Democrats Warn Alabama Bill Targets Families, Not Fraud, as Costly Medicaid and SNAP Checks Advance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BuzzReport) — Alabama Democrats are sounding alarms after a Republican-led Senate committee advanced legislation critics say would spend millions of taxpayer dollars to police assistance programs that already show little evidence of fraud — while putting low-income families at risk of losing benefits.

Senate Bill 61, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would require the Alabama Medicaid Agency and the Department of Human Resources to conduct frequent cross-checks of eligibility for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates the mandate would cost the state at least $16.7 million per year.

Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups argue the bill creates a costly solution in search of a problem.

“We don’t have this huge number of waste, fraud and abuse in Alabama,” said Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove. “We should be applauding the people who administer these programs, not making it appear punitive to the very families who rely on them.”

State data backs that claim. Of the $1.77 billion issued in SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2024, payment errors totaled about $36,000 — and officials say those errors were rarely due to fraud.

Despite that, Republicans backing the bill say expanded oversight is necessary to protect public trust. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who carried the bill in committee, said the legislation is meant to ensure benefits reach those who truly need them.

Democrats counter that the bill would instead create new bureaucratic hurdles for roughly 702,000 Alabamians enrolled in SNAP — about half of them children — and drive up administrative costs without meaningful savings.

DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner warned lawmakers that the proposal would significantly increase labor demands and could disrupt benefits for eligible recipients.

“It will cost a lot of money,” Buckner said, adding that the state already performs extensive verification.

Under SB 61, agencies would be required to check recipients’ addresses, death records and incarceration status monthly, and review income, employment and disability status quarterly.

Advocates say those checks already occur and that increasing their frequency risks delays, errors and benefit interruptions — particularly for seniors, children and people with disabilities.

“This program is not broken,” said Carol Gundlach of Alabama Arise. “If it’s not broken, why are we trying to fix it?”

Even some Republicans expressed hesitation. Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, abstained, citing concerns about the bill’s language, while Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston acknowledged the measure needs significant revisions.

Democrats say the legislation sends the wrong message.

“There’s potential for more harm than good,” said Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham. “It doesn’t save money, and it puts unnecessary strain on agencies and families.”

The bill passed the committee 8–4 along party lines, with one abstention, and now moves forward amid growing criticism from Democrats who say it prioritizes suspicion over support.