SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6599

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 February 6, 2020

Title: An act relating to updating food benefit references.

Brief Description: Updating food benefit references.

Sponsors: Senators Nguyen, Keiser, Kuderer, Saldaña and Wilson, C.; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Committee Activity: Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation: 2/06/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

Deletes obsolete references to food stamps and replaces the term with food benefits under Title 74 RCW.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, REENTRY & REHABILITATION

Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7488)

Background: In 2008, federal law changed the name of the federal nutrition program to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, also referred to in Washington as Basic Food, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. In Washington, the Department of Social and Health Services administers SNAP benefits. Participating households receive a monthly benefit in the form of electronic debit cards also known as electronic benefit transfer. SNAP benefits are limited to the purchase of food items for use at home, as well as seeds and plants to produce food.

The Food Assistance Program (FAP) for legal immigrants is a state-funded program providing food assistance to those who are ineligible for federal SNAP benefits solely because of their alien status. Applicants must otherwise meet all the eligibility requirements of SNAP including, but not limited to, income and asset limits.

There are multiple sections of the Revised Code of Washington that still use the obsolete term food stamps when referencing the Basic Food and FAP.

Summary of Bill: Statutory references to food stamps are changed to food benefits under Title 74 RCW.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: In 2008, federal law changed the name of the federal nutrition program to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, also referred to in Washington as Basic Food, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. This is really just a technical bill deleting obsolete references to food stamps. The new term of food benefits doesn't have the stigma associated with it—the term food stamps can be embarrassing for receipts.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Nguyen, Prime Sponsor; Babs Roberts, DSHS/ESA/CSD.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.