This bill amends RCW 43.20B.030 to address the issue of unintentional overpayments affecting older adults and adults with disabilities who receive services from the Department of Social and Health Services. Key changes include the adjustment of the timeframes for the collection of overpayments and debts. Specifically, the bill establishes that there will be no collection of overpayments after ten years from the notice date, unless a court-ordered remedy is in place, and sets a twenty-year limit for debts related to recorded liens. Additionally, the department is granted the authority to accept compromises on disputed claims and to waive collection efforts under certain circumstances.

A significant new provision allows the department to waive all collection efforts for unintentional overpayments related to the aged, blind, or disabled assistance programs, as well as for functionally disabled clients receiving specific services, starting July 1, 2025. The department is also required to adopt rules outlining the circumstances under which these waivers will be applied. The bill emphasizes the need for immediate action to preserve public welfare, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.20B.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.20B.030
Session Law: 43.20B.030