SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1831

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.

As of March 13, 2017

Title: An act relating to revising resource limitations for public assistance.

Brief Description: Revising resource limitations for public assistance.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Macri, Santos, Ortiz-Self, Frame, Kagi, Fitzgibbon, Stanford, Ormsby and Pollet).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/07/17, 75-22.

Committee Activity: Human Services, Mental Health & Housing:

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Revises exemptions relating to personal assets and the receipt of public assistance.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH & HOUSING

Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7444)

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services' Economic Services Administration (ESA) administers a number of public assistance programs, including services, medical care, cash grants, and food assistance. Eligibility to receive public assistance is generally determined by examining an applicant's family size, disability status, income, and in some cases the resources or assets available to an applicant.

Asset Exemptions and Limitations. A combination of state and federal laws govern whether and how resources are counted when determining eligibility for assistance. State law for receipt of public assistance defines resources as tangible and intangible assets owned by or available to an applicant, which can be applied toward meeting the applicant's need either directly or by conversion into cash or its equivalent. Resources exempted when determining eligibility for assistance include the following:

In addition to these expressly exempted resources, the ESA may exempt additional resources or income necessary to restore the applicant to independence, reduce the need for public assistance, or aid in rehabilitating the applicant or a dependent of the applicant.

If an applicant for public assistance possesses or has access to resources in excess of the ceiling value of exempted resources, as determined by law or rule, the excess value is counted when determining the applicant's need for assistance. The applicant's non-exempt resources may make the applicant ineligible to receive assistance.

States' Authority and Variability Regarding Resource Limits. States have authority to determine some policies related to families receiving public assistance. For TANF, states can eliminate asset limits altogether. Eight states, namely Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia, have eliminated all asset limits for TANF recipients.

Summary of Bill: Resources exempted when determining eligibility for public assistance are revised to include the following:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on March 7, 2017.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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