H-1649.3
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1848
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By House Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Doglio, Goodman, Parshley, Salahuddin, and Wylie)
READ FIRST TIME 02/28/25.
AN ACT Relating to services and supports for individuals with traumatic brain injuries; amending RCW 46.63.110 , 74.31.040 , 74.31.050 , and 74.31.060 ; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that individuals living with traumatic brain injuries face significant barriers to accessing necessary support services, community integration programs, and peer-led recovery opportunities. The legislature acknowledges that traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges, often resulting in social isolation, difficulty in maintaining employment, and limited access to rehabilitation services. Additionally, family members and caregivers of individuals with a traumatic brain injury require ongoing support and guidance to navigate the complexities of available resources. Recent trends indicate that allocations have disproportionately favored virtual education and state-affiliated programs, leaving direct peer-to-peer groups and community-based support underfunded. The disappearance of many in-person support groups, due to financial constraints, has severely limited opportunities for individuals with a traumatic brain injury to connect, build essential life skills, and engage in meaningful recovery-focused activities.
The legislature recognizes the urgent need to rebalance funding priorities to ensure that in-person support groups and community integration programs are adequately supported.