1144 AMH .... H4310.1

HB 1144 - H AMD 0081 Withdrawn 2-19-02

By Representative

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "Sec. 1.  RCW 74.08A.270 and 1997 c 58 s 314 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Good cause reasons for failure to participate in WorkFirst program components include((:  (1))) situations where the recipient is a parent or other relative personally providing care for a child under the age of six years, and formal or informal child care, or day care for an incapacitated individual living in the same home as a dependent child, is necessary for an individual to participate or continue participation in the program or accept employment, and such care is not available, and the department fails to provide such care((; or (2) until June 30, 1999, if the recipient is a parent with a child under the age of one year)).  A good cause reason for not seeking or taking employment exists if a recipient is a parent with a child under the age of one.  A recipient with a child under the age of one is required to participate in one or more of the following:

(a) Instruction or training that has the purpose of improving parenting skills or child well-being;

(b) Preemployment or job readiness training; or

(c) Course study leading to a high school diploma or GED.

(2) This section does not prevent a recipient from participating fully in the WorkFirst program on a voluntary basis.

(3) For any recipient who claims a good cause reason to not seek or take employment based on the fact that the recipient has a child under the age of one, the department shall conduct an assessment of the recipient within ninety days to determine if the recipient has any specific service needs or employment barriers.  The assessment may include identifying the need for substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, or domestic violence services.

(4) A parent may only receive this exemption for a total of twelve months, which may be consecutive or nonconsecutive((; or (3) after June 30, 1999, if the recipient is a parent with a child under three months of age))."

HB 1144 - H AMD

By Representative

    On page 1, at the beginning of line 2 of the title, strike the remainder of the title and insert "and amending RCW 74.08A.270."

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