SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6347

                    As of January 19, 1998

Title:  An act relating to income averaging for eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families benefits.

Brief Description:  Using income averaging to determine eligibility of seasonal workers for temporary assistance for needy families.

Sponsors:  Senators Deccio, McDonald, McCaslin, Benton, Hochstatter, Rossi, Morton, Hale, Long, Oke, Roach, Swecker, Johnson, Schow, Stevens, West, Anderson, Wood, Horn and Sellar.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/20/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786-7472)

Background:  In the 1997 legislative session, the Legislature passed ESHB 3901 (Chapter 58, Laws of 1997), implementing the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.  The bill contained a provision requiring the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to average the 12-month income of "seasonal workers" who apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF C "welfare"). 

That section of the bill was vetoed by Governor Locke.  The veto message stated that the provision could prove administratively burdensome, due to the lack of specific definition of "seasonal workers."

Summary of Bill:  Seasonal workers who earn income by working in specified industries are subject to income averaging by DSHS in determining eligibility for TANF grant assistance.  Their earned income is prorated, and the prorated amount is used to determine eligibility.

The industries specified are agriculture, forestry and fishing, represented by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes 01 through 09.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 19, 1998.

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