Official Text and Analysis.

Establishes minimum service expectations and requirements for the Department of Social and Health Services.

1) Specifies that minimum service expectations and requirements are established for the Economic Services Administration's Community Services division of the Department of Social and Health Services, rather than referencing solely the Department of Social and Health Services (Department). (2) Provides that community service offices must be open for walk-in and in-person services specifically during normal business hours. (3) Removes the requirement that the Department restore a certain level of staffing for in-person services during a state of emergency, and instead provides that the Department retains the right to close an office for emergency, health, safety, and welfare issues.

The term "negative action" is struck and replaced with the following language: To the extent allowed under state and federal law, an applicant or recipient may not be terminated or sanctioned by DSHS or have their application for assistance denied based on an applicant's or recipient's inability to contact the community services division. The null and void language is struck.

House concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage.