HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1812

Title:  An act relating to temporary assistance for needy families;  amending RCW 74.12.010 and 74.12.035;  and repealing RCW 74.12.036.

Brief Description: Assisting needy families.

Sponsors:  Representatives Tokuda and Boldt;  by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 15, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background: Several current policies under the temporary assistance for needy families program are based of federal requirements that were eliminated when federal welfare reform was enacted in August, 1996.  Under previous federal law, a child was eligible for assistance if they were deprived of parental support through death, incapacity, continued absence, or unemployment of the parent. A family was ineligible for assistance if their income exceeds 185 percent of the need standard.  Families are either ineligible for or receive a reduced grant if a family member is on strike.  Children are eligible to receive an assistance grant if they are over age eighteen and are attending high school or a vocational equivalent full time and are expected to graduate before their nineteenth birthday.

Summary of Bill:  The language related to the deprivation of a child in determining eligibility for temporary assistance for needy families is repealed.  The eligibility standard related to 185 percent of the need standard is repealed.  The provision related to strikers not receiving assistance is repealed.  Children between eighteen and twenty-one years of age are eligible to continue receiving assistance if they meet certain eligibility standards.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.