CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2082

Chapter 36, Laws of 2011

62nd Legislature
2011 1st Special Session



ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES



EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/15/11 - Except section 6, which becomes effective 07/22/11; and section 8, which becomes effective 11/01/11.

Passed by the House May 25, 2011
  Yeas 56   Nays 40

FRANK CHOPP
________________________________________    
Speaker of the House of Representatives


Passed by the Senate May 25, 2011
  Yeas 43   Nays 2


BRAD OWEN
________________________________________    
President of the Senate
 
CERTIFICATE

I, Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2082 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.


BARBARA BAKER
________________________________________    
Chief Clerk
Approved June 15, 2011, 2:58 p.m.








CHRISTINE GREGOIRE
________________________________________    
Governor of the State of Washington
 
FILED
June 15, 2011







Secretary of State
State of Washington


_____________________________________________ 

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2082
_____________________________________________

AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

Passed Legislature - 2011 1st Special Session
State of Washington62nd Legislature2011 1st Special Session

By House Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Darneille, Goodman, Dickerson, Roberts, Pettigrew, Appleton, Ryu, Fitzgibbon, Finn, Orwall, Ormsby, Ladenburg, Kenney, and Moscoso)

READ FIRST TIME 05/12/11.   



     AN ACT Relating to reforming the disability lifeline program through essential needs and housing support for persons not likely to meet federal supplemental security income disability standards, continued aid and support for other disability lifeline recipients, and modification of the disability lifeline medical care services needed to receive federal funding; amending RCW 74.09.035, 74.04.005, 74.09.510, 74.50.055, 70.96A.530, 10.101.010, 26.19.071, 31.04.540, 70.123.110, 73.08.005, 74.04.0052, 74.04.225, 74.04.230, 74.04.266, 74.04.620, 74.04.652, 74.04.655, 74.04.657, 74.04.770, 74.08.043, 74.08.278, 74.08.335, 74.08A.210, 74.08A.440, 74.09.555, and 74.50.060; reenacting and amending RCW 13.34.030; adding new sections to chapter 43.185C RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 74 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 43.330.175, 74.04.120, and 74.04.810; providing effective dates; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Intent. (1) The legislature finds that:
     (a) Persons who have a long-term disability and apply for federal supplemental security income benefits should receive assistance while their application for federal benefits is pending, with repayment from the federal government of state-funded income assistance paid through the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program;
     (b) Persons who are incapacitated from gainful employment for an extended period, but who may not meet the level of severity of a long-term disability, are at increased risk of homelessness; and
     (c) Persons who are homeless and suffering from significant medical impairments, mental illness, or chemical dependency face substantial barriers to successful participation in, and completion of, needed medical or behavioral health treatment services. Stable housing increases the likelihood of compliance with and completion of treatment.
     (2) Through this act, the legislature intends to:
     (a) Terminate all components of the disability lifeline program created in 2010 and codified in RCW 74.04.005 and create new programs: (i) To provide financial grants through the aged, blind, and disabled assistance program and the pregnant women assistance program; and (ii) to provide services through the essential needs and housing support program; and
     (b) Increase opportunities to utilize limited public funding, combined with private charitable and volunteer efforts to serve persons who are recipients of the benefits provided by the new programs created under this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   Effective October 31, 2011, the disability lifeline program, as defined under chapter 74.04 RCW, is terminated and all benefits provided under that program shall expire and cease to exist.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1)(a) Effective November 1, 2011, the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program shall provide financial grants to persons in need who:
     (i) Are not eligible to receive federal aid assistance, other than basic food benefits transferred electronically and medical assistance;
     (ii) Meet the eligibility requirements of subsection (3) of this section; and
     (iii) Are aged, blind, or disabled. For purposes of determining eligibility for assistance for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program, the following definitions apply:
     (A) "Aged" means age sixty-five or older.
     (B) "Blind" means statutorily blind as defined for the purpose of determining eligibility for the federal supplemental security income program.
     (C) "Disabled" means likely to meet the federal supplemental security income disability standard. In making this determination, the department should give full consideration to the cumulative impact of an applicant's multiple impairments, an applicant's age, and vocational and educational history.
     In determining whether a person is disabled, the department may rely on the following:
     (I) A previous disability determination by the social security administration or the disability determination service entity within the department; or
     (II) A determination that an individual is eligible to receive optional categorically needy medicaid as a disabled person under the federal regulations at 42 C.F.R. Parts 435, Secs. 201(a)(3) and 210.
     (b) The following persons are not eligible for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program:
     (i) Persons who are not able to engage in gainful employment due primarily to alcohol or drug addiction. These persons shall be referred to appropriate assessment, treatment, shelter, or supplemental security income referral services as authorized under chapter 74.50 RCW. Referrals shall be made at the time of application or at the time of eligibility review. This subsection may not be construed to prohibit the department from granting aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits to alcoholics and drug addicts who are incapacitated due to other physical or mental conditions that meet the eligibility criteria for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program; or
     (ii) Persons for whom there has been a final determination of ineligibility for federal supplemental security income benefits.
     (c) Persons may receive aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits pending application for federal supplemental security income benefits. The monetary value of any aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefit that is subsequently duplicated by the person's receipt of supplemental security income for the same period shall be considered a debt due the state and shall by operation of law be subject to recovery through all available legal remedies.
     (2) Effective November 1, 2011, the pregnant women assistance program shall provide financial grants to persons who:
     (a) Are not eligible to receive federal aid assistance other than basic food benefits or medical assistance; and
     (b) Are pregnant and in need, based upon the current income and resource standards of the federal temporary assistance for needy families program, but are ineligible for federal temporary assistance for needy families benefits for a reason other than failure to cooperate in program requirements; and
     (c) Meet the eligibility requirements of subsection (3) of this section.
     (3) To be eligible for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program under subsection (1) of this section or the pregnant women assistance program under subsection (2) of this section, a person must:
     (a) Be a citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise residing in the United States under color of law;
     (b) Have furnished the department his or her social security number. If the social security number cannot be furnished because it has not been issued or is not known, an application for a number shall be made prior to authorization of benefits, and the social security number shall be provided to the department upon receipt;
     (c) Have not refused or failed without good cause to participate in drug or alcohol treatment if an assessment by a certified chemical dependency counselor indicates a need for such treatment. Good cause must be found to exist when a person's physical or mental condition, as determined by the department, prevents the person from participating in drug or alcohol dependency treatment, when needed outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is not available to the person in the county of his or her residence or when needed inpatient treatment is not available in a location that is reasonably accessible for the person; and
     (d) Not have refused or failed to cooperate in obtaining federal aid assistance, without good cause.
     (4) Effective November 1, 2011, referrals for essential needs and housing support under section 4 of this act shall be provided to persons found eligible for medical care services under RCW 74.09.035 who are not recipients of alcohol and addiction services provided under chapter 74.50 RCW or are not recipients of aged, blind, or disabled assistance.
     (5) No person may be considered an eligible individual for benefits under this section with respect to any month if during that month the person:
     (a) Is fleeing to avoid prosecution of, or to avoid custody or confinement for conviction of, a felony, or an attempt to commit a felony, under the laws of the state of Washington or the place from which the person flees; or
     (b) Is violating a condition of probation, community supervision, or parole imposed under federal or state law for a felony or gross misdemeanor conviction.
     (6) The department must review the cases of all persons, except recipients of alcohol and addiction treatment under chapter 74.50 RCW, or recipients of aged, blind, or disabled assistance, who have received medical care services for twelve consecutive months, and at least annually after the first review, to determine whether they are eligible for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 43.185C RCW to read as follows:
     Grants to local governments and community-based organizations for essential needs and housing support. (1) The department shall distribute funds for the essential needs and housing support program established under this section in a manner consistent with the requirements of this section and the biennial operating budget. The first distribution of funds must be completed by September 1, 2011. Essential needs or housing support is only for persons found eligible for such services under section 3(4) of this act and is not considered an entitlement.
     (2) The department shall distribute funds appropriated for the essential needs and housing support program in the form of grants to designated essential needs support and housing support entities within each county. The department shall not distribute any funds until it approves the expenditure plan submitted by the designated essential needs support and housing support entities. The amount of funds to be distributed pursuant to this section shall be designated in the biennial operating budget. For the sole purpose of meeting the initial distribution of funds date, the department may distribute partial funds upon the department's approval of a preliminary expenditure plan. The department shall not distribute the remaining funds until it has approved a final expenditure plan.
     (3)(a) During the 2011-2013 biennium, in awarding housing support that is not funded through the contingency fund in this subsection, the designated housing support entity shall provide housing support to clients who are homeless persons as defined in RCW 43.185C.010. As provided in the biennial operating budget for the 2011-2013 biennium, a contingency fund shall be used solely for those clients who are at substantial risk of losing stable housing or at substantial risk of losing one of the other services defined in section 7(6) of this act. For purposes of this chapter, "substantial risk" means the client has provided documentation that he or she will lose his or her housing within the next thirty days or that the services will be discontinued within the next thirty days.
     (b) After July 1, 2013, the designated housing support entity shall give first priority to clients who are homeless persons as defined in RCW 43.185C.010 and second priority to clients who would be at substantial risk of losing stable housing without housing support.
     (4) For each county, the department shall designate an essential needs support entity and a housing support entity that will begin providing these supports to medical care services program recipients on November 1, 2011. Essential needs and housing support entities are not required to provide assistance to every medical care services recipient that is referred to the local entity or who meets the priority standards in subsection (3) of this section.
     (a) Each designated entity must be a local government or community-based organization, and may administer the funding for essential needs support, housing support, or both. Designated entities have the authority to subcontract with qualified entities. Upon request, and the approval of the department, two or more counties may combine resources to more effectively deliver services.
     (b) The department's designation process must include a review of proficiency in managing housing or human services programs when designating housing support entities.
     (c) Within a county, if the department directly awards separate grants to the designated housing support entity and the designated essential needs support entity, the department shall determine the amount allocated for essential needs support as directed in the biennial operating budget.
     (5)(a) Essential needs and housing support entities must use funds distributed under this section as flexibly as is practicable to provide essential needs items and housing support to recipients of the essential needs and housing support program, subject to the requirements of this section.
     (b) Benefits provided under the essential needs and housing support program shall not be provided to recipients in the form of cash assistance.
     (c) The appropriations by the legislature for the purposes of the essential needs and housing support program established under this section shall be based on forecasted program caseloads. The caseload forecast council shall provide a courtesy forecast of the medical care services recipient population that is homeless or is included in reporting under subsection (7)(c)(iii) of this section. The department may move funds between entities or between counties to reflect actual caseload changes. In doing so, the department must: (i) Develop a process for reviewing the caseload of designated essential needs and housing support entities, and for redistributing grant funds from those entities experiencing reduced actual caseloads to those with increased actual caseloads; and (ii) inform all designated entities of the redistribution process. Savings resulting from program caseload attrition from the essential needs and housing support program shall not result in increased per-client expenditures.
     (d) Essential needs and housing support entities must partner with other public and private organizations to maximize the beneficial impact of funds distributed under this section, and should attempt to leverage other sources of public and private funds to serve essential needs and housing support recipients. Funds appropriated in the operating budget for essential needs and housing support must be used only to serve persons eligible to receive services under that program.
     (6) The department shall use no more than five percent of the funds for administration of the essential needs and housing support program. Each essential needs and housing support entity shall use no more than seven percent of the funds for administrative expenses.
     (7) The department shall:
     (a) Require housing support entities to enter data into the homeless client management information system;
     (b) Require essential needs support entities to report on services provided under this section;
     (c) In collaboration with the department of social and health services, submit a report annually to the relevant policy and fiscal committees of the legislature. A preliminary report shall be submitted by December 31, 2011, and must include (c)(i), (iii), and (v) of this subsection. Annual reports must be submitted beginning December 1, 2012, and must include:
     (i) A description of the actions the department has taken to achieve the objectives of this act;
     (ii) The amount of funds used by the department to administer the program;
     (iii) Information on the housing status of essential needs and housing support recipients served by housing support entities, and individuals who have requested housing support but did not receive housing support;
     (iv) Grantee expenditure data related to administration and services provided under this section; and
     (v) Efforts made to partner with other entities and leverage sources or public and private funds;
     (d) Review the data submitted by the designated entities, and make recommendations for program improvements and administrative efficiencies. The department has the authority to designate alternative entities as necessary due to performance or other significant issues. Such change must only be made after consultation with the department of social and health services and the impacted entity.
     (8) The department, counties, and essential needs and housing support entities are not civilly or criminally liable and may not have any penalty or cause of action of any nature arise against them related to decisions regarding: (a) The provision or lack of provision of housing or essential needs support; or (b) the type of housing arrangement supported with funds allocated under this section, when the decision was made in good faith and in the performance of the powers and duties under this section. However, this section does not prohibit legal actions against the department, county, or essential needs or housing support entity to enforce contractual duties or obligations.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   A new section is added to chapter 43.185C RCW to read as follows:
     The department, in collaboration with the department of social and health services, shall develop a mechanism through which the department and local governments or community-based organizations can verify a person has been determined eligible and remains eligible for medical care services under RCW 74.09.035 by the department of social and health services.

