Alabama Senator Moves to Shield State from SNAP Cost Surge Tied to Trump Bill

Alabama could be on the hook for roughly $174 million after the One Big Beautiful Bill’s SNAP provision forces states with error rates above 6 percent to shoulder a share of benefit costs. The state’s error rate of 9.52 percent in fiscal 2025 triggers a 10 percent cost-share, prompting food-bank leaders to ask Senator Tommy Tuberville and Senator Katie Britt for a two-year waiver that would delay payments until FY 2029.

Tuberville’s office announced it is collaborating with the state agency that runs SNAP to identify ways to reduce the error rate, aiming to avoid the looming bill. Officials stress the penalties stem from administrative errors, not fraud, and the Department of Human Resources expects gradual improvement. If the waiver fails, Alabama must either allocate $174 million in its FY 2027 budget or cut SNAP participation, potentially jeopardizing the program for low-income residents.