5393-S AMH COUT REIN 444

  

SSB 5393 - H AMD 1436

By Representative Couture

WITHDRAWN 04/26/2025

On page 2, line 12, after "2027," insert "if the transition planning and facility closure oversight board certifies that closure is warranted for Rainier school because safe, appropriate placements have been secured for all residents,"

On page 3, beginning on line 7, after "center" strike "by June

30, 2027" and insert "in accordance with section 2 of this act"

On page 5, after line 34, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 71A.20

RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall establish a transition planning and facility closure oversight board to oversee transitions of residents and staff from Rainier school, and the eventual closure of this facility, as required under section 2 of this act.

(2) The oversight board shall consist of the following members:

(a) A member from each of the largest two caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(b) A member from each of the largest two caucuses of the senate, appointed by the speaker of the president of the senate;

(c) The secretary, or the secretary's designee;

(d) A representative of the Washington federation of state employees;

(e) Two members representing statewide disability advocacy organizations;

(f) Two members who are legal guardians over residents of Rainier school; and

(g) Two professional staff from Rainier school who work directly with residents.

(3) The oversight board must monitor the department's progress toward transitioning residents and staff, closure of the facility, and implementation of robust oversight and accountability measures, in alignment with the requirements outlined in section 2 of this act. The oversight board must report quarterly, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, to the legislature and the governor as to the department's progress toward, and success of, transfer of residents and staff and closure of the facility. The reporting requirement ends after the oversight board has furnished two quarterly reports following the facility's closure. Post-closure reports must include an analysis of successful strategies and difficulties associated with the closure and transfers.

(4) In accordance with section 2(1) of this act, the oversight board may certify to the department, the legislature, and the governor that closure is warranted for Rainier school because safe, appropriate placements have been secured for all residents.

(5) The department shall grant the oversight board access to the facility, residents, and staff, and other access as needed, to carry out its functions as established in this section.

(6) This section expires June 30, 2029."

Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT: Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to establish a transition planning and facility closure oversight board (oversight board) composed of specified members to oversee transitions of residents and staff from Rainier school and its eventual closure.

Makes the closure of Rainier school subject to certification by the oversight board that closure is warranted because safe, appropriate placements have been secured for all residents.

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