WSR 17-01-038

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 13, 2016, 10:50 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-444-0030 What additional work requirements and time limits is an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) subject to in order to be eligible for basic food?, 388-444-0040 Can I volunteer for an unpaid work program in order to meet the work requirements under WAC 388-444-0030?, 388-444-0045 How does an ABAWD regain eligibility for basic food after being closed for the three-month limit, 388-444-0065 Am I eligible for basic food if I quit my job or reduce my work effort, 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, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.04.515, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, 74.08A.903, 7 C.F.R. 273.7, and 7 C.F.R. 273.24.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is proposing to amend rules regarding work registration for able-bodied adults without dependent children. The amendments are needed to comply with federal regulations regarding work registration eligibility policies for basic food, the Washington combined application project, food assistance program for legal immigrants, and transitional food assistance.

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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as enacted in the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. The department must amend rules that are consistent with the act, federal regulations, and FNS administrative notices and formal 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 Corinna Adams, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45440, Olympia WA 98503-5440 [98504-5440], phone (360) 725-4640, fax (360) 725-4905, TTY 1-800-209-5446, email corinna.adams@dshs.wa.gov.

December 12, 2016

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator