SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2692

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Health & Long-Term Care, February 19, 1998

Title:  An act relating to food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically.

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/19/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Fairley, Franklin, Strannigan and Wojahn.

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786-7472)

Background:  The federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 ("welfare reform") requires states to prepare for the transition from food stamps printed on paper to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) of food assistance.  EBT is required to be operational by 2002.

Summary of Bill:  Statutory references to "food stamps" are amended to include references to "food stamp benefits transferred electronically."

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Statutory references need to be updated to reflect federal requirements.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Clements, prime sponsor (pro).