The bill aims to enhance work participation rates among able-bodied working-age adults receiving cash and food assistance in Washington State. Key amendments include the introduction of a permanent disqualification for adults who have been terminated due to WorkFirst noncompliance sanctions three or more times since March 1, 2007. This disqualification will render households with such adults ineligible for further temporary assistance for needy families. Additionally, the bill modifies the process for assessing recipients and their engagement in work activities, including a reduction of benefits for noncompliance and a notification system to encourage compliance within a specified timeframe.

Further changes include the establishment of a food assistance program for legal immigrants and victims of human trafficking who are ineligible for federal food stamps, with rules aligning closely with federal guidelines except for immigrant status and work requirement suspensions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy activities for recipients and allows for the waiver of penalties for good cause. The act is set to take effect on February 1, 2026, and includes a provision ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remainder will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.08.025, 74.08A.260, 74.08A.120