The bill amends RCW 43.20B.030 to address the issue of unintentional overpayments affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities who receive assistance from the Department of Social and Health Services. Key changes include the adjustment of the timeframes for the collection of overpayments, specifying that no collection will occur after ten years from the notice of overpayment, and extending the collection period for recorded liens to twenty years. Additionally, the department is granted the authority to accept compromise offers on disputed claims and to waive collection efforts under certain circumstances, particularly when equitable estoppel criteria are met.

A significant new provision allows the department to waive all collection efforts for unintentional overpayments related to the aged, blind, or disabled assistance programs starting July 1, 2025. The department is tasked with establishing rules to determine the specific circumstances under which these waivers will be applied. The bill emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect the public's welfare, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.20B.030
Substitute Bill: 43.20B.030