Sec. 6   RCW 74.09.035 and 2011 c 284 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) To the extent of available funds, medical care services may be provided to ((recipients of disability lifeline benefits, persons denied disability lifeline benefits under RCW 74.04.005(5)(b) or 74.04.655 who otherwise meet the requirements of RCW 74.04.005(5)(a), and recipients of alcohol and drug addiction services provided under chapter 74.50 RCW, in accordance with medical eligibility requirements established by the department.)):
     (a) Persons who:
     (i) Are incapacitated from gainful employment by reason of bodily or mental infirmity that will likely continue for a minimum of ninety days as determined by the department. The standard for incapacity in this subsection, as evidenced by the ninety-day duration standard, is not intended to be as stringent as federal supplemental security income disability standards;
     (ii) Are citizens or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise residing in the United States under color of law;
     (iii) Have furnished the department their social security number. If the social security number cannot be furnished because it has not been issued or is not known, an application for a number shall be made prior to authorization of benefits, and the social security number shall be provided to the department upon receipt;
     (iv) Have countable income as described in RCW 74.04.005 at or below four hundred twenty-eight dollars for a married couple or at or below three hundred thirty-nine dollars for a single individual; and
     (v) Do not have countable resources in excess of those described in RCW 74.04.005.
     (b) Persons eligible for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program authorized in section 3 of this act and who are not eligible for medicaid under RCW 74.09.510.
     (c) Persons eligible for alcohol and drug addiction services provided under chapter 74.50 RCW, in accordance with medical eligibility requirements established by the department.
     (d) The following persons are not eligible for medical care services:
     (i)
Persons who are unemployable due primarily to alcohol or drug addiction, except as provided in (c) of this subsection. These persons shall be referred to appropriate assessment, treatment, shelter, or supplemental security income referral services as authorized under chapter 74.50 RCW. Referrals shall be made at the time of application or at the time of eligibility review. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the department from granting medical care services benefits to alcoholics and drug addicts who are incapacitated due to other physical or mental conditions that meet the eligibility criteria for medical care services;
     (ii) Persons who refuse or fail to cooperate in obtaining federal aid assistance, without good cause;
     (iii) Persons who refuse or fail without good cause to participate in drug or alcohol treatment if an assessment by a certified chemical dependency counselor indicates a need for such treatment. Good cause must be found to exist when a person's physical or mental condition, as determined by the department, prevents the person from participating in drug or alcohol dependency treatment, when needed outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is not available to the person in the county of his or her residence or when needed inpatient treatment is not available in a location that is reasonably accessible for the person; and
     (iv) Persons who are fleeing to avoid prosecution of, or to avoid custody or confinement for conviction of, a felony, or an attempt to commit a felony, under the laws of the state of Washington or the place from which the person flees; or who are violating a condition of probation, community supervision, or parole imposed under federal or state law for a felony or gross misdemeanor conviction.
     (e) For purposes of determining whether a person is incapacitated from gainful employment under (a) of this subsection:
     (i) The department shall adopt by rule medical criteria for incapacity determinations to ensure that eligibility decisions are consistent with statutory requirements and are based on clear, objective medical information; and
     (ii) The process implementing the medical criteria shall involve consideration of opinions of the treating or consulting physicians or health care professionals regarding incapacity, and any eligibility decision which rejects uncontroverted medical opinion must set forth clear and convincing reasons for doing so.
     (f) For purposes of reviewing a person's continuing eligibility and in order to remain eligible for the program, persons who have been found to have an incapacity from gainful employment must demonstrate that there has been no material improvement in their medical or mental health condition. The department may discontinue benefits when there was specific error in the prior determination that found the person eligible by reason of incapacitation.

     (2) Enrollment in medical care services may not result in expenditures that exceed the amount that has been appropriated in the operating budget. If it appears that continued enrollment will result in expenditures exceeding the appropriated level for a particular fiscal year, the department may freeze new enrollment and establish a waiting list of ((eligible)) persons who may receive benefits only when sufficient funds are available. ((Upon implementation of a federal medicaid 1115 waiver providing federal matching funds for medical care services, persons subject to termination of disability lifeline benefits under RCW 74.04.005(5)(h) remain enrolled in medical care services and persons subject to denial of disability lifeline benefits under RCW 74.04.005(5)(h) remain eligible for medical care services.
     (2)
)) (3) Determination of the amount, scope, and duration of medical care services shall be limited to coverage as defined by the department, except that adult dental, and routine foot care shall not be included unless there is a specific appropriation for these services.
     (((3))) (4) The department shall enter into performance-based contracts with one or more managed health care systems for the provision of medical care services ((to recipients of disability lifeline benefits)) under this section. The contract must provide for integrated delivery of medical and mental health services.
     (((4))) (5) The department shall establish standards of assistance and resource and income exemptions, which may include deductibles and co- insurance provisions. In addition, the department may include a prohibition against the voluntary assignment of property or cash for the purpose of qualifying for assistance.
     (((5))) (6) Residents of skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities, as that term is described by federal law, who are eligible for medical care services shall be provided medical services to the same extent as provided to those persons eligible under the medical assistance program.
     (((6) Eligibility for medical care services shall commence with the date of certification for disability lifeline benefits or the date of eligibility for alcohol and drug addiction services provided under chapter 74.50 RCW.))
     (7) Eligibility for medical care services shall commence with the date of certification for medical care services, date of eligibility for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program provided under section 3 of this act, or the date or eligibility for alcohol and drug addiction services provided under chapter 74.50 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:
     (1) "Aged, blind, and disabled assistance program" means the program established under section 3 of this act.
     (2) "Department" means the department of social and health services.
     (3) "Director" or "secretary" means the secretary of social and health services.
     (4) "Essential needs and housing support program" means the program established under section 4 of this act.
     (5) "Essential needs support" means personal health and hygiene items, cleaning supplies, other necessary items and transportation passes or tokens provided through an essential needs support entity established under section 4 of this act.
     (6) "Housing support" means assistance provided by a designated housing support entity established under section 4 of this act to maintain existing housing when the client is at substantial risk of becoming homeless, to obtain housing, or to obtain heat, electricity, natural gas, sewer, garbage, and water services when the client is at substantial risk of losing these services.
     (7) "Pregnant women assistance program" means the program established under section 3 of this act.
     (8) In the construction of words and phrases used in this chapter, the singular number shall include the plural, the masculine gender shall include both the feminine and neuter genders, and the present tense shall include the past and future tenses, unless the context thereof shall clearly indicate to the contrary.

