SB 6736

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6736

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 07, 2008
Ways & Means, February 12, 2008

Title: An act relating to lifelong learning services for individuals diagnosed with severe to profound intellectual developmental disabilities.

Brief Description: Establishing a lifelong services program for persons with developmental disabilities.

Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Fairley, Oemig, Delvin, Kohl-Welles, Marr, Roach, Parlette, Keiser, Kilmer and Kline.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6736 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Marr.

Majority Report: That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6736 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Hatfield, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Background: In recent years public funding for high school graduates who have developmental disabilities has emphasized employment programs. Funding for non-employment, community access or day programs has been reduced. Adults over age 21 with severe and profound intellectual disabilities have limited options for interacting with the community outside of their homes because they may not be able to work. There is interest in providing community opportunities for these individuals and their families after they have finished with public school.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Second Substitute): The department must adopt and implement rules that enable working age adults with developmental disabilities to pursue gainful employment. Within specific funding provided for this purpose, the department must work with counties to provide employment programs for working age adults and to provide employment programs and/or community access services for persons with a severe or profound developmental disability or who are nearing retirement age.

Community access services may include community participation, recreation, education, personal assistance, transportation, training in self-advocacy, and social skills. Within specific funding available, services shall be authorized based on eligibility and client choice.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE (Recommended Second Substitute ): Requirements for counties to provide employment and community access programs are limited to be within specific funding provided for this purpose. Requirements for the department to authorize services are limited to the extent specific funding is provided by the budget.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended First Substitute): The department must adopt and implement rules that enable working age adults with developmental disabilities to pursue gainful employment. Within available funding, the department must work with counties to develop services for working age adults with developmental disabilities to pursue gainful employment. The department must offer opportunities for individuals with profound developmental disabilities non-employment related community access services.

Remove the appropriations clause.

Fiscal Note: Available on original bill. Second substitute bill requested on February 13, 2008.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: There are hundreds of individuals in this state with severe cognitive deficits who will never be able to be employed. After they leave the public school system, there are no services for them in the community. This will give them something to do and opportunities to have some contact with the world outside their homes. It will also allow their parents and guardians to be employed. These types of services are desperately needed.

Persons Testifying (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: Senator Rasmussen, prime sponsor; Sue Elliott, Advocates for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (ARC); Sally Coumer, Stacy Gillette, Kathy Evans, Lerea Suttan, Cindy Oneill, Special Care Agency; Addie Nakamura.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Recommended First Substitute (Ways & Means): PRO: All people with disabilities deserve employment, but not all employers are ready for them. Adults with developmental disabilities, who are unable to be served in employment programs, deserve something to do besides stay at home. Respite care for the families and Medicaid personal care are not the same as a day service. Without these services, individuals are more likely to become institutionalized. Their families also need them to have a day service, otherwise they can't work. Single moms have had to quit their jobs.

CON: We supported the intent of the bill and the original bill, but not the substitute. There are too many unanswered questions, and there is concern this bill in its current form will dilute funding for supported employment programs. A study would make more sense.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Sue Elliott, ARC of Washington State; Sally Coomer, parent.

CON: Seth Dawson, Partnership 2020.