BILL REQ. #:  H-2259.2 

Read first time 03/21/11.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.

     AN ACT Relating to studying alternatives to the operation of residential habilitation centers; amending RCW 71A.20.020; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 71A.20.020 and 1994 c 215 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The following residential habilitation centers are permanently established to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities: Lakeland Village, located at Medical Lake, Spokane county; Rainier School, located at Buckley, Pierce county; Yakima Valley School, located at Selah, Yakima county; Fircrest School, located at Seattle, King county; and Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center, located at Bremerton, Kitsap county.
     (2)(a) The department shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of alternatives to the operation of residential habilitation centers described in this section. The department shall examine the current nationwide nonprofit organizations and any public-private partnerships that operate residential habilitation centers. As an element of the study, the department shall review applicable state and federal laws, as well as current and potential public-private funding sources for residential habilitation centers. The department shall provide recommendations regarding the implementation in Washington state of residential habilitation centers operated by either nonprofit organizations or a public-private partnership, and whether such organizations or partnerships can deliver the same or better services than are currently delivered by state-operated residential habilitation centers.
     (b) The department shall submit the study and its recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature before June 30, 2011.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.