Sec. 8   RCW 74.04.005 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     For the purposes of this title, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:
     (1) "Public assistance" or "assistance"(( -- )) means public aid to persons in need thereof for any cause, including services, medical care, assistance grants, disbursing orders, work relief, ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act, and federal aid assistance.
     (2) "Department"(( -- )) means the department of social and health services.
     (3) "County or local office"(( -- )) means the administrative office for one or more counties or designated service areas.
     (4) "Director" or "secretary" means the secretary of social and health services.
     (5) "((Disability lifeline)) Essential needs and housing support program" means ((a program that provides aid and support in accordance with the conditions set out in this subsection.
     (a) Aid and assistance shall be provided to persons who are not eligible to receive federal aid assistance, other than basic food benefits transferred electronically and medical assistance and meet one of the following conditions:
     (i) Are pregnant and in need, based upon the current income and resource requirements of the federal temporary assistance for needy families program; or
     (ii) Are incapacitated from gainful employment by reason of bodily or mental infirmity that will likely continue for a minimum of ninety days as determined by the department. The standard for incapacity in this subsection, as evidenced by the ninety-day duration standard, is not intended to be as stringent as federal supplemental security income disability standards; and
     (A) Are citizens or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise residing in the United States under color of law;
     (B) Have furnished the department their social security number. If the social security number cannot be furnished because it has not been issued or is not known, an application for a number shall be made prior to authorization of benefits, and the social security number shall be provided to the department upon receipt;
     (C) Have not refused or failed without good cause to participate in drug or alcohol treatment if an assessment by a certified chemical dependency counselor indicates a need for such treatment. Good cause must be found to exist when a person's physical or mental condition, as determined by the department, prevents the person from participating in drug or alcohol dependency treatment, when needed outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is not available to the person in the county of his or her residence or when needed inpatient treatment is not available in a location that is reasonably accessible for the person; and
     (D) Have not refused or failed without good cause to participate in vocational rehabilitation services, if an assessment conducted under RCW 74.04.655 indicates that the person might benefit from such services. Good cause must be found to exist when a person's physical or mental condition, as determined by the department, prevents the person from participating in vocational rehabilitation services, or when vocational rehabilitation services are not available to the person in the county of his or her residence.
     (b)(i) Persons who initially apply and are found eligible for disability lifeline benefits based upon incapacity from gainful employment under (a) of this subsection on or after September 2, 2010, who are homeless and have been assessed as needing chemical dependency or mental health treatment or both, must agree, as a condition of eligibility for the disability lifeline program, to accept a housing voucher in lieu of a cash grant if a voucher is available. The department shall establish the dollar value of the housing voucher. The dollar value of the housing voucher may differ from the value of the cash grant. Persons receiving a housing voucher under this subsection also shall receive a cash stipend of fifty dollars per month.
     (ii) If the department of commerce has determined under RCW 43.330.175 that sufficient housing is not available, persons described in this subsection who apply for disability lifeline benefits during the time period that housing is not available shall receive a cash grant in lieu of a cash stipend and housing voucher.
     (iii) Persons who refuse to accept a housing voucher under this subsection but otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of (a) of this subsection are eligible for medical care services benefits under RCW 74.09.035, subject to the time limits in (h) of this subsection.
     (c) The following persons are not eligible for the disability lifeline program:
     (i) Persons who are unemployable due primarily to alcohol or drug addiction. These persons shall be referred to appropriate assessment, treatment, shelter, or supplemental security income referral services as authorized under chapter 74.50 RCW. Referrals shall be made at the time of application or at the time of eligibility review. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the department from granting disability lifeline benefits to alcoholics and drug addicts who are incapacitated due to other physical or mental conditions that meet the eligibility criteria for the disability lifeline program;
     (ii) Persons who refuse or fail to cooperate in obtaining federal aid assistance, without good cause.
     (d) Disability lifeline benefits shall be provided only to persons who are not members of assistance units receiving federal aid assistance, except as provided in (a) of this subsection, and who will accept available services that can reasonably be expected to enable the person to work or reduce the need for assistance unless there is good cause to refuse. Failure to accept such services shall result in termination until the person agrees to cooperate in accepting such services and subject to the following maximum periods of ineligibility after reapplication:
     (i) First failure: One week;
     (ii) Second failure within six months: One month;
     (iii) Third and subsequent failure within one year: Two months.
     (e) Persons who are likely eligible for federal supplemental security income benefits shall be moved into the disability lifeline expedited component of the disability lifeline program. Persons placed in the expedited component of the program may, if otherwise eligible, receive disability lifeline benefits pending application for federal supplemental security income benefits. The monetary value of any disability lifeline benefit that is subsequently duplicated by the person's receipt of supplemental security income for the same period shall be considered a debt due the state and shall by operation of law be subject to recovery through all available legal remedies.
     (f) For purposes of determining whether a person is incapacitated from gainful employment under (a) of this subsection:
     (i) The department shall adopt by rule medical criteria for disability lifeline incapacity determinations to ensure that eligibility decisions are consistent with statutory requirements and are based on clear, objective medical information; and
     (ii) The process implementing the medical criteria shall involve consideration of opinions of the treating or consulting physicians or health care professionals regarding incapacity, and any eligibility decision which rejects uncontroverted medical opinion must set forth clear and convincing reasons for doing so.
     (g) Persons receiving disability lifeline benefits based upon a finding of incapacity from gainful employment who remain otherwise eligible shall have their benefits discontinued unless the recipient demonstrates no material improvement in their medical or mental health condition. The department may discontinue benefits when there was specific error in the prior determination that found the person eligible by reason of incapacitation.
     (h)(i) Beginning September 1, 2010, no person who is currently receiving or becomes eligible for disability lifeline program benefits shall be eligible to receive benefits under the program for more than twenty-four months in a sixty-month period. For purposes of this subsection, months of receipt of general assistance-unemployable benefits count toward the twenty-four month limit. Months during which a person received benefits under the expedited component of the disability lifeline or general assistance program or under the aged, blind, or disabled component of the disability lifeline or general assistance program shall not be included when determining whether a person has been receiving benefits for more than twenty-four months. On or before July 1, 2010, the department must review the cases of all persons who have received disability lifeline benefits or general assistance unemployable benefits for at least twenty months as of that date. On or before September 1, 2010, the department must review the cases of all remaining persons who have received disability lifeline benefits for at least twelve months as of that date. The review should determine whether the person meets the federal supplemental security income disability standard and, if the person does not meet that standard, whether the receipt of additional services could lead to employability. If a need for additional services is identified, the department shall provide case management services, such as assistance with arranging transportation or locating stable housing, that will facilitate the person's access to needed services. A person may not be determined ineligible due to exceeding the time limit unless he or she has received a case review under this subsection finding that the person does not meet the federal supplemental security income disability standard.
     (ii) The time limits established under this subsection expire June 30, 2013.
     (i) No person may be considered an eligible individual for disability lifeline benefits with respect to any month if during that month the person:
     (i) Is fleeing to avoid prosecution of, or to avoid custody or confinement for conviction of, a felony, or an attempt to commit a felony, under the laws of the state of Washington or the place from which the person flees; or
     (ii) Is violating a condition of probation, community supervision, or parole imposed under federal or state law for a felony or gross misdemeanor conviction
)) the program established in section 4 of this act.
     (6) (("Disability lifeline expedited" means a component of the disability lifeline program under which persons receiving disability lifeline benefits have been determined, after examination by an appropriate health care provider, to be likely to be eligible for federal supplemental security income benefits based on medical and behavioral health evidence that meets the disability standards used for the federal supplemental security income program.
     (7)
)) "Aged, blind, or disabled assistance program" means the program established under section 3 of this act.
     (7)
"Federal aid assistance"(( -- )) means the specific categories of assistance for which provision is made in any federal law existing or hereafter passed by which payments are made from the federal government to the state in aid or in respect to payment by the state for public assistance rendered to any category of needy persons for which provision for federal funds or aid may from time to time be made, or a federally administered needs-based program.
     (8) "Applicant"(( -- )) means any person who has made a request, or on behalf of whom a request has been made, to any county or local office for assistance.
     (9) "Recipient"(( -- )) means any person receiving assistance and in addition those dependents whose needs are included in the recipient's assistance.
     (10) "Standards of assistance"(( -- )) means the level of income required by an applicant or recipient to maintain a level of living specified by the department.
     (11) "Resource"(( -- )) means any asset, tangible or intangible, owned by or available to the applicant at the time of application, which can be applied toward meeting the applicant's need, either directly or by conversion into money or its equivalent. The department may by rule designate resources that an applicant may retain and not be ineligible for public assistance because of such resources. Exempt resources shall include, but are not limited to:
     (a) A home that an applicant, recipient, or their dependents is living in, including the surrounding property;
     (b) Household furnishings and personal effects;
     (c) A motor vehicle, other than a motor home, used and useful having an equity value not to exceed five thousand dollars;
     (d) A motor vehicle necessary to transport a household member with a physical disability. This exclusion is limited to one vehicle per person with a physical disability;
     (e) All other resources, including any excess of values exempted, not to exceed one thousand dollars or other limit as set by the department, to be consistent with limitations on resources and exemptions necessary for federal aid assistance. The department shall also allow recipients of temporary assistance for needy families to exempt savings accounts with combined balances of up to an additional three thousand dollars;
     (f) Applicants for or recipients of ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act shall have their eligibility based on resource limitations consistent with the temporary assistance for needy families program rules adopted by the department; and
     (g) If an applicant for or recipient of public assistance possesses property and belongings in excess of the ceiling value, such value shall be used in determining the need of the applicant or recipient, except that: (i) The department may exempt resources or income when the income and resources are determined necessary to the applicant's or recipient's restoration to independence, to decrease the need for public assistance, or to aid in rehabilitating the applicant or recipient or a dependent of the applicant or recipient; and (ii) the department may provide grant assistance for a period not to exceed nine months from the date the agreement is signed pursuant to this section to persons who are otherwise ineligible because of excess real property owned by such persons when they are making a good faith effort to dispose of that property((: PROVIDED, That)) if:
     (A) The applicant or recipient signs an agreement to repay the lesser of the amount of aid received or the net proceeds of such sale;
     (B) If the owner of the excess property ceases to make good faith efforts to sell the property, the entire amount of assistance may become an overpayment and a debt due the state and may be recovered pursuant to RCW 43.20B.630;
     (C) Applicants and recipients are advised of their right to a fair hearing and afforded the opportunity to challenge a decision that good faith efforts to sell have ceased, prior to assessment of an overpayment under this section; and
     (D) At the time assistance is authorized, the department files a lien without a sum certain on the specific property.
     (12) "Income"(( -- )) means:
     
