Bill > SB5079

This bill amends existing Washington state law to modify how the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) handles debt collection and overpayments, specifically for older adults and adults with disabilities. The bill makes several key changes: it adjusts the timeframe for debt collection from 10 to 10 years for most debts, maintains a 20-year limit for recorded liens, and introduces a new provision that allows DSHS to waive collection efforts for unintentional overpayments starting July 1, 2025, for specific assistance programs including aged, blind, disabled assistance, and services for functionally disabled clients under certain chapters of state law. The bill also retains the department's existing authority to accept compromise offers or write off debts that are no longer cost-effective to pursue. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance for public health, safety, or support of state government, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The goal appears to be reducing the financial burden on vulnerable populations by providing more flexibility in debt collection practices.

Budget and Finance, Education, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5079&Year=2025&Initiative=false