WSR 16-04-072

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 29, 2016, 10:52 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department may propose rules related to the Washington combined application project (WASHCAP) under chapter 388-492 WAC in order to ensure that the project remains cost neutral with supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits provided under the Washington Basic Food program or Basic Food. Proposed revisions may include WAC 388-492-0040 Can I choose whether I get WASHCAP food benefits or Basic Food benefits?, 388-492-0070 How are my WASHCAP food benefits calculated?, and other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 7 C.F.R. 282.1.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: As required by the demonstration project waiver with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the department will review the cost neutrality between WASHCAP and Basic Food. Based on the findings of this evaluation, the department may amend WAC 388-492-0040, 388-492-0070, and other related rules to ensure that WASHCAP benefits are cost neutral to SNAP.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: USDA, FNS enforces the provisions of the federal SNAP as enacted in the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. The department will develop amendments to WASHCAP rules that are consistent with the act, federal regulations, and our approved WASHCAP demonstration project waiver while ensuring cost neutrality of the 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 Holly St. John, Program Manager, Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 725-4895, fax (360) 725-4905, e-mail Holly.St.John@dshs.wa.gov.

January 28, 2016

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator