BILL REQ. #:  H-1920.1 

Read first time 02/24/2005.   Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.

     AN ACT Relating to creating a joint select committee to study improvements to the electronic benefit transfer system; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) A joint select committee on the study of improvements to the electronic benefits transfer system is established. The joint select committee shall consist of the following members:
     (a) Two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate; and
     (b) Two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
     (2) The joint select committee shall review the following issues:
     (a) Identify alternatives to the current procedure which permits public assistance recipients to receive cash back through the electronic benefit transfer system for the purpose of providing more accountability for the use of public funds;
     (b) Examine the feasibility, logistical considerations, and costs associated with alternatives to the current procedure as identified in (a) of this subsection; and
     (c) Identify methods and procedures for monitoring and oversight to reduce the inappropriate use of public funds.
     (3) The joint select committee, where feasible, may consult with individuals from the public and private sector or ask such persons to establish an advisory committee, including the department of social and health services.
     (4)(a) The joint select committee shall use legislative facilities, and staff support shall be provided by the house of representatives office of program research. The joint select committee may hire additional staff with specific technical expertise if such expertise is necessary to carry out the mandates of this study.
     (b) Legislative members of the joint select committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, such reimbursement to be paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives.
     (5) The joint select committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2005.
     (6) This section expires July 1, 2006.