WSR 15-04-009

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 22, 2015, 3:26 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-444-0030 Do I have to work to be eligible for Basic Food benefits if I am an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD)? and other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.04.500, 74.08A.120.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The community services division is proposing to amend WAC 388-444-0030 to update the state plan for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) concerning ABAWD time limits and work requirements. The previous ABAWD waiver is due to expire September 30, 2015. This rule filing is needed to reflect the newly approved statewide waiver of work requirements for ABAWDs, which is valid through December 31, 2015.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) enforces the provisions of the federal SNAP as enacted in the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. The department will develop amendments to ABAWD rules that are consistent with the act, federal regulations, FNS administrative notices, and interim guidance.

The state legislature authorizes the department to administer SNAP and food assistance program for legal immigrants under RCW 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 74.08A.120.

DSHS incorporates regulations from the federal agencies, exercises state options, and implements approved waivers of federal regulatory requirements by adopting administrative rules for food assistance programs administered under the Washington Basic Food program.

Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the office of the code reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jason Turner, Program Manager, Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 725-4640, fax (360) 725-4905, e-mail Jason.Turner@dshs.wa.gov.

January 22, 2015

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator