WashingtonHB 27142025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning caseload forecasting for food assistance programs.

Sponsored By: Steve Bergquist (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Forecasts for SNAP and state food help

The caseload forecast council estimates how many people get SNAP and the state food assistance program. These counts guide the state’s budget for grocery help. This does not change who qualifies or how much you get.

What caseload means in forecasts

The law defines “caseload” for state forecasts. It covers people expected to use public assistance, prisons and supervision, and juvenile institutions. It includes students in public schools, long‑term care, and medical assistance. It includes foster care and adoption support. It also includes students eligible for the College Bound Scholarship and the Washington College Grant, and children in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

Stronger counts for foster youth and safety

The council counts youth in extended foster care separately from foster children under 18. It estimates how many foster youth will get behavioral rehabilitation services and the number of screened-in child abuse or neglect reports. During the 2021–2023 budget period, starting in November 2021, it also made an unofficial long‑term forecast for juvenile rehabilitation. These numbers help plan child welfare and safety services.

Detailed forecasts for disability services

Starting with the November 2022 forecast, and if funded, the council counts people who are eligible for and requested supported living, Core, IFS, and Basic Plus DDA waiver services. Beginning January 1, 2023, it also presents counts for people assessed eligible and who asked for IFS or Basic Plus services. The council estimates how many people meet DDA Medicaid waiver rules in RCW 71A.12.370 and are expected to use a waiver. It also estimates residents in state-run DDA homes (as a courtesy). These numbers help plan funding and access for disability services.

Forecasts for TANF and child care

The council makes courtesy forecasts for TANF cash assistance and the Working Connections Child Care program. These estimates help plan budgets for low‑income families and parents. They do not change who gets help or the amount.

Forecasts for Transition to Kindergarten

The council counts eligible children in the Transition to Kindergarten program. The numbers help schools and the state plan early learning support. This does not change who can join the program.

Working Families Tax Credit counts by children

Beginning with the first official forecast after July 23, 2023, the council reports how many people qualify for the Working Families Tax Credit. The counts show households with no qualifying children, one child, two children, and three or more. This is a reporting change, not a change to the credit.

State caseload forecast council and process

The law creates a six‑member Caseload Forecast Council to approve official forecasts. At least four members must vote yes to approve a forecast; if a deadline is missed, the supervisor submits the forecast and it counts. The council hires a supervisor and sets pay; five votes are needed for any supervisor employment decision. Members get travel costs reimbursed but no extra pay. A member who votes no on a forecast can request an alternative forecast using their own assumptions.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Bergquist
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Mia Gregerson
Democratic • House
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Timm Ormsby
Democratic • House
Travis Couture
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

Effective date 6/11/2026.
3/16/2026House
Chapter 66, 2026 Laws.
3/16/2026House
Governor signed.
3/16/2026legislature
Delivered to Governor.
3/10/2026legislature
President signed.
3/9/2026legislature
Speaker signed.
3/6/2026legislature
Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
3/4/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/4/2026House
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/3/2026House
WM - Majority; do pass.
3/2/2026House
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
3/2/2026House
First reading, referred to Ways & Means.
2/16/2026House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.
2/12/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/12/2026House
1st substitute bill substituted.
2/12/2026House
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/11/2026House
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
2/9/2026House
APP - Executive action taken by committee.
2/7/2026House
APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
2/7/2026House
First reading, referred to Appropriations.
2/2/2026House
Introduced
2/2/2026House

Bill Text

Session Law
3/18/2026
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/11/2026
HTML PDF
Substitute Bill
2/10/2026
HTML PDF
Original Bill
2/2/2026
HTML PDF

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