WSR 03-13-035

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)

[ Filed June 10, 2003, 4:38 p.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: The DSHS Division of Employment and Assistance Programs will amend all necessary sections of Title 388 WAC to implement changes related to change reporting requirements that affect client's eligibility and benefit level for food stamps and the state-funded food assistance program for legal immigrants (FAP). This could include changes to rules in any of the following chapters: Change of circumstances requirements in chapter 388-418 WAC; employment and training requirements in chapter 388-444 WAC; income and deductions for food assistance in chapter 388-450 WAC; and any other sections necessary to implement the requirements of the food stamp program under the Washington basic food program.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090; 7 C.F.R. 272 and 273.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department must adopt rules to be consistent with federal regulations for food stamps. On April 29, 2003, the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule related to the food stamp program (RIN: 0584-AB57).

     By amending 7 C.F.R. Parts 272 and 273, this rule change sets new federal requirements and allows new state options related to how states anticipate income for food stamps as well as change reporting requirements.

     The department will amend WAC sections necessary to implement the federal requirements and exercise department options as allowed under this final rule.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) publishes federal regulations for the food stamp program in the federal register. Rules published in the federal register are incorporated into the United States Code of Federal Regulations. FNS also issues administrative notices to inform states of new program requirements that are not yet in the United States Code of Federal Regulations. DSHS incorporates these regulations and exercises state options by adopting administrative rules for food assistance benefits in Washington state.

     Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file proposed [rules] with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone 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 John Camp, Program Manager, Division of Employment and Assistance Programs, Lacey Government Center, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-4570, phone (360) 413-3232, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail CAMPJX@DSHS.WA.GOV.

June 9, 2003

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

Legislature Code Reviser 

Register

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