Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is planning to amend WAC 388-400-0040 Am I eligible for benefits through the Washington Basic Food program?, 388-444-0035 Who is exempt from ABAWD time limits and minimum work requirements?, 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, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.120.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Planned revisions will align program purpose and work requirements for the basic food program with federal rules. As needed, planned amendments will also make additional changes required to improve clarity, update policy, or better align rule language with state and federal law or regulations.

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 Services (FNS), enforces the provisions of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as enacted in the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act (act) and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. DSHS will amend rules consistent with the act, federal regulations, and FNS administrative notices and formal guidance.

Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing 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 Mike Rybak, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone 564-669-8457, email Michael.rybak1@dshs.wa.gov.