(a) All appreciable gains in real or personal property (cash or kind) or other assets, which are received by or become available for use and enjoyment by an applicant or recipient during the month of application or after applying for or receiving public assistance. The department may by rule and regulation exempt income received by an applicant for or recipient of public assistance which can be used by him or her to decrease his or her need for public assistance or to aid in rehabilitating him or her or his or her dependents, but such exemption shall not, unless otherwise provided in this title, exceed the exemptions of resources granted under this chapter to an applicant for public assistance. In addition, for cash assistance the department may disregard income pursuant to RCW 74.08A.230 and 74.12.350.
     (b) If, under applicable federal requirements, the state has the option of considering property in the form of lump sum compensatory awards or related settlements received by an applicant or recipient as income or as a resource, the department shall consider such property to be a resource.
     (13) "Need"(( -- )) means the difference between the applicant's or recipient's standards of assistance for himself or herself and the dependent members of his or her family, as measured by the standards of the department, and value of all nonexempt resources and nonexempt income received by or available to the applicant or recipient and the dependent members of his or her family.
     (14) For purposes of determining eligibility for public assistance and participation levels in the cost of medical care, the department shall exempt restitution payments made to people of Japanese and Aleut ancestry pursuant to the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and the Aleutian and Pribilof Island Restitution Act passed by congress, P.L. 100-383, including all income and resources derived therefrom.
     (15) In the construction of words and phrases used in this title, the singular number shall include the plural, the masculine gender shall include both the feminine and neuter genders, and the present tense shall include the past and future tenses, unless the context thereof shall clearly indicate to the contrary.

Sec. 9   RCW 74.09.510 and 2010 c 94 s 24 are each amended to read as follows:
     Medical assistance may be provided in accordance with eligibility requirements established by the department, as defined in the social security Title XIX state plan for mandatory categorically needy persons and:
     (1) Individuals who would be eligible for cash assistance except for their institutional status;
     (2) Individuals who are under twenty-one years of age, who would be eligible for medicaid, but do not qualify as dependent children and who are in (a) foster care, (b) subsidized adoption, (c) a nursing facility or an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities, or (d) inpatient psychiatric facilities;
     (3) Individuals who:
     (a) Are under twenty-one years of age;
     (b) On or after July 22, 2007, were in foster care under the legal responsibility of the department or a federally recognized tribe located within the state; and
     (c) On their eighteenth birthday, were in foster care under the legal responsibility of the department or a federally recognized tribe located within the state;
     (4) Persons who are aged, blind, or disabled who: (a) Receive only a state supplement, or (b) would not be eligible for cash assistance if they were not institutionalized;
     (5) Categorically eligible individuals who meet the income and resource requirements of the cash assistance programs;
     (6) Individuals who are enrolled in managed health care systems, who have otherwise lost eligibility for medical assistance, but who have not completed a current six-month enrollment in a managed health care system, and who are eligible for federal financial participation under Title XIX of the social security act;
     (7) Children and pregnant women allowed by federal statute for whom funding is appropriated;
     (8) Working individuals with disabilities authorized under section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii) of the social security act for whom funding is appropriated;
     (9) Other individuals eligible for medical services under RCW 74.09.035 based on age, blindness, or disability and income and resources standards for medical care services and 74.09.700 for whom federal financial participation is available under Title XIX of the social security act;
     (10) Persons allowed by section 1931 of the social security act for whom funding is appropriated; and
     (11) Women who: (a) Are under sixty-five years of age; (b) have been screened for breast and cervical cancer under the national breast and cervical cancer early detection program administered by the department of health or tribal entity and have been identified as needing treatment for breast or cervical cancer; and (c) are not otherwise covered by health insurance. Medical assistance provided under this subsection is limited to the period during which the woman requires treatment for breast or cervical cancer, and is subject to any conditions or limitations specified in the omnibus appropriations act.

Sec. 10   RCW 74.50.055 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 18 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A person shall not be eligible for treatment services under this chapter unless he or she:
     (a) Meets the ((financial)) income and resource eligibility requirements ((contained in RCW 74.04.005)) for the medical care services program under RCW 74.09.035(1)(a)(iv) and (v); and
     (b) Is incapacitated from gainful employment, which incapacity will likely continue for a minimum of sixty days.
     (2) First priority for receipt of treatment services shall be given to pregnant women and parents of young children.
     (3) In order to rationally allocate treatment services, the department may establish by rule caseload ceilings and additional eligibility criteria, including the setting of priorities among classes of persons for the receipt of treatment services. Any such rules shall be consistent with any conditions or limitations contained in any appropriations for treatment services.

Sec. 11   RCW 70.96A.530 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     If an assessment by a certified chemical dependency counselor indicates a need for drug or alcohol treatment, in order to enable a person receiving ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act to improve his or her health status and transition from ((disability lifeline)) those benefits to employment, or transition to federal disability benefits, the person must be given high priority for enrollment in treatment, within funds appropriated for that treatment. However, first priority for receipt of treatment services must be given to pregnant women and parents of young children. This section expires June 30, 2013. ((Persons who are terminated from disability lifeline benefits under RCW 74.04.005(5)(h) and are actively engaged in chemical dependency treatment during the month they are terminated shall be provided the opportunity to complete their current course of treatment.))

Sec. 12   RCW 10.101.010 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     The following definitions shall be applied in connection with this chapter:
     (1) "Indigent" means a person who, at any stage of a court proceeding, is:
     (a) Receiving one of the following types of public assistance: Temporary assistance for needy families, ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, medical care services under RCW 74.09.035, pregnant women assistance benefits, poverty-related veterans' benefits, food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, refugee resettlement benefits, medicaid, or supplemental security income; or
     (b) Involuntarily committed to a public mental health facility; or
     (c) Receiving an annual income, after taxes, of one hundred twenty-five percent or less of the current federally established poverty level; or
     (d) Unable to pay the anticipated cost of counsel for the matter before the court because his or her available funds are insufficient to pay any amount for the retention of counsel.
     (2) "Indigent and able to contribute" means a person who, at any stage of a court proceeding, is unable to pay the anticipated cost of counsel for the matter before the court because his or her available funds are less than the anticipated cost of counsel but sufficient for the person to pay a portion of that cost.
     (3) "Anticipated cost of counsel" means the cost of retaining private counsel for representation on the matter before the court.
     (4) "Available funds" means liquid assets and disposable net monthly income calculated after provision is made for bail obligations. For the purpose of determining available funds, the following definitions shall apply:
     (a) "Liquid assets" means cash, savings accounts, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, equity in real estate, and equity in motor vehicles. A motor vehicle necessary to maintain employment and having a market value not greater than three thousand dollars shall not be considered a liquid asset.
     (b) "Income" means salary, wages, interest, dividends, and other earnings which are reportable for federal income tax purposes, and cash payments such as reimbursements received from pensions, annuities, social security, and public assistance programs. It includes any contribution received from any family member or other person who is domiciled in the same residence as the defendant and who is helping to defray the defendant's basic living costs.
     (c) "Disposable net monthly income" means the income remaining each month after deducting federal, state, or local income taxes, social security taxes, contributory retirement, union dues, and basic living costs.
     (d) "Basic living costs" means the average monthly amount spent by the defendant for reasonable payments toward living costs, such as shelter, food, utilities, health care, transportation, clothing, loan payments, support payments, and court-imposed obligations.

