The proposed bill establishes the Evergreen Basic Income Pilot Program in Washington State, designed to alleviate economic inequality by providing financial support to low-income households through 24 monthly payments. Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old, residents of Washington, and have a gross income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level. The program will be overseen by a diverse board of directors and aims to include marginalized populations. It sets a cap of 7,500 participants, employs a low-barrier application process, and ensures that cash assistance from the program does not affect eligibility for other public assistance programs. A comprehensive evaluation report is required by December 1, 2027, to assess the pilot's effectiveness.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to public assistance, ensuring that cash assistance from the Evergreen Basic Income Pilot Program is not counted when determining eligibility for essential needs and housing support programs. It also clarifies definitions related to income and establishes guidelines for income imputation for parents involved in court-ordered reunification efforts. Hospitals are prohibited from denying emergency care based on a patient's ability to pay and must not consider income from the pilot program when determining eligibility for charity care. The Department of Health will monitor compliance and report on charity care distribution, while state agencies are required to implement these changes by December 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.04.005, 43.216.1368, 43.185C.220, 74.04.805, 26.19.071, 70.170.060