Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to amend WAC 388-450-0190 How does the department figure my shelter cost income deduction for basic food?; and other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The planned amendments will align program rule with a recent change to federal regulations requiring states to provide a simplified shelter cost income deduction for homeless households. This change may increase the amount of food benefits for an individual who is homeless, with or without shelter, but is responsible for shelter costs.

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 will 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: The department of social and health services (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 Christina Barras, Program Manager, Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone 360-725-4640, fax 360-725-4905, email BarraCM@dshs.wa.gov.