BILL REQ. #:  H-0908.1 

Read first time 02/05/2003.   Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.

     AN ACT Relating to rental payments to landlords from public assistance; and amending RCW 74.08.280.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.08.280 and 1987 c 406 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) If any person receiving public assistance has demonstrated an inability to care for oneself or for money, the department may direct the payment of the installments of public assistance to any responsible person, social service agency, or corporation or to a legally appointed guardian for his benefit. The state may contract with persons, social service agencies, or corporations approved by the department to provide protective payee services for a fixed amount per recipient receiving protective payee services to cover administrative costs. The department may by rule specify a fee to cover administrative costs. Such fee shall not be withheld from a recipient's grant.
     (2) The department shall direct the payment of the installments of public assistance to any reasonable person, social service agency, or corporation, if the person receiving public assistance has failed to pay rent by the due date provided for in the rental agreement two or more times in a twelve-month period, commencing with the date of the first violation, after service of a three-day notice to comply or vacate under the provisions of RCW 59.12.030(3).
     (3) If the state requires the appointment of a guardian for ((this)) the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the department shall pay all costs and reasonable fees as fixed by the court.