This bill amends RCW 43.20B.030 to address the issue of unintentional overpayments affecting older adults and adults with disabilities who receive assistance from the Department of Social and Health Services. Key changes include the extension of the time frame for the collection of overpayments, allowing for no collection after ten years from the notice of overpayment, and no collection of debts after twenty years from the date a lien is recorded. Additionally, the department is granted the authority to accept compromises on disputed claims and to waive collection efforts under certain circumstances.

Notably, beginning July 1, 2025, the department will have the ability 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. The department is required to establish rules outlining the conditions 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
Substitute Bill: 43.20B.030