BILL REQ. #:  Z-0537.1 

Read first time 02/03/2003.   Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to income and resources reporting requirements under the public assistance program; and amending RCW 74.04.300.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 74.04.300 and 1998 c 79 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     If a recipient receives public assistance and/or food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically for which the recipient is not eligible, or receives public assistance and/or food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically in an amount greater than that for which the recipient is eligible, the portion of the payment to which the recipient is not entitled shall be a debt due the state recoverable under RCW 43.20B.030 and 43.20B.620 through 43.20B.645. ((It shall be the duty of)) The department may by rule determine reporting requirements for recipients of public assistance and/or food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically to notify the department ((within twenty days)) of the receipt or possession of ((all)) countable income or resources not previously declared to the department. The rules shall be consistent with federal law and regulations governing public assistance programs. The department shall advise applicants for assistance that failure to report as required, failure to reveal resources or income, and false statements will result in recovery by the state of any overpayment and may result in criminal prosecution.