Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Human Services Committee

SSB 6024

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 Substitute Bill

Allows a person to apply for public assistance even when the person is ineligible and the date on which the person will become eligible is either unknown or more than 45 days beyond the date of the application.

Background:

The state provides public assistance to persons in the state of Washington who meet income requirements and other eligibility criteria. State law prohibits a person who is not currently eligible for public assistance from applying for such assistance unless the person can show that he or she will become eligible within 45 days. This is generally known as the "45-day rule." Public assistance may include cash grants as well as medical assistance.

Although jail stays are typically short, persons in jail whose cases have not been adjudicated are unable to show that they will become eligible within 45 days. The 45-day rule has been applied to prevent jail detainees from applying for public assistance while in custody. Submitting an application prior to being released is a method for expediting the review process in advance of release.

Summary of Bill:

A person who is not currently eligible for public assistance may apply for such assistance even if the date on which the person will become eligible is either unknown or further away than 45 days. Public assistance may not be provided to a person while the person is residing in a jail, prison, or other public institution.