SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5619

As of February 12, 2003

Title: An act relating to income and resources reporting requirements under the public assistance program.

Brief Description: Revising reporting requirements for income and resources under the public assistance program.

Sponsors: Senators Stevens, Regala, Carlson and Winsley; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/14/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Public assistance recipients are required to notify the Department of Social and Health Services within 20 days, if they receive benefits they are not entitled to, or in an amount greater than that for which they are eligible. The overpayment becomes a debt due the department. If a recipient fails to report income or makes false statements, the state can recover the overpayment and file criminal charges.

Summary of Bill: The requirement that recipients notify the department within 20 days is removed. The department is permitted to establish reporting requirements regarding countable income consistent with federal law and regulations governing public assistance.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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