Sec. 13   RCW 13.34.030 and 2011 c 330 s 3 and 2011 c 309 s 22 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     For purposes of this chapter:
     (1) "Abandoned" means when the child's parent, guardian, or other custodian has expressed, either by statement or conduct, an intent to forego, for an extended period, parental rights or responsibilities despite an ability to exercise such rights and responsibilities. If the court finds that the petitioner has exercised due diligence in attempting to locate the parent, no contact between the child and the child's parent, guardian, or other custodian for a period of three months creates a rebuttable presumption of abandonment, even if there is no expressed intent to abandon.
     (2) "Child," "juvenile," and "youth" means:
     (a) Any individual under the age of eighteen years; or
     (b) Any individual age eighteen to twenty-one years who is eligible to receive and who elects to receive the extended foster care services authorized under RCW 74.13.031. A youth who remains dependent and who receives extended foster care services under RCW 74.13.031 shall not be considered a "child" under any other statute or for any other purpose.
     (3) "Current placement episode" means the period of time that begins with the most recent date that the child was removed from the home of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian for purposes of placement in out-of-home care and continues until: (a) The child returns home; (b) an adoption decree, a permanent custody order, or guardianship order is entered; or (c) the dependency is dismissed, whichever occurs first.
     (4) "Department" means the department of social and health services.
     (5) "Dependency guardian" means the person, nonprofit corporation, or Indian tribe appointed by the court pursuant to this chapter for the limited purpose of assisting the court in the supervision of the dependency.
     (6) "Dependent child" means any child who:
     (a) Has been abandoned;
     (b) Is abused or neglected as defined in chapter 26.44 RCW by a person legally responsible for the care of the child;
     (c) Has no parent, guardian, or custodian capable of adequately caring for the child, such that the child is in circumstances which constitute a danger of substantial damage to the child's psychological or physical development; or
     (d) Is receiving extended foster care services, as authorized by RCW 74.13.031.
     (7) "Developmental disability" means a disability attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another neurological or other condition of an individual found by the secretary to be closely related to an intellectual disability or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with intellectual disabilities, which disability originates before the individual attains age eighteen, which has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and which constitutes a substantial limitation to the individual.
     (8) "Guardian" means the person or agency that: (a) Has been appointed as the guardian of a child in a legal proceeding, including a guardian appointed pursuant to chapter 13.36 RCW; and (b) has the legal right to custody of the child pursuant to such appointment. The term "guardian" does not include a "dependency guardian" appointed pursuant to a proceeding under this chapter.
     (9) "Guardian ad litem" means a person, appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in a proceeding under this chapter, or in any matter which may be consolidated with a proceeding under this chapter. A "court-appointed special advocate" appointed by the court to be the guardian ad litem for the child, or to perform substantially the same duties and functions as a guardian ad litem, shall be deemed to be guardian ad litem for all purposes and uses of this chapter.
     (10) "Guardian ad litem program" means a court-authorized volunteer program, which is or may be established by the superior court of the county in which such proceeding is filed, to manage all aspects of volunteer guardian ad litem representation for children alleged or found to be dependent. Such management shall include but is not limited to: Recruitment, screening, training, supervision, assignment, and discharge of volunteers.
     (11) "Housing assistance" means appropriate referrals by the department or other supervising agencies to federal, state, local, or private agencies or organizations, assistance with forms, applications, or financial subsidies or other monetary assistance for housing. For purposes of this chapter, "housing assistance" is not a remedial service or time-limited family reunification service as described in RCW 13.34.025(2).
     (12) "Indigent" means a person who, at any stage of a court proceeding, is:
     (a) Receiving one of the following types of public assistance: Temporary assistance for needy families, ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, medical care services under RCW 74.09.035, pregnant women assistance benefits, poverty-related veterans' benefits, food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, refugee resettlement benefits, medicaid, or supplemental security income; or
     (b) Involuntarily committed to a public mental health facility; or
     (c) Receiving an annual income, after taxes, of one hundred twenty-five percent or less of the federally established poverty level; or
     (d) Unable to pay the anticipated cost of counsel for the matter before the court because his or her available funds are insufficient to pay any amount for the retention of counsel.
     (13) "Out-of-home care" means placement in a foster family home or group care facility licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW or placement in a home, other than that of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, not required to be licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW.
     (14) "Preventive services" means preservation services, as defined in chapter 74.14C RCW, and other reasonably available services, including housing assistance, capable of preventing the need for out-of-home placement while protecting the child.
     (15) "Shelter care" means temporary physical care in a facility licensed pursuant to RCW 74.15.030 or in a home not required to be licensed pursuant to RCW 74.15.030.
     (16) "Sibling" means a child's birth brother, birth sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, half-brother, or half-sister, or as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe for an Indian child as defined in ((section 4 of this act)) RCW 13.--.--- (section 4, chapter 309, Laws of 2011).
     (17) "Social study" means a written evaluation of matters relevant to the disposition of the case and shall contain the following information:
     (a) A statement of the specific harm or harms to the child that intervention is designed to alleviate;
     (b) A description of the specific services and activities, for both the parents and child, that are needed in order to prevent serious harm to the child; the reasons why such services and activities are likely to be useful; the availability of any proposed services; and the agency's overall plan for ensuring that the services will be delivered. The description shall identify the services chosen and approved by the parent;
     (c) If removal is recommended, a full description of the reasons why the child cannot be protected adequately in the home, including a description of any previous efforts to work with the parents and the child in the home; the in-home treatment programs that have been considered and rejected; the preventive services, including housing assistance, that have been offered or provided and have failed to prevent the need for out-of-home placement, unless the health, safety, and welfare of the child cannot be protected adequately in the home; and the parents' attitude toward placement of the child;
     (d) A statement of the likely harms the child will suffer as a result of removal;
     (e) A description of the steps that will be taken to minimize the harm to the child that may result if separation occurs including an assessment of the child's relationship and emotional bond with any siblings, and the agency's plan to provide ongoing contact between the child and the child's siblings if appropriate; and
     (f) Behavior that will be expected before determination that supervision of the family or placement is no longer necessary.
     (18) "Supervising agency" means an agency licensed by the state under RCW 74.15.090, or licensed by a federally recognized Indian tribe located in this state under RCW 74.15.190, that has entered into a performance-based contract with the department to provide case management for the delivery and documentation of child welfare services as defined in RCW 74.13.020.
     (19) "Extended foster care services" means residential and other support services the department is authorized to provide under RCW 74.13.031.

