SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6893
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. |
As Passed Senate, December 11, 2010
Title: An act relating to the suspension of the child support pass through.
Brief Description: Suspending the child support pass through payment.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senator Murray).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 12/11/10 [DPS, DNP, w/oRec].
Second Special Session: Passed Senate: 12/11/10, 28-11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6893 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Hewitt, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Murray, Parlette, Pflug, Rockefeller and Schoesler.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Oemig.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Regala.
Staff: Michael Bezanson (786-7449)
Background: As a condition of receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits, a family must assign its child support rights to the state during the months they receive TANF. Washington, under a state option in the federal Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), passes child support collections to the family up to $100 per month for a family with one child or $200 per month for a family with two or more children. This is known as the child support pass through.
If a state does not choose the child support pass through option, the amount collected is shared between the state and federal government.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Effective May 1, 2011, the child support pass through is suspended for all families. All rules to the contrary adopted before May 1, 2011, are without force and effect.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect May 1, 2011.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: OTHER: The child support pass through payment currently goes to TANF recipients. TANF recipients are below 82 percent of the federal poverty limit. The legislature should consider using the savings from the suspension to help the TANF Box rather than going to the general fund. The legislature should also consider making this suspension temporary.
Persons Testifying: OTHER: Robin Zukoski, Columbia Legal Services.