2096 AMS SHEB S2567.1

HB 2096 - S AMD TO SLG COMM AMD (S-2515.1/01) AMD 252

By Senator Sheldon, B.

    On page 1, after line 25 of the amendment, insert the following:

    "Sec. 2.  RCW 80.36.005 and 1993 c 249 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    ((As used in this chapter)) The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 80.36.410 through 80.36.475, unless the context ((indicates)) clearly requires otherwise((,)).

(1) "Community agency" means local community agencies that administer community service voice mail programs.

(2) "Community service voice mail" means a computerized voice mail system that provides low-income recipients with:  (a) An individually assigned telephone number; (b) the ability to record a personal greeting; and (c) a private security code to retrieve messages.

(3) "Department" means the department of social and health services.

(4) "Service year" means the period between July 1st and June 30th.

    Sec. 3.  RCW 80.36.410 and 1987 c 229 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

    The legislature finds that universal telephone service is an important policy goal of the state.  The legislature further finds that:  (1) Recent changes in the telecommunications industry, such as federal access charges, raise concerns about the ability of low-income persons to continue to afford access to local exchange telephone service; and (2) many low-income persons making the transition to independence from receiving supportive services through community agencies do not qualify for economic assistance from the department.  Therefore, the legislature finds that it is in the public interest to take steps to mitigate the effects of these changes on low-income persons.

    Sec. 4.  RCW 80.36.470 and 1990 c 170 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Adult recipients of department-administered programs for the financially needy which provide continuing financial or medical assistance, food stamps, or supportive services to persons in their own homes are eligible for participation in the telephone assistance program.  The department shall notify the participants of their eligibility.

(2) Participants in community service voice mail programs are eligible for participation in the telephone assistance program after completing use of community service voice mail services.  Eligibility shall be for a period including the remainder of the current service year and the following service year.  Community agencies shall notify the department of participants eligible under this subsection.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  Sections 3 and 4 of this act expire June 30, 2003."

HB 2096 - S AMD TO SLG COMM AMD (S-2515.1/01)AMD 252

By Senator Sheldon, B.

    On page 1, line 30 of the title amendment, after "insert" strike the remainder of the title amendment and insert "amending RCW 57.46.010, 80.36.005, 80.36.410, and 80.36.470; and providing an expiration date."

                            --- END ---