Sec. 14   RCW 26.19.071 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Consideration of all income. All income and resources of each parent's household shall be disclosed and considered by the court when the court determines the child support obligation of each parent. Only the income of the parents of the children whose support is at issue shall be calculated for purposes of calculating the basic support obligation. Income and resources of any other person shall not be included in calculating the basic support obligation.
     (2) Verification of income. Tax returns for the preceding two years and current paystubs shall be provided to verify income and deductions. Other sufficient verification shall be required for income and deductions which do not appear on tax returns or paystubs.
     (3) Income sources included in gross monthly income. Except as specifically excluded in subsection (4) of this section, monthly gross income shall include income from any source, including:
     (a) Salaries;
     (b) Wages;
     (c) Commissions;
     (d) Deferred compensation;
     (e) Overtime, except as excluded for income in subsection (4)(((h))) (i) of this section;
     (f) Contract-related benefits;
     (g) Income from second jobs, except as excluded for income in subsection (4)(((h))) (i) of this section;
     (h) Dividends;
     (i) Interest;
     (j) Trust income;
     (k) Severance pay;
     (l) Annuities;
     (m) Capital gains;
     (n) Pension retirement benefits;
     (o) Workers' compensation;
     (p) Unemployment benefits;
     (q) Maintenance actually received;
     (r) Bonuses;
     (s) Social security benefits;
     (t) Disability insurance benefits; and
     (u) Income from self-employment, rent, royalties, contracts, proprietorship of a business, or joint ownership of a partnership or closely held corporation.
     (4) Income sources excluded from gross monthly income. The following income and resources shall be disclosed but shall not be included in gross income:
     (a) Income of a new spouse or new domestic partner or income of other adults in the household;
     (b) Child support received from other relationships;
     (c) Gifts and prizes;
     (d) Temporary assistance for needy families;
     (e) Supplemental security income;
     (f) ((Disability lifeline)) Aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits;
     (g) Pregnant women assistance benefits;
     (h)
Food stamps; and
     (((h))) (i) Overtime or income from second jobs beyond forty hours per week averaged over a twelve-month period worked to provide for a current family's needs, to retire past relationship debts, or to retire child support debt, when the court finds the income will cease when the party has paid off his or her debts.
     Receipt of income and resources from temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, and food stamps shall not be a reason to deviate from the standard calculation.
     (5) Determination of net income. The following expenses shall be disclosed and deducted from gross monthly income to calculate net monthly income:
     (a) Federal and state income taxes;
     (b) Federal insurance contributions act deductions;
     (c) Mandatory pension plan payments;
     (d) Mandatory union or professional dues;
     (e) State industrial insurance premiums;
     (f) Court-ordered maintenance to the extent actually paid;
     (g) Up to five thousand dollars per year in voluntary retirement contributions actually made if the contributions show a pattern of contributions during the one-year period preceding the action establishing the child support order unless there is a determination that the contributions were made for the purpose of reducing child support; and
     (h) Normal business expenses and self-employment taxes for self-employed persons. Justification shall be required for any business expense deduction about which there is disagreement.
     Items deducted from gross income under this subsection shall not be a reason to deviate from the standard calculation.
     (6) Imputation of income. The court shall impute income to a parent when the parent is voluntarily unemployed or voluntarily underemployed. The court shall determine whether the parent is voluntarily underemployed or voluntarily unemployed based upon that parent's work history, education, health, and age, or any other relevant factors. A court shall not impute income to a parent who is gainfully employed on a full-time basis, unless the court finds that the parent is voluntarily underemployed and finds that the parent is purposely underemployed to reduce the parent's child support obligation. Income shall not be imputed for an unemployable parent. Income shall not be imputed to a parent to the extent the parent is unemployed or significantly underemployed due to the parent's efforts to comply with court-ordered reunification efforts under chapter 13.34 RCW or under a voluntary placement agreement with an agency supervising the child. In the absence of records of a parent's actual earnings, the court shall impute a parent's income in the following order of priority:
     (a) Full-time earnings at the current rate of pay;
     (b) Full-time earnings at the historical rate of pay based on reliable information, such as employment security department data;
     (c) Full-time earnings at a past rate of pay where information is incomplete or sporadic;
     (d) Full-time earnings at minimum wage in the jurisdiction where the parent resides if the parent has a recent history of minimum wage earnings, is recently coming off public assistance, ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, pregnant women assistance benefits, essential needs and housing support, supplemental security income, or disability, has recently been released from incarceration, or is a high school student;
     (e) Median net monthly income of year-round full-time workers as derived from the United States bureau of census, current population reports, or such replacement report as published by the bureau of census.

Sec. 15   RCW 31.04.540 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) To the extent that implementation of this section does not conflict with federal law resulting in the loss of federal funding, proprietary reverse mortgage loan advances made to a borrower must be treated as proceeds from a loan and not as income for the purpose of determining eligibility and benefits under means-tested programs of aid to individuals.
     (2) Undisbursed reverse mortgage funds must be treated as equity in the borrower's home and not as proceeds from a loan, resources, or assets for the purpose of determining eligibility and benefits under means-tested programs of aid to individuals.
     (3) This section applies to any law or program relating to payments, allowances, benefits, or services provided on a means-tested basis by this state including, but not limited to, optional state supplements to the federal supplemental security income program, low-income energy assistance, property tax relief, ((disability lifeline benefits)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, pregnant women assistance benefits, essential needs and housing support, and medical assistance only to the extent this section does not conflict with Title 19 of the federal social security act.

Sec. 16   RCW 70.123.110 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((Disability lifeline)) Aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, essential needs and housing support benefits, pregnant women assistance benefits, or temporary assistance for needy families payments shall be made to otherwise eligible individuals who are residing in a secure shelter, a housing network or other shelter facility which provides shelter services to persons who are victims of domestic violence. Provisions shall be made by the department for the confidentiality of the shelter addresses where victims are residing.

Sec. 17   RCW 73.08.005 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Direct costs" includes those allowable costs that can be readily assigned to the statutory objectives of this chapter, consistent with the cost principles promulgated by the federal office of management and budget in circular No. A-87, dated May 10, 2004.
     (2) "Family" means the spouse or domestic partner, surviving spouse, surviving domestic partner, and dependent children of a living or deceased veteran.
     (3) "Indigent" means a person who is defined as such by the county legislative authority using one or more of the following definitions:
     (a) Receiving one of the following types of public assistance: Temporary assistance for needy families, ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, pregnant women assistance benefits, poverty-related veterans' benefits, food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, refugee resettlement benefits, medicaid, medical care services, or supplemental security income;
     (b) Receiving an annual income, after taxes, of up to one hundred fifty percent or less of the current federally established poverty level, or receiving an annual income not exceeding a higher qualifying income established by the county legislative authority; or
     (c) Unable to pay reasonable costs for shelter, food, utilities, and transportation because his or her available funds are insufficient.
     (4) "Indirect costs" includes those allowable costs that are generally associated with carrying out the statutory objectives of this chapter, but the identification and tracking of those costs cannot be readily assigned to a specific statutory objective without an accounting effort that is disproportionate to the benefit received. A county legislative authority may allocate allowable indirect costs to its veterans' assistance fund if it is accomplished in a manner consistent with the cost principles promulgated by the federal office of management and budget in circular No. A-87, dated May 10, 2004.
     (5) "Veteran" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.007, and includes a current member of the national guard or armed forces reserves who has been deployed to serve in an armed conflict.
     (6) "Veterans' advisory board" means a board established by a county legislative authority under the authority of RCW 73.08.035.
     (7) "Veterans' assistance fund" means an account in the custody of the county auditor, or the chief financial officer in a county operating under a charter, that is funded by taxes levied under the authority of RCW 73.08.080.
     (8) "Veterans' assistance program" means a program approved by the county legislative authority under the authority of RCW 73.08.010 that is fully or partially funded by the veterans' assistance fund authorized by RCW 73.08.080.

Sec. 18   RCW 74.04.0052 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall determine, after consideration of all relevant factors and in consultation with the applicant, the most appropriate living situation for applicants under eighteen years of age, unmarried, and pregnant who are eligible for ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act. An appropriate living situation shall include a place of residence that is maintained by the applicant's parents, parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative as their or his or her own home and that the department finds would provide an appropriate supportive living arrangement. It also includes a living situation maintained by an agency that is licensed under chapter 74.15 RCW that the department finds would provide an appropriate supportive living arrangement. Grant assistance shall not be provided under this chapter if the applicant does not reside in the most appropriate living situation, as determined by the department.
     (2) A pregnant minor residing in the most appropriate living situation, as provided under subsection (1) of this section, is presumed to be unable to manage adequately the funds paid to the minor or on behalf of the dependent child or children and, unless the minor provides sufficient evidence to rebut the presumption, shall be subject to the protective payee requirements provided for under RCW 74.12.250 and 74.08.280.
     (3) The department shall consider any statements or opinions by either parent of the unmarried minor parent or pregnant minor applicant as to an appropriate living situation for the minor, whether in the parental home or other situation. If the parents or a parent of the minor request, they or he or she shall be entitled to a hearing in juvenile court regarding designation of the parental home or other relative placement as the most appropriate living situation for the pregnant or parenting minor.
     The department shall provide the parents or parent with the opportunity to make a showing that the parental home, or home of the other relative placement, is the most appropriate living situation. It shall be presumed in any administrative or judicial proceeding conducted under this subsection that the parental home or other relative placement requested by the parents or parent is the most appropriate living situation. This presumption is rebuttable.
     (4) In cases in which the minor is unmarried and unemployed, the department shall, as part of the determination of the appropriate living situation, provide information about adoption including referral to community-based organizations providing counseling.
     (5) For the purposes of this section, "most appropriate living situation" shall not include a living situation including an adult male who fathered the qualifying child and is found to meet the elements of rape of a child as set forth in RCW 9A.44.079.

Sec. 19   RCW 74.04.225 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) An online opportunity portal shall be established to provide the public with more effective access to available state, federal, and local services. The secretary of the department of social and health services shall act as the executive branch sponsor of the portal planning process. Under the leadership of the secretary, the department shall:
     (a) Identify and select an appropriate solution and acquisition approach to integrate technology systems to create a user-friendly electronic tool for Washington residents to apply for benefits;
     (b) Facilitate the adaptation of state information technology systems to allow applications generated through the opportunity portal and other compatible electronic application systems to seamlessly link to appropriate state information systems;
     (c) Ensure that the portal provides access to a broad array of state, federal, and local services, including but not limited to: Health care services, higher education financial aid, tax credits, civic engagement, nutrition assistance, energy assistance, family support, and ((disability lifeline benefits)) the programs under sections 3 and 4 of this act and as defined in RCW 10.101.010, 13.34.030, ((43.330.175,)) 70.96A.530, 74.04.005, 74.04.652, 74.04.655, 74.04.657, and ((74.04.810)) sections 1 through 3 and 7 of this act;
     (d) Design an implementation strategy for the portal that maximizes collaboration with community-based organizations to facilitate its use by low-income individuals and families;
     (e) Provide access to the portal at a wide array of locations including but not limited to: Community or technical colleges, community college campuses where community service offices are colocated, community-based organizations, libraries, churches, food banks, state agencies, early childhood education sites, and labor unions;
     (f) Ensure project resources maximize available federal and private funds for development and initial operation of the opportunity portal. Any incidental costs to state agencies shall be derived from existing resources. This subsection does not obligate or preclude the appropriation of future state funding for the opportunity portal;
     (g) Determine the solution and acquisition approach by June 1, 2010.
     (2) By December 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the department of social and health services shall report to the legislature and governor. The report shall include data and information on implementation and outcomes of the opportunity portal, including any increases in the use of public benefits and increases in federal funding.
     (3) The department shall develop a plan for implementing paperless application processes for the services included in the opportunity portal for which the electronic exchange of application information is possible. The plan should include a goal of achieving, to the extent possible, the transition of these services to paperless application processes by July 1, 2012. The plan must comply with federal statutes and regulations and must allow applicants to submit applications by alternative means to ensure that access to benefits will not be restricted.
     (4) To the extent that the department enters into a contractual relationship to accomplish the purposes of this section, such contract or contracts shall be performance-based.

