HOUSE BILL REPORT

                      HB 1520

                              As Passed House

                               March 12, 1991

Title:  An act relating to residential habilitation centers.

Brief Description:  Correcting the name of a residential habilitation center.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Leonard, Winsley and Riley; by request of Dept. of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

   Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 14, 1991, DP;

Passed House, March 12, 1991, 96-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Riley, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Minority Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson; Beck; Brekke; Hargrove; Hochstatter; R. King; and H. Myers.

Staff:  David Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  The Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center in Bremerton, Washington, is one of six Residential Habilitation Centers serving people with developmental disabilities.  The Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center, has traditionally only served children with developmental disabilities to age 21.  In recent years, people with developmental disabilities who reach their 21st birthday have been allowed to continue living at the Children's Center. This is limiting the number of beds available at the Children's Center for children with developmental disabilities under the age of 21.

Summary of Bill:  The term "Children's" is removed from the name of the Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The bill will allow autistic people residing at the Francis Haddon Morgan Center to continue living at the facility after the age of 21.  People living there should not be forced out because they turn 21.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Karen Johnson, Frances Haddon Morgan Center; Representative Peggy Johnson; Sue Elliott, Department of Social and Health Services; Delores Hayes, Friends; and Bessie Clark, citizen and parent.