SENATE BILL REPORT
2SHB 2877
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 of February 22, 2016
Title: An act relating to the distribution of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
Brief Description: Expanding distribution dates for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hickel, Zeiger, Riccelli, Sawyer, Wilcox, Kochmar, Stanford, Gregerson and Ormsby).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/16, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Human Services, Mental Health & Housing: 2/23/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH & HOUSING |
Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7444)
Background: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federal program enabling low-income families to purchase eligible food at authorized retail food stores primarily through the use of electronic benefit cards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the program at the federal level and the state agencies administer the program at the state and local levels, including determination of eligibility and allotments, and distribution of benefits. In Washington, SNAP is called the Basic Food Program.
Currently, SNAP benefits are distributed from the first through the tenth of every month. States have the authority to stagger SNAP benefit issuance over the entire month as long as no participant goes longer than 40 days between issuance days.
Summary of Bill: Beginning on February 1, 2017, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) must expand SNAP benefit issuance dates to the first though the twentieth of every month.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.