Sec. 20   RCW 74.04.230 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:
     Persons eligible for ((disability lifeline)) medical care services benefits are eligible for mental health services to the extent that they meet the client definitions and priorities established by chapter 71.24 RCW.

Sec. 21   RCW 74.04.266 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:
     In determining need for ((disability lifeline benefits)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance, and medical care services, the department may by rule and regulation establish a monthly earned income exemption in an amount not to exceed the exemption allowable under disability programs authorized in Title XVI of the federal social security act.

Sec. 22   RCW 74.04.620 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department is authorized to establish a program of state supplementation to the national program of supplemental security income consistent with Public Law 92-603 and Public Law 93-66 to those persons who are in need thereof in accordance with eligibility requirements established by the department.
     (2) The department is authorized to establish reasonable standards of assistance and resource and income exemptions specifically for such program of state supplementation which shall be consistent with the provisions of the Social Security Act.
     (3) The department is authorized to make payments to applicants for supplemental security income, pursuant to agreements as provided in Public Law 93-368, who are otherwise eligible for ((disability lifeline benefits)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance.
     (4) Any agreement between the department and a supplemental security income applicant providing for the reimbursement of interim assistance to the department shall provide, if the applicant has been represented by an attorney, that twenty-five percent of the reimbursement received shall be withheld by the department and all or such portion thereof as has been approved as a fee by the United States department of health and human services shall be released directly to the applicant's attorney. The secretary may maintain such records as are deemed appropriate to measure the cost and effectiveness of such agreements and may make recommendations concerning the continued use of such agreements to the legislature.

Sec. 23   RCW 74.04.652 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) To ensure that persons who are likely eligible for supplemental security income benefits are transitioned from ((disability lifeline benefits to disability lifeline expedited)) the medical care services program to the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program, and the medicaid program, and then to the supplemental security income program as quickly as practicable, the department shall implement the early supplemental security income transition project starting in King, Pierce, and Spokane counties no later than July 1, 2010, and extending statewide no later than October 1, 2011. The program shall be implemented through performance-based contracts with managed health care systems providing medical care services under RCW 74.09.035 or other qualified entities. The participants shall have the following responsibilities and duties under this program:     
     (a) The entities with whom the department contracts to provide the program shall be responsible for:
     (i) Systematically screening persons receiving ((disability lifeline)) benefits under section 6 of this act at the point of eligibility determination or shortly thereafter to determine if the persons should be referred for medical or behavioral health evaluations to determine whether they are likely eligible for supplemental security income;
     (ii) Immediately sharing the results of the disability screening with the department;
     (iii) Managing ((disability lifeline)) medical care services and aged, blind, or disabled assistance incapacity evaluation examinations to provide timely access to needed medical and behavioral health evaluations and standardizing health care providers' conduct of incapacity evaluations. To maximize the timeliness and efficiency of incapacity evaluation examinations, the department must strongly consider contracting with a managed health care system with a network of health care providers that are trained and have agreed to conduct ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled medical and psychological incapacity and recertification exams. The department may obtain medical evidence and other relevant information from sources other than the contracted entity if such evidence is available at the time of a person's application for ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled benefits and is sufficient to support a determination that the person is incapacitated;
     (iv) Maintaining a centralized appointment and clinical data system; and
     (v) Assisting persons receiving ((disability lifeline benefits)) medical care services benefits, except recipients of alcohol and addiction treatment under chapter 74.50 RCW, with obtaining additional medical or behavioral health examinations needed to meet the disability standard for federal supplemental security income benefits and with submission of applications for supplemental security income benefits.
     (b) The department shall be responsible for:
     (i) Determining incapacity and eligibility for ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act;
     (ii) Making timely determinations that a person receiving ((disability lifeline benefits)) medical care services benefits, except recipients of alcohol and addiction treatment under chapter 74.50 RCW, is likely eligible for supplemental security income based on medical evidence and other relevant information provided by a contracted entity, and immediately referring such persons to a contracted entity for services;
     (iii) Developing standardized procedures for sharing data and information with the contracted entities to ensure timely identification of clients who have not been transferred to the ((disability lifeline expedited)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance program within four months of their date of application, but who may, upon further review, be appropriately transferred to that program;
     (iv) Providing case management, in partnership with the managed health care system or contracted entity, to support persons' transition to federal supplemental security income and medicaid benefits; and
     (v) Identifying a savings determination methodology, in consultation with the contracted entities, the office of financial management, and the legislature, on or before implementation of the project.
     (2) Early supplemental security income transition project contracts shall include the following performance goals:
     (a) Persons receiving ((disability lifeline benefits)) medical care services benefits, except recipients of alcohol and addiction treatment under chapter 74.50 RCW, should be screened within thirty days of entering the program to determine the propriety of their transfer to the ((disability lifeline expedited)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance program; and
     (b) Seventy-five percent of persons receiving ((disability lifeline benefits)) medical care services benefits, except recipients of alcohol and addiction treatment under chapter 74.50 RCW, that appear likely to qualify for supplemental security income benefits shall be transferred to the ((disability lifeline expedited)) aged, blind, or disabled assistance program within four months of their application for ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled benefits.
     (3) The initial focus of the efforts of the early supplemental security income transition project shall be on persons who have been receiving ((disability lifeline or general assistance unemployable benefits)) medical care services, except recipients of alcohol and addiction treatment under chapter 74.50 RCW or aged, blind, or disabled assistance, for twelve or more months ((as of September 1, 2010)).
     (4) No later than December 1, 2011, the department shall report to the governor and appropriate policy and fiscal committees on whether the early supplemental security income transition project performance goals in subsection (2) of this section were met, including the reasons those goals were or were not met.
     (5) Pursuant to RCW 41.06.142(3), performance-based contracting under this section is expressly mandated by the legislature and is not subject to the processes set forth in RCW 41.06.142 (1), (4), and (5).
     The statewide expansion of the program under this section shall be considered expressly mandated by the legislature and not be subject to the provisions of RCW 41.06.142 (1), (4), and (5).

Sec. 24   RCW 74.04.655 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The economic services administration shall work jointly with the division of vocational rehabilitation to develop an assessment tool that must be used to determine whether the programs offered by the division of vocational rehabilitation could assist persons receiving ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act in returning to the workforce. The assessment tool shall be completed no later than December 1, 2010. The economic services administration shall begin using the tool no later than January 1, 2011. No later than December 30, 2011, the department shall report on the use of the tool and to what extent the programs offered by the division of vocational rehabilitation have been successful in returning persons receiving ((disability lifeline)) aged, blind, or disabled benefits to the workforce.
     (2) After January 1, 2011, all persons receiving ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 5 of this act shall be assessed to determine whether they would likely benefit from a program offered by the division of vocational rehabilitation. If the assessment indicates that the person might benefit, the economic services administration shall make a referral to the division of vocational rehabilitation. If the person is found eligible for a program with the division of vocational rehabilitation, he or she must participate in that program to remain eligible for the monthly stipend and housing voucher or a cash grant. If the person refuses to participate or does not complete the program, the department shall terminate the cash stipend and housing voucher or cash grant but may not terminate medical coverage and food benefits.

Sec. 25   RCW 74.04.657 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     During the application process for ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act, the department shall inquire of each applicant whether he or she has ever served in the United States military service. If the applicant answers in the affirmative, the department shall confer with a veterans benefit specialist with the Washington state department of veterans affairs or a contracted veterans service officer in the community to determine whether the applicant is eligible for any benefits or programs offered to veterans by either the state or the federal government.

Sec. 26   RCW 74.04.770 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department shall establish consolidated standards of need each fiscal year which may vary by geographical areas, program, and family size, for temporary assistance for needy families, refugee assistance, supplemental security income, and ((disability lifeline)) benefits under section 3 of this act. Standards for temporary assistance for needy families, refugee assistance, and ((disability lifeline)) benefits under section 3 of this act shall be based on studies of actual living costs and generally recognized inflation indices and shall include reasonable allowances for shelter, fuel, food, transportation, clothing, household maintenance and operations, personal maintenance, and necessary incidentals. The standard of need may take into account the economies of joint living arrangements, but unless explicitly required by federal statute, there shall not be proration of any portion of assistance grants unless the amount of the grant standard is equal to the standard of need.
     The department is authorized to establish rateable reductions and grant maximums consistent with federal law.
     Payment level will be equal to need or a lesser amount if rateable reductions or grant maximums are imposed. In no case shall a recipient of supplemental security income receive a state supplement less than the minimum required by federal law.
     The department may establish a separate standard for shelter provided at no cost.

