BILL REQ. #:  H-1729.1 

Read first time 02/22/2005.   Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.

     AN ACT Relating to use of public assistance electronic debit cards; amending RCW 74.08.580; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.08.580 and 2002 c 252 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any person receiving public assistance is prohibited from using electronic benefit cards or cash obtained with electronic benefit cards:
     (a) For the purpose of participating in any of the activities authorized under chapter 9.46 RCW;
     (b) For the purpose of parimutuel wagering authorized under chapter 67.16 RCW; ((or))
     (c) To purchase lottery tickets or shares authorized under chapter 67.70 RCW; or
     (d) For any purpose other than to obtain necessities such as rent, transportation, child care, education, food, nonfood hygiene, medical supplies or care, dental supplies or care, cleaning supplies, and clothing.
     (2)(a) The department shall notify, in writing, all recipients of electronic benefit cards that any violation of subsection (1) of this section could result in legal proceedings and forfeiture of all cash public assistance.
     (b) Whenever the department receives notice that a person has violated subsection (1) of this section, the department shall notify the person in writing that the violation could result in legal proceedings and forfeiture of all cash public assistance.
     (c) The department shall assign a protective payee to the person receiving public assistance who violates subsection (1) of this section.
     (d) If the department finds a person receiving public assistance has violated subsection (1) of this section, the department may assess a civil penalty not to exceed twenty-five dollars.