HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB 1629

Title:  An act relating to public assistance for legal immigrants.

Brief Description:  Establishing conditions for receipt of public assistance by legal immigrants.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cooke and Boldt.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 14, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  David Knutson  (786-7146).

Background:  Public Law 104-193 limited eligibility for public assistance received by immigrants.  Immigrants in the United States prior to July 22, 1996, lost their eligibility for food stamps and supplemental security income payments.  Immigrants entering the United States after August 22, 1996, are barred from receiving certain federal benefits for five years.  At the end of the five year period, their sponsor=s income is deemed available to support them until they have worked forty work quarters or become citizens.  The federal government also authorized states to deem sponsor=s income for state and local public benefits.  States are also authorized to continue, modify, or eliminate coverage of immigrants for state benefits.

Summary of Bill:  Legal immigrants receiving public assistance prior to August 22, 1996, will have their eligibility for assistance redetermined with their sponsor=s income deemed available to support them.  Legal immigrants entering the United States after August 22, 1996, are ineligible for public assistance for five years.  After the five year bar, the sponsor=s income will be deemed available to support the immigrant.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 13, 1997.

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