BILL REQ. #:  H-1931.1 

     AN ACT Relating to the state food assistance program; amending RCW 74.08A.120; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.08A.120 and 1999 c 120 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department may establish a food assistance program for legal immigrants who are ineligible for the federal food stamp program.
     (2) The department shall adopt rules for the state food assistance program ((shall follow exactly the rules of the federal food stamp program except for the provisions pertaining to immigrant status)) to operate the program within appropriations provided for the program in the omnibus operating appropriations act and subject to any terms and conditions in that act.
     (3) The benefit under the state food assistance program shall be established by the legislature in the biennial operating budget.
     (4) The department may enter into a contract with the United States department of agriculture to use the existing federal food stamp program coupon system for the purposes of administering the state food assistance program.
     (5) In the event the department is unable to enter into a contract with the United States department of agriculture, the department may issue vouchers to eligible households for the purchase of eligible foods at participating retailers.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.