WSR 97-15-086

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Economic Services Administration)

[Filed July 17, 1997, 10:54 a.m.]

Original Notice.

Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

Title of Rule: WAC 388-49-505 Utility allowances.

Purpose: Updates utility deductions used in calculating food stamp benefit amounts.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.050.

Statute Being Implemented: 7 CFR 273.9 (d)(6).

Summary: The standard utility allowance is increased to $223 and the limited utility allowance is increased to $164. Both are used in calculating food stamp benefits.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: 7 CFR 273.9 (d)(6)(vi) requires the state review and adjust the utility allowances each year.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Joan Wirth, Division of Assistance Programs, (360) 413-3073.

Name of Proponent: Joan Wirth, Division of Assistance Programs, governmental.

Rule is necessary because of federal law, 7 CFR 273.9 (d)(6).

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Updates utility allowances used in calculating food stamp benefit amounts. Will not impact workload in community services office (CSO).

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: WAC 388-49-505, see above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Does not apply to this rule.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. This section does not apply to the Department of Social and Health Services.

Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104B, Lacey, WA 98503, on August 26, 1997, at 10:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Leslie Baldwin by August 19, 1997, (360) 902-7540, or TTY (360) 902-8324.

Submit Written Comments to: Leslie Baldwin, Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, FAX (360) 902-8292, by August 26, 1997.

Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than August 27, 1997.

July 15, 1997

Merry A. Kogut, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 96-22-101, filed 11/6/96, effective 12/7/96)

WAC 388-49-505 Utility allowances. (1) The department shall:

(a) Establish the following utility allowances for use in calculating shelter costs:

(i) A standard utility allowance for households incurring any separate utility charges for heating or cooling costs;

(ii) A limited utility allowance for households, without heating or cooling costs, incurring any separate utility charges other than telephone costs; and

(iii) A telephone allowance for households incurring separate charges for phone service and not claiming the standard or limited utility allowance.

(b) Obtain food and consumer service approval of the methodology used to establish utility allowances.

(2) The standard utility allowance shall be two hundred twenty-three dollars.

(3) The limited utility allowance shall be one hundred sixty-((two)) four dollars.

(4) The telephone allowance shall be twenty-nine dollars.