Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services

HB 1659

Brief Description:  Establishing a pilot project to provide community‑based services through a public‑private based partnership for persons with developmental disabilities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Talcott, Tokuda, Boldt, Pflug, Carrell, Veloria, Jackley, Anderson, Mitchell, Casada, Miloscia, Edwards, Lantz, Conway, Morell, Santos, Bush, Hurst, Dunn and Campbell.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop and evaluate a pilot project in Region V using private and public funding to expand service options and support services to twenty persons with developmental disabilities.

Hearing Date:  2/7/01

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background: 

The Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) serves over 30,000 persons monthly through five state operated Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs) and an array of state operated and contracted community based services.

A group of stakeholders has been meeting over the last three years to recommend changes to the existing service delivery system for persons with developmental disabilities.   A primary feature of these recommendations is an emphasis on individual choice and self-determination.

Summary of Bill: 

The Legislature authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop a pilot project using private and public funding to expand service options and support services to persons with developmental disabilities.

The pilot project will be sited in Region 5 (Pierce & Kitsap Counties) and will feature individual choice and self-determination.  The project will serve twenty persons with developmental disabilities.

The DSHS will evaluate the pilot and report to the legislature by December 1, 2002 and again on December 1, 2003.

Appropriation:  The Sum of $750,000 GF-S in FY 2002; $980,000 GF-S in FY 2003.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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