H-1094.1
HOUSE BILL 1908
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Dufault, Corry, Nance, Manjarrez, Ryu, Mendoza, Stearns, Penner, Callan, Parshley, and Pollet
Read first time 02/10/25. Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.
AN ACT Relating to protecting developmentally disabled individuals and their families by maintaining the operation of existing state facilities with underutilized capacity and allowing new residents; amending RCW 71A.20.020 ; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 71A.20.180 .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Residential habilitation centers, also known as "RHCs," like the Yakima Valley School, Rainier School, Lakeland Village, and Fircrest School provide services to some of our state's most vulnerable individuals and their families. Washington state, like much of our country, has a mental and behavioral health care crisis that is causing increased rates of homelessness and substance abuse. Existing resident and respite care RHCs in our state that are both well run and well respected by the individuals, families, and communities they serve are being underutilized. Opening these facilities to new residents will provide immediate and effective relief to dozens of developmentally disabled individuals and their families who have no other viable and cost reasonable options for care.
Sec. 2. RCW 71A.20.020 and 2011 1st sp.s. c 30 s 5 are each amended to read as follows: