WSR 16-05-042

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 10, 2016, 9:19 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-412-0020 When do I get my benefits?, 388-412-0015 General information about your food assistance allotments, and other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.005, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, 7 C.F.R. 274.2.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Changes proposed under this filing will amend WAC 388-412-0020 and 388-412-0015 to extend the time frame in which the department issues ongoing monthly benefits for Basic Food, the Washington combined application program, the food assistance program (FAP) for legal immigrants, and transitional food assistance. Changes proposed may also eliminate combined issuance of food benefits for households applying on or after the 16th day of the month.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) enforces the provisions of the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) as enacted in the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. The department will amend rules that are consistent with the act, federal regulations, and FNS administrative notices and formal guidance.

The state legislature authorizes the department to administer SNAP and FAP for legal immigrants under RCW 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 74.08A.120.

DSHS incorporates regulations from the federal agencies, exercises state options, and implements approved waivers of federal regulatory requirements by adopting administrative rules for FAPs administered under the Washington Basic Food program.

Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the office of the code reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ezra Paskus, Program Manager, Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 725-4611, fax (360) 725-4905, e-mail paskuet@dshs.wa.gov.

February 9, 2016

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator