Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
General Government Appropriations Committee |
HB 2863
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Transferring emergency food assistance programs to the department of agriculture.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Chandler, Liias, Van De Wege, Jacks and Wallace.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/10
Staff: Owen Rowe (786-7391).
Background:
The Department of Commerce (DCOM) administers the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) that provides fiscal and administrative support to food banks. The program provides funding for 320 food banks and distribution centers to pay for staff, operational expenses, equipment, and food, as well as funding for 32 tribes to issue emergency food vouchers and food bank services.
The Department of General Administration (GA) manages the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The TEFAP is a federal food program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); The TEFAP provides food and operational funding to 21 lead agencies through GA. These lead agencies serve 450 food banks, shelters and meal providers in Washington.
Summary of Bill:
The EFAP and TEFAP are transferred to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The director of the WSDA is authorized to exercise powers and duties prescribed by law with respect to the administration of emergency food assistance programs that are assigned to the WSDA. The statutory authority for DCOM to coordinate and provide emergency food assistance to distribution centers and needy individuals is removed.
The program transfers must take effect on a date that is mutually agreed to by the directors of the involved agencies, but no later than January 1, 2011. The transfers include all records, appropriations, employees, rules, and existing contracts and obligations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/15/2010.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.