SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2233

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Ways & Means, June 7, 2001

Title:  An act relating to contractual agreements with federal government for administration of state supplementation of supplemental security income.

Brief Description:  Authorizing contractual agreements with federal government for administration of state supplementation of supplemental security income.

Sponsors:  By Representatives H. Sommers and Sehlin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  5/22/01, 6/7/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Brown, Chair; Constantine, Vice Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Fraser, Hewitt, Honeyford, Kohl‑Welles, Long, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rossi, Sheahan, B. Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Zarelli.

Staff:  Brian Sims (786-7431)

Background:  Low income seniors and persons with permanent disabilities can receive income assistance under the federal Supplemental Security Income program (SSI).  Most states supplement the benefit level provided by the federal government.  Federal law requires states to maintain their prior year level of funding for state supplemental payments per person or in the aggregate.  States may administer those supplemental payments directly or may contract with the federal government to add these payments to the federal benefit check.  As required by state statute, Washington State's supplemental payments are administered by the federal government.  The state must pay the federal government over $8.00 per check for this service.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement for federal administration of state supplemental SSI payments is changed to allow for state administration.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.