HB 2769 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Recognizes that hunger and food insecurity are serious problems in the state.

Recognizes the correlation between adequate nutrition and a child's development and school performance. This problem can be greatly diminished through improved access to federal nutrition programs.

Recognizes that improved access to federal nutrition and assistance programs, such as the federal food stamp program, can be a critical factor in enabling recipients to gain the ability to support themselves and their families. This is an important step towards self-sufficiency and decreased long-term reliance on governmental assistance and will serve to strengthen families in this state.

Requires that, to the maximum extent allowable by federal law, the department shall implement simplified reporting for the food stamp program by October 31, 2004.

Declares that, for the purposes of this act, "simplified reporting" means the only change in circumstance that a recipient of a benefit program must report between eligibility reviews is an increase of income that would result in ineligibility for the benefit program.

Requires that, to the maximum extent allowable by federal law, beginning on October 31, 2005, the department shall provide transitional food stamp assistance for a period of five months to a household that ceases to receive temporary assistance for needy families assistance.

Repeals RCW 28A.235.140.