Sec. 27   RCW 74.08.043 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 24 are each amended to read as follows:
     In determining the living requirements of otherwise eligible applicants and recipients of supplemental security income and ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act, the department is authorized to consider the need for personal and special care and supervision due to physical and mental conditions.

Sec. 28   RCW 74.08.278 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:
     In order to comply with federal statutes and regulations pertaining to federal matching funds and to provide for the prompt payment of initial grants and adjusting payments of grants the secretary is authorized to make provisions for the cash payment of assistance by the secretary or county administrators by the establishment of a central operating fund. The secretary may establish such a fund with the approval of the state auditor from moneys appropriated to the department for the payment of ((disability lifeline)) benefits under section 3 of this act in a sum not to exceed one million dollars. Such funds shall be deposited as agreed upon by the secretary and the state auditor in accordance with the laws regulating the deposits of public funds. Such security shall be required of the depository in connection with the fund as the state treasurer may prescribe. Moneys remaining in the fund shall be returned to the general fund at the end of the biennium, or an accounting of proper expenditures from the fund shall be made to the state auditor. All expenditures from such central operating fund shall be reimbursed out of and charged to the proper program appropriated by the use of such forms and vouchers as are approved by the secretary of the department and the state auditor. Expenditures from such fund shall be audited by the director of financial management and the state auditor from time to time and a report shall be made by the state auditor and the secretary as are required by law.

Sec. 29   RCW 74.08.335 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:
     Temporary assistance for needy families and ((disability lifeline)) benefits under sections 3 and 4 of this act shall not be granted to any person who has made an assignment or transfer of property for the purpose of rendering himself or herself eligible for the assistance. There is a rebuttable presumption that a person who has transferred or transfers any real or personal property or any interest in property within two years of the date of application for the assistance without receiving adequate monetary consideration therefor, did so for the purpose of rendering himself or herself eligible for the assistance. Any person who transfers property for the purpose of rendering himself or herself eligible for assistance, or any person who after becoming a recipient transfers any property or any interest in property without the consent of the secretary, shall be ineligible for assistance for a period of time during which the reasonable value of the property so transferred would have been adequate to meet the person's needs under normal conditions of living: PROVIDED, That the secretary is hereby authorized to allow exceptions in cases where undue hardship would result from a denial of assistance.

Sec. 30   RCW 74.08A.210 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 27 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In order to prevent some families from developing dependency on temporary assistance for needy families, the department shall make available to qualifying applicants a diversion program designed to provide brief, emergency assistance for families in crisis whose income and assets would otherwise qualify them for temporary assistance for needy families.
     (2) Diversion assistance may include cash or vouchers in payment for the following needs:
     (a) Child care;
     (b) Housing assistance;
     (c) Transportation-related expenses;
     (d) Food;
     (e) Medical costs for the recipient's immediate family;
     (f) Employment-related expenses which are necessary to keep or obtain paid unsubsidized employment.
     (3) Diversion assistance is available once in each twelve-month period for each adult applicant. Recipients of diversion assistance are not included in the temporary assistance for needy families program.
     (4) Diversion assistance may not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars for each instance.
     (5) To be eligible for diversion assistance, a family must otherwise be eligible for temporary assistance for needy families.
     (6) Families ineligible for temporary assistance for needy families or ((disability lifeline)) benefits under section 3 of this act due to sanction, noncompliance, the lump sum income rule, or any other reason are not eligible for diversion assistance.
     (7) Families must provide evidence showing that a bona fide need exists according to subsection (2) of this section in order to be eligible for diversion assistance.
     An adult applicant may receive diversion assistance of any type no more than once per twelve-month period. If the recipient of diversion assistance is placed on the temporary assistance for needy families program within twelve months of receiving diversion assistance, the prorated dollar value of the assistance shall be treated as a loan from the state, and recovered by deduction from the recipient's cash grant.

Sec. 31   RCW 74.08A.440 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 32 are each amended to read as follows:
     Recipients exempted from active work search activities due to incapacity or a disability shall receive ((disability lifeline)) services for which they are eligible, including aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits as they relate to the facilitation of enrollment in the federal supplemental security income program, referrals to essential needs and housing support benefits, access to chemical dependency treatment, referrals to vocational rehabilitation, and other services needed to assist the recipient in becoming employable. ((Disability lifeline)) Aged, blind, or disabled assistance and essential needs and housing support benefits shall not supplant cash assistance and other services provided through the temporary assistance for needy families program. To the greatest extent possible, services shall be funded through the temporary assistance for needy families appropriations.

Sec. 32   RCW 74.09.555 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 30 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall adopt rules and policies providing that when persons with a mental disorder, who were enrolled in medical assistance immediately prior to confinement, are released from confinement, their medical assistance coverage will be fully reinstated on the day of their release, subject to any expedited review of their continued eligibility for medical assistance coverage that is required under federal or state law.
     (2) The department, in collaboration with the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the department of corrections, and the regional support networks, shall establish procedures for coordination between department field offices, institutions for mental disease, and correctional institutions, as defined in RCW 9.94.049, that result in prompt reinstatement of eligibility and speedy eligibility determinations for persons who are likely to be eligible for medical assistance services upon release from confinement. Procedures developed under this subsection must address:
     (a) Mechanisms for receiving medical assistance services applications on behalf of confined persons in anticipation of their release from confinement;
     (b) Expeditious review of applications filed by or on behalf of confined persons and, to the extent practicable, completion of the review before the person is released;
     (c) Mechanisms for providing medical assistance services identity cards to persons eligible for medical assistance services immediately upon their release from confinement; and
     (d) Coordination with the federal social security administration, through interagency agreements or otherwise, to expedite processing of applications for federal supplemental security income or social security disability benefits, including federal acceptance of applications on behalf of confined persons.
     (3) Where medical or psychiatric examinations during a person's confinement indicate that the person is disabled, the correctional institution or institution for mental diseases shall provide the department with that information for purposes of making medical assistance eligibility and enrollment determinations prior to the person's release from confinement. The department shall, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, use the examination in making its determination whether the person is disabled and eligible for medical assistance.
     (4) For purposes of this section, "confined" or "confinement" means incarcerated in a correctional institution, as defined in RCW 9.94.049, or admitted to an institute for mental disease, as defined in 42 C.F.R. part 435, Sec. 1009 on July 24, 2005.
     (5) For purposes of this section, "likely to be eligible" means that a person:
     (a) Was enrolled in medicaid or supplemental security income or the ((disability lifeline)) medical care services program immediately before he or she was confined and his or her enrollment was terminated during his or her confinement; or
     (b) Was enrolled in medicaid or supplemental security income or the ((disability lifeline)) medical care services program at any time during the five years before his or her confinement, and medical or psychiatric examinations during the person's confinement indicate that the person continues to be disabled and the disability is likely to last at least twelve months following release.
     (6) The economic services administration shall adopt standardized statewide screening and application practices and forms designed to facilitate the application of a confined person who is likely to be eligible for medicaid.

Sec. 33   RCW 74.50.060 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 31 are each amended to read as follows:
     (((1))) The department shall establish a shelter assistance program to provide, within available funds, shelter for persons eligible under this chapter. "Shelter," "shelter support," or "shelter assistance" means a facility under contract to the department providing room and board in a supervised living arrangement, normally in a group or dormitory setting, to eligible recipients under this chapter. This may include supervised domiciliary facilities operated under the auspices of public or private agencies. No facility under contract to the department shall allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. The department may contract with counties and cities for such shelter services. To the extent possible, the department shall not displace existing emergency shelter beds for use as shelter under this chapter. In areas of the state in which it is not feasible to develop shelters, due to low numbers of people needing shelter services, or in which sufficient numbers of shelter beds are not available, the department may provide shelter through an intensive protective payee program, unless the department grants an exception on an individual basis for less intense supervision.
     (((2) Persons continuously eligible for the disability lifeline program since July 25, 1987, who transfer to the program established by this chapter, have the option to continue their present living situation, but only through a protective payee.))

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 34   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 43.330.175 (Disability lifeline housing voucher program) and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 8;
     (2) RCW 74.04.120 (Basis of state's allocation of federal aid funds -- County budget) and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 19, 1979 c 141 s 301, & 1959 c 26 s 74.04.120; and
     (3) RCW 74.04.810 (Study of disability lifeline program terminations -- Report) and 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 s 11.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 35   The code reviser shall alphabetize the subsections containing definitions in RCW 74.04.005.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 36   Sections 1 through 3 and 7 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 74 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 37   Section 11 of this act expires June 30, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 38   Except for sections 6 and 8 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 39   Section 6 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 22, 2011.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 40   Section 8 of this act takes effect November 1, 2011.


         Passed by the House May 25, 2011.
         Passed by the Senate May 25, 2011.
         Approved by the Governor June 15, 2011.
         Filed in Office of Secretary of State June 15, 2011.