WSR 98-16-089
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(WorkFirst Division)
[Filed August 5, 1998, 10:24 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is adding electronic benefit transfer as a method of delivering cash and food assistance benefits to public assistance clients. The department will be amending rules in chapter 388-412 WAC and any other related rules that describe methods of delivering these benefits to include electronic benefit transfer.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.510, 74.08.370, 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.05.055, and 74.04.057.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Clients currently receive cash by warrants and food assistance by food coupons or food coupon authorizations (FCA). The department will now issue benefits by electronic benefit transfer as well. Warrants will continue to be issued in certain circumstances. However, food coupons and FCA will be eliminated.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Social and Health Services welcomes the public to take part in developing the rule(s). Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rule(s) is drafted, the Department of Social and Health Services will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Betty Brinkman, Program Manager, WorkFirst Division, 1009 College Street S.E., Lacey, WA 98504, (360) 413-3091, fax (360) 413-3482.
August 4, 1998
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit