Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Children's Services Committee

HB 3087

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 Summary of Bill

Requires all applications for public assistance to include a question asking whether, in the previous five years, the applicant has been denied public assistance, or disenrolled or terminated from any public assistance program.

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) administers a variety of public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Medicare, Basic Food, Working Connections Child Care, and General Assistance for the Unemployable (GAU). For each of these programs, an applicant may submit an application electronically or by completing paperwork. All applications, whether paper or electronic, must contain a statement signed under penalty of perjury verifying the accuracy of the information provided.

For applications submitted electronically, a physical signature or an electronic signature is required. An electronic signature may consist of a sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with the electronic record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.

An applicant or a person receiving public assistance benefits who willfully signs an application containing information the applicant does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter is guilty of a class B felony. Punishment for the commission of class B felony is a maximum of 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000. A person's past criminal history and the seriousness of the crime would determine the actual sentencing range.

Summary of Bill:

All applications for public assistance must include a question asking whether in the previous five years, the applicant has been denied public assistance, or disenrolled or terminated from any public assistance program. The application also must include space allowing the applicant to explain any denial, disenrollment, or termination.