Legislature(2015 - 2016)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/12/2016 08:30 AM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB300 | |
| SB32 | |
| SB145 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 300 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 32 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 145 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 145(FIN)
"An Act relating to benefits for public assistance
programs administered by the Department of Health and
Social Services; and providing for an effective date."
10:23:10 AM
SEAN O'BRIEN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE,
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, provided
information about the bill. He stated that the bill would
extend the ability for the division to collect on
overpayments through Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
garnishment. He shared that the bill was initiated because
of the child care assistance block grant changes that
required more aggressive attempts to collect the
overpayments. He stated that there was a recognition of the
opportunity to see that the PFD garnishment option was
available for all of the division's programs. He stated
that the bill allowed for the ability to utilize the
garnishment option, to provide that the funds would be
returned. He stressed that without the garnishment tool,
general funds would be used. He remarked that the fiscal
note allowed for collection of the PFD garnishment funds,
and allow for the receipt of the funds to the division.
Representative Wilson wondered if there was $500,000 that
had not yet been collected.
Mr. O'Brien replied that $500,000 was established as an
estimate of how much was needed to allow for receipt of PFD
remittance. He stated that there was no plan to ask for
general funds.
Representative Wilson queried the outstanding balance.
Mr. O'Brien replied that the division had calculated
approximately $331,578 in overpayments in state fiscal year
2015, which were in various stages of repayment.
Representative Wilson wondered if the bill addressed
providers, those who received the benefit, or both.
Mr. O'Brien answered that the bill addressed providers who
were receiving child care assistance funds on behalf of
parents; and child care grants paid to license providers
for specific purposes.
Representative Kawasaki wondered whether there was an order
in which PFD garnishments operate.
Mr. O'Brien replied in the affirmative. He stated that the
bill would fall into 9th in the order. He stressed that the
bill depended on the demands on PFD garnishment that were
ranked at a higher level.
Co-Chair Thompson CLOSED public testimony.
Mr. O'Brien appreciated the committee's support.
Co-Chair Neuman addressed the fiscal notes.
Co-Chair Neuman MOVED to REPORT CSSB 145(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSSB 145(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with one previously published zero
fiscal note: FN2 (REV); and one previously published fiscal
impact note: FN3 (DHS).
Co-Chair Thompson discussed the schedule for the following
meeting.