PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(Division of Assistance Programs)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: DSHS will amend rules for food assistance to implement changes in federal regulations and exercise state options for the food stamp program. This includes changes to rules in chapter 388-406 WAC, Applications, chapter 388-414 WAC, Categorical eligibility for food assistance, chapter 388-416 WAC, Certification periods, chapter 388-418 WAC, Change of circumstances, chapter 388-434 WAC, Eligibility reviews and recertifications, chapter 388-450 WAC, Income, chapter 388-452 WAC, Interview requirements, chapter 388-470 WAC, Resources, chapter 388-490 WAC, Verification, and other WAC sections related to this change in federal regulations. This may also require the addition of new rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: On November 21, 2000, the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published new regulations for the food stamp program in the Federal Register. The department must adopt rules to be consistent with federal regulations for food stamps.
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) publishes federal regulations for the food stamp program in the Federal Register. DSHS incorporates these regulations and exercises state options by adopting administrative rules for food assistance benefits in Washington state.
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. After the rules are drafted, DSHS will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the draft 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 John Camp, Program Manager, Division of Assistance Programs, Lacey Government Center, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-4570, phone (360) 413-3232, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail CAMPJX@DSHS.WA.GOV.
February 27, 2001
Bonita H. Jacques, Chief
Office of Legal Affairs