PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(Division of Employment and Assistance Programs)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: DSHS will amend rules in chapter 388-410 WAC and other WAC sections related to overpayments for food assistance. The changes will implement federal regulations for food assistance and rewrite the rules for clarity.
The changes in this chapter may include amending WAC 388-410-0020, 388-410-0025, 388-410-0030, and related sections. 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: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has published requirements on establishing overpayments. The department must adopt rules to be consistent with federal regulations to administer the food stamp program.
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, Code of Federal Regulations, and through administrative notices. 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 Employment and 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.
October 5, 2001
Brian Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit