Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

Children & Family Services Committee

     BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2634

Title:  An act relating to disqualifying fugitives from receiving general assistance.

Brief Description:  Denying public assistance to fugitives from justice.

Sponsors:  Representatives H. Sommers, Cooke, Dickerson, McDonald, Gombosky, Bush, Tokuda, Wolfe, O'Brien, Kessler, Keiser, Anderson, Ogden, B. Thomas and Thompson.

Meeting Date:January 27, 1998.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:Doug Ruth  (786-7134).

Background:   In 1997, Congress created the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant (TANF) which replaced the Aid For Dependent Families (AFDC) program.  As part of the restrictions placed on block grant funds, Congress prohibited the use of  TANF funds for persons fleeing prosecution or who were violating their parole.  In Washington, there is no similar restriction on the use of state General Assistance funds.

Summary of Bill: Eligibility for General Assistance is denied to persons fleeing prosecution or who are violating their probation.  Applicants for General Assistance are required to state in writing on their application whether they have been convicted of a felony.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: None requested.

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

Committee Members:

Rep. Suzette Cooke, ChairRep. Mike Carrell

Rep. Marc Boldt, Vice Chair                        Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson

Rep. Roger Bush, Vice Chair                        Rep. Jeff Gombosky     

Rep. Kip Tokuda*                             Rep. Joyce McDonald

Rep. Jim Kastama**                           Rep. Cathy Wolfe

Rep. Ida Ballasiotes