WA SB5311

Permanent disqualification from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for adults terminated due to WorkFirst noncompliance sanctions three or more times since March 1, 2007, with the entire household becoming ineligible for further TANF assistance

Grant reduction and termination timeline shortened: family grants reduced by the noncompliant recipient's share immediately upon refusal to engage in work activities, with termination after two months of continuous noncompliance (previously allowed twelve months before termination)

Department's authority to waive noncompliance penalties changed from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") for good cause exemptions

State food assistance program for legal immigrants and human trafficking victims must follow federal food stamp work requirements, eliminating the state's ability to suspend those requirements

Effective date of February 1, 2026