FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2692

                          C 79 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Clarifying references to food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically.

Sponsors:  Representatives Clements, H. Sommers, Tokuda and Cooke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  The Food Stamp Program assists low‑income families, elderly and single adult households to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet through normal channels of trade. Eligible households receive monthly paper food stamps that may be used in the place of cash to purchase food.

Federal law requires each state to have an electronic benefit system in place to substitute for paper food stamps by October 1, 2002.  The system will enable a food‑stamp recipient to make food purchases with a plastic, magnetic‑stripe "swipe" card similar to an ATM or credit card, instead of paper coupons.  Purchases made with the card will be counted against a user's food‑stamp account electronically.

Summary:  State statutes relating to food stamp program are modified to include a reference to food stamp benefits that are transferred electronically.

Votes on Final Passage:

House960

Senate450

Effective:June 11, 1998