H-0958.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1507
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 57th Legislature 2001 Regular Session
By Representatives Clements, Boldt, Cox, Talcott and McMorris
Read first time 01/29/2001. Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.
AN ACT Relating to temporary assistance for needy families program requirements; and amending RCW 74.12.035.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. RCW 74.12.035 and 1999 c 120 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Children over eighteen years of age and under nineteen years of age who are full-time students reasonably expected to complete a program of secondary school, or the equivalent level of vocational or technical training, before reaching nineteen years of age are eligible to receive temporary assistance for needy families: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That if such students do not successfully complete such program before reaching nineteen years of age, the assistance rendered under this subsection during such period shall not be a debt due the state.
(2) Children with disabilities who are eighteen years of age and under twenty-one years of age and who are full-time students whose education is being provided in accordance with RCW 28A.155.020 are eligible to receive temporary assistance for needy families benefits.
(3) The department is authorized to grant exceptions to the eligibility restrictions for children eighteen years of age and under twenty-one years of age under subsections (1) and (2) of this section only when it determines by reasonable, objective criteria that such exceptions are likely to enable the children to complete their high school education, general equivalency diploma or vocational education.
(4)(a) After January 1, 2002, a new applicant for temporary assistance for needy families not currently enrolled in an educational institution must have a high school diploma, a general equivalency diploma, or have completed twelve years of instruction at a public or private school. The new applicant will be ineligible for temporary assistance for needy families for the five years immediately following the applicant's last date of attendance at an educational institution. If prior to the expiration of the five years, the new applicant receives a diploma or general equivalency degree or completes twelve years of instruction, he or she will be eligible to receive assistance.
(b) The requirements in (a) of this subsection may be waived if the applicant received a waiver from the local school board when he or she discontinued his or her education. Waivers granted by the school board for the purposes of this subsection shall only affect the student's eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families program and shall not affect any other law related to school attendance. A waiver shall be granted if a student is prevented from attending school due to:
(i) An illness of the student or of a family member that the student must care for;
(ii) The disability of the student or child of the student; or
(iii) Other extenuating circumstances as determined by the school board that would prevent a student from continuing his or her education.
--- END ---