SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2252

As of June 4, 2003

Title: An act relating to social service programs.

Brief Description: Revising eligibility requirements for general assistance.

Sponsors: Representatives Sommers, Fromhold and Moeller.

Brief History:

Staff: Kirstan Arestad (786-7708)

Background: General Assistance - Unemployable (GA-U) benefits are provided to people who are temporarily disabled and as a result cannot work. To be eligible for these benefits, a client must undergo an incapacity review that proves the client temporarily disabled by a medical or mental condition. After a client is determined eligible for GA-U benefits, the client is required to have periodic incapacity reviews to ensure continued eligibility for the program.

Current law prohibits the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) from terminating a GA-U recipient's benefits unless there is a clear showing of material improvement in the recipient's medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Summary of Bill: DSHS is required to discontinue benefits to GA-U recipients unless the recipient demonstrates no material improvement in his or her medical or mental condition at the incapacity review.

Estimated savings are $13.7 million for the 2003-05 biennium and $15.9 million in the 2005-07 biennium.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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