FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 2828
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. |
C 4 L 12 E1
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Removing the requirement that the department of social and health services or the department of early learning take appropriate action to establish or enforce support obligations whenever it receives an application for subsidized child care services or working connections child care services.
Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representative Hunter).
House Committee on Ways & Means
Background:
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) is a program for children from low-income households that provides subsidized child care while parents are at work or engaged in WorkFirst participation requirements. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) sets WCCC policy and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides WCCC eligibility determinations.
In 2011 legislation was enacted requiring WCCC applicants and recipients to seek child support enforcement services from the DSHS Division of Child Support as a condition of receiving subsidized child care. However, if the DSHS finds an applicant has good cause to not cooperate, then he or she is exempt from the child support requirement. The legislation also requires the DSHS or the DEL to take action to establish or enforce child support when it receives an application for subsidized child care. A child care subsidy payment constitutes an authorization for the DSHS to provide support enforcement services.
During the 2012 legislative session, legislation was enacted removing the requirement that an applicant or recipient must seek child support enforcement services from the DSHS as a condition of receiving child care subsidies.
Summary:
The requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the Department of Early Learning take action to establish or enforce support obligations whenever it receives an application for subsidized child care services or Working Connections Child Care services is removed. The language specifying that a payment for subsidized child care constitutes an authorization for the DSHS to provide child support enforcement services is removed.
Votes on Final Passage:
First Special Session
House | 97 | 0 | |
Senate | 45 | 0 |
Effective: | June 7, 2012 |