Bill > SB5311

This bill proposes several changes to Washington state's welfare and food assistance programs aimed at increasing work participation among able-bodied adults. The bill introduces a permanent disqualification for adults who have been terminated from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program three or more times due to noncompliance with work requirements, meaning that households with such individuals will be ineligible for future TANF assistance. The legislation modifies existing rules for WorkFirst (Washington's welfare-to-work program), including adjusting penalties for recipients who refuse to engage in work activities. Specifically, the bill changes the process for reducing or terminating benefits for noncompliance, requiring the department to notify recipients before terminating their grant and allowing for termination after two months of continuous noncompliance. Additionally, the bill alters rules for the state food assistance program by removing the requirement to follow federal rules exactly, particularly regarding immigrant status and work requirements. The changes are set to take effect on February 1, 2026, and are designed to encourage work participation and reduce long-term dependency on public assistance programs.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5311&Year=2025&Initiative=false