BILL REQ. #:  H-0815.1 

Read first time 01/23/13.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.

     AN ACT Relating to the definition of work activity for the purposes of the WorkFirst program; and amending RCW 74.08A.250.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.08A.250 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 42 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in this chapter, "work activity" means:
     (1) Unsubsidized paid employment in the private or public sector;
     (2) Subsidized paid employment in the private or public sector, including employment through the state or federal work-study program for a period not to exceed twenty-four months;
     (3) Work experience, including:
     (a) An internship or practicum, that is paid or unpaid and is required to complete a course of vocational training or to obtain a license or certificate in a high-demand occupation, as determined by the employment security department. No internship or practicum shall exceed twelve months; or
     (b) Work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted housing, if sufficient paid employment is not available;
     (4) On-the-job training;
     (5) Job search and job readiness assistance;
     (6) Community service programs, including a recipient's voluntary service at a child care or preschool facility licensed under chapter 43.215 RCW or an elementary school in which his or her child is enrolled;
     (7) Vocational educational training, not to exceed ((twelve)) twenty-four months with respect to any individual;
     (8) Job skills training directly related to employment;
     (9) Education directly related to employment, in the case of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or a GED;
     (10) Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a GED, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate;
     (11) The provision of child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program;
     (12) Internships, that shall be paid or unpaid work experience performed by an intern in a business, industry, or government or nongovernmental agency setting;
     (13) Practicums, which include any educational program in which a student is working under the close supervision of a professional in an agency, clinic, or other professional practice setting for purposes of advancing their skills and knowledge;
     (14) Services required by the recipient under RCW 74.08.025(3) and 74.08A.010(4) to become employable;
     (15) Financial literacy activities designed to be effective in assisting a recipient in becoming self-sufficient and financially stable; and
     (16) Parent education services or programs that support development of appropriate parenting skills, life skills, and employment-related competencies.