Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 2877
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Expanding distribution dates for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
Sponsors: Representatives Hickel, Zeiger, Riccelli, Sawyer, Wilcox, Kochmar, Stanford, Gregerson and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/16
Staff: Ashley Paintner (786-7120).
Background:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called Basic Food in Washington, provides nutritional support benefits to low-income individuals and families. Congress authorizes funding and establishes requirements for the SNAP through the Food and Nutrition Act, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. SNAP benefits are distributed to recipients each month via their Electronic Benefits Transfer card, which operates like a debit card. The Economic Services Administration, of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), distributes the SNAP benefits from the first to the 10th of every month, based on the last digit of the client's case number.
Summary of Bill:
By November 1, 2016, the DSHS must expand the date range that the SNAP benefits are distributed from the first through the 10th of every month, to the first through the 25th of every month. SNAP benefits must have a reasonably equal distribution throughout the expanded date range.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 27, 2016.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.