Arizona state lawmakers advanced legislation that would reclassify food stamp fraud from a misdemeanor to a felony offense. Supporters of the measure argued that stricter penalties were needed to deter abuse of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and protect taxpayer resources. The proposed legislation targeted individuals who intentionally misrepresented their income or household status to receive benefits they were not entitled to, as well as those who sold or traded SNAP benefits for cash. Critics of the bill argued that it would disproportionately affect low-income families and that existing fraud prevention measures were adequate. They also pointed out that SNAP fraud rates were already relatively low, with the USDA reporting that trafficking of SNAP benefits accounted for approximately 1 percent of total benefits issued. The debate reflected broader national discussions about welfare program integrity, poverty, and the appropriate balance between preventing fraud and ensuring access to food assistance for those in need.