Bill > HB1243

This bill modifies existing Washington state law regarding debt collection by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), primarily focusing on helping older adults and people with disabilities. The bill changes the time periods for debt collection, extending the statute of limitations for collecting overpayments from 6 to 10 years for court-ordered actions and from 20 years to 10 years for liens. Starting July 1, 2025, the department will have the ability to waive collection efforts for unintentional overpayments specifically for aged, blind, or disabled assistance program recipients and functionally disabled clients receiving services under certain state care and support chapters. The bill allows DSHS to accept compromises on disputed claims and write off debts that are no longer cost-effective to pursue. Additionally, the department can waive collection efforts if specific equitable estoppel conditions are met. The legislation is declared an emergency measure and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the intent of reducing the financial burden on vulnerable populations who have inadvertently received excess benefits.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1243&Year=2025&Initiative=false