to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse in government, passing a series of accountability bills out of the Senate today aimed at protecting hardworking Arizona taxpayers. All Senate Democrats voted no on the proposals.
This package aligns with President Donald J. Trump's efforts through HR-1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill," to restore integrity in public programs and demand real oversight of taxpayer dollars. Arizona Senate Republicans are reinforcing that same mission here at home.
Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh's SB 1002 strengthens eligibility verification for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring enhanced data matching, closer monitoring of out-of-state electronic benefit card spending, and public reporting of fraud investigations and recovered funds. The bill is designed to ensure benefits go only to qualified recipients and that improper payments are exposed and corrected.
Also from Kavanagh, SB 1331 requires able-bodied adults under 60 who receive SNAP benefits to participate in work or job training unless they qualify for a lawful exemption. Public assistance should provide a temporary hand up, not become a long-term substitute for employment.
Under Kavanagh's SB 1333, known as the "Oh SNAP Act," the state must reduce its SNAP payment error rate to 3% and submit quarterly progress reports to the Legislature. If the Department of Economic Security fails to meet interim or final targets, corrective action plans and an audit by the Auditor General are triggered. With Arizona's error rate previously approaching 9%, this reform protects the state from costly federal penalties and forces accountability.
Additionally, SB 1334 sponsored by Kavanagh prevents state agencies from unilaterally seeking or granting waivers that bypass SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents unless authorized by federal or state law. Only elected officials, not bureaucrats, should decide when work standards are suspended.
Former Majority Leader Janae Shamp's SB 1368 requires the Department of Economic Security to request federal approval to restrict SNAP purchases to nutritious foods and prevent taxpayer-funded benefits from being spent on soda, candy, and other junk items. The measure seeks to reinforce the program's original purpose—helping families afford healthy food—without reducing benefit amounts.
In addition, SB 1051, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers, passed the Senate Tuesday. The measure requires hospitals to collect and report anonymized data on patient immigration status to better understand the financial impact of uncompensated care on Arizona's health care system, while explicitly protecting patient treatment and prohibiting the disclosure of personal identifying information.
"Arizonans work hard for every dollar they earn," said Majority Leader Kavanagh. "They expect their government to do the same. When error rates climb, when fraud goes unchecked, and when work requirements are ignored, taxpayers foot the bill. These reforms restore integrity, protect vulnerable recipients who truly qualify, and send a clear message that Arizona will not tolerate abuse of public programs. President Trump is leading this fight nationally, and we are backing that effort here in Arizona."
The bills now advance to the House for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus