[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6279838,"mediaKeyId","2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a","parentId",2618488,"title","Senate committee hears hours of testimony on proposed closure of Rainier School","audioSeconds",2535,"startMs",657000,"endMs",3192000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a&start=657&end=3192","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a/thumbnail_657000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6279838/Washington/Senate-committee-hears-hours-of-testimony-on-proposed-closure-of-Rainier-School","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279838-35bbe09b47de0e0b3fd51eb8d12b748d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142580&Signature=UPI0KbqOohr-EK7mFNoD1BfRpV8GmJwXxmRdCFgDsSD6PpDfCOtc3BTlWEDM-Pc4XJF1qijM2L8XMvDQJ2eM4Mq4m7kdBiS5sDpJirHFBfLbJtqa~TFRAtjvCGM-S4BvM4hqNJ3VXknsSXSF9v5djoFUuW5FuF0jLG1CFxFldixUJjfzF845G8EcdMUT44nsytVX4w0QyBj-QukmEtmFn4bH-oRETfok~5PHvboaQcEKZyRnP-DvsWmBwNv2af0zTcj7tiTFz~UWz2u3GrjQDnRtgbJ6nQ9cQgdTaf7K-HqjQHPeho~2LSIGmdTanFqkDfRIgjdqOHxKZfoUoqBAHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Ways & Means","date","2025-03-13T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Ways & Means Committee opened a public hearing on proposed substitute Senate Bill 5,393, which would close Rainier School in Buckley and require the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DSHS/DDAs) to transition current residents by June 30, 2027.

Maria Hovde, committee staff, said, “Rainier School is currently supporting 75 individuals in the intermediate care facility.” She told the committee the bill would bar new admissions on enactment and, “by 06/30/2027, DSHS shall transition current residents to state operated living alternatives, supported living facilities, adult family homes or other residential habilitation centers in accordance with client preferences.” Hovde summarized DSHS cost estimates: a potential net general fund cost of about $1.2 million in the 2025–27 biennium (preliminary) and estimated net general fund savings of roughly $24 million over a four-year outlook, with an ongoing annual general fund savings of about $12.8 million once fully closed, depending on the mix of placements.

Why it matters: supporters and opponents framed the bill as a test of whether the state should accelerate a shift from large residential habilitation centers (RHCs) to community-based services. Proponents said many people now receive services in the community and that closing Rainier would expand community integration. Opponents said Rainier operates as a safety net for people with complex medical and behavioral needs and that community alternatives are insufficiently scaled or proven for every resident now served at Rainier.

Supporters who testified included self-advocates and family members who said closures would expand community living options. Sean Latham, a self-advocate, said, “We believe everyone can live in the community. Now is the time to close institutions like Rainier.” Several disability advocacy organizations and family members described successful community living for many people and cited legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead decisions to avoid unnecessary institutionalization.

Opponents — including Rainier staff, families of long-term residents, and employee representatives — argued Rainier provides essential, around-the-clock medical and behavioral services that many community providers currently cannot match. Nicole Gomez of the Washington Federation of State Employees said in testimony the 2018 Ruckelshaus Center report recommended maintaining a full continuum of care, “including RHCs like Rainier, because those community providers cannot meet the needs of every individual.” Several family members recounted individual histories, describing placements that had failed in community settings and a stabilization they said occurred at Rainier.

Mixed testimony highlighted operational and safety concerns on both sides. Todd Carlisle of Disability Rights Washington told the committee, “Rainier School is a uniquely dangerous place,” citing federal findings of abuse and neglect and saying some parts of the facility have been shut down since 2019. In contrast, family members described programs and activities on Rainier’s campus and said, for some residents, it is the only setting where they are safe and stable.

Committee members pressed staff on the fiscal assumptions and on where residents would be transitioned. Hovde said DSHS’s assumptions for the estimate were that roughly 50% would move to other RHCs, 25% to state-operated living alternatives (SOLAs), and 25% to supported living settings, and that the DSHS estimate assumed new SOLAs would be opened.

What was not decided: the hearing did not include committee action or a floor vote. Committee staff and multiple members requested additional information on family locations, SOLA capacity in Pierce County, renovation costs at other RHCs and the basis for DSHS assumptions.

Context: Rainier School is certified by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as an intermediate care facility and has been downsized in recent years. Testimony included personal accounts of medical crises, assaults, staff misconduct allegations, and both praise and criticism of Rainier’s care. Advocates for closure argued Washington lags peer states in moving to community-based models; opponents warned about service gaps, transition risks and workforce implications.

What’s next: the committee hearing closed public testimony after extensive oral and remote testimony. No formal action was recorded on the bill in this hearing; future committee consideration will determine whether the bill advances and what amendments or funding lines may accompany any final proposal.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Ways & Means - 3/13/2025 4:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Ways & Means Committee opened a public hearing on proposed substitute Senate Bill 5,393, which would close Rainier School in Buckley and require DSHS to transition current residents by June 30, 2027.","taxTitle","Ways & Means, Senate, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20513,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279819,"Ways & Means advances three House bills to rules committee in executive session",109,5710000,5819000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a&start=5710&end=5819","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a/thumbnail_5710000.jpg","/articles/6279819/Washington/Ways-Means-advances-three-House-bills-to-rules-committee-in-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279819-5b42e327afe629ba011c08f311662eba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142580&Signature=FEXwIIqQ~1obW5-6eE2~-EnJBHZ0El7BwlEMB2K6SfbLVEiC9oiZHxfMWPrYiNaeRhhU6kMEXLh-mlFtQnIdeg0QhhkP3s~IiTw8JuvdMvLFtXTRNGXZ-bkzHJknaUsdxZ~ykFfV5KDWtglU6O-SJsyTMit5gV-6Cso17qUG38VdCIymY7v8pZFz05Ey99WKQ92-vHl9cRdb6X3aTbyTmZAQrTBwn1eqOVKL-NSaevs7JGXz4kbQFaFawS4Qu4-nXB96n2pvp6vgjDJkH4O~AKv9zJ1zm9Fvm~UFNrBVDJz9nsPcWSDaiDzne~m9agGrcWcL9Dm0KTUvu-6NguFF8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","In executive session the Senate Ways & Means Committee acted on three House bills and forwarded them to the rules committee with due-pass recommendations subject to signatures.

House Bill 13 49: The committee moved and approved a due-pass recommendation to the rules committee. The bill allows certain LEOFF Plan 2 members to purchase up to two years of purchase service credit following an authorized leave of absence. Staff described the bill as a request of the LEOFF Board and noted no cost and no amendments.

House Bill 13 14: The committee moved and approved a due-pass recommendation to the rules committee. The bill modifies the Early Learning Facilities Grant and Loan Program by changing match requirements, expanding eligibility, and creating an emergency grant program. The fiscal note identified a general fund impact of $284,000 in 2025–27 and $449,000 over four years; potential capital budget impacts are indeterminate.

Substitute House Bill 14 88 (conservation districts): The committee adopted amendment S2316 (Senator Robinson's amendment) to align the House bill with the Senate companion, then moved substitute House Bill 14 88 as amended and forwarded it to rules with a due-pass recommendation subject to signatures. Committee discussion noted the amendment matches the Senate companion language concerning maximum per-parcel rates and inflation adjustments. A second amendment was ruled out of order; a senator clarified that the amended bill is identical to the version previously voted on by the committee.

Votes: Each motion was moved and seconded on the record; the committee used voice votes and the clerk recorded the bills as receiving due-pass recommendations to the rules committee, subject to signatures. The transcript recorded affirmative voice votes with no recorded roll-call tallies.

Context and next steps: forwarding to rules is a procedural step toward consideration by the full Senate. Staff noted fiscal impacts where applicable and that two of the bills are companions to previously considered Senate measures.","In executive session, Senate Ways & Means gave due-pass recommendations to the rules committee for three House bills: HB 13 49 (pension service credit purchases), HB 13 14 (early learning facilities grant changes), and substitute HB 14 88 (conservation district per-parcel rate rules) as amended.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279823,"Committee hears support for expanding Multifamily Property Tax Exemption program in House Bill 1494",607,47000,654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a&start=47&end=654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a/thumbnail_47000.jpg","/articles/6279823/Washington/Committee-hears-support-for-expanding-Multifamily-Property-Tax-Exemption-program-in-House-Bill-1494","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279823-914a2f6168809f68884c753a323014a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142580&Signature=lB6MqUrNFSF5xNbxvOKoPxrnD~GyPFL1j0tonU516OfLtX2KSvVkc0-9PW3NeMvQdkIUL76RDrgeP9cea0jC2cCEOetJ10Tsr7v~fdk4Rm8fLvRDho7ehxyUCxuwSGA1pqeGwyP1biCWIaaU8ByzcFud3fXVXuXdsMOIxczn321kaUhQHEhOBhrzi6EjqwZ9lXHiHAJyResj4OHnaCodGUa2U1db3XMZ2CmyQIztNThsb518CIjXArV3y8JVYNtMm85qF44CEFKSErTamUGkCRC0lYzrvy5v9zF6T8OIsCewnakxgE1BvaOFEzJ~3mpCusGu4~fDWK0xNDrt7J1UNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Ways & Means Committee heard a staff briefing and public testimony on House Bill 1494, which would modify the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program by changing eligibility rules for cities and counties, clarifying affordability requirements, and tightening compliance and reporting.

Committee staff introduced the MFTE framework and the bill's changes. Ollie Kennedy, staff to the committee, summarized the program options (8-, 12-, and 20-year exemptions) and described eligibility changes that would allow any city with at least 15,000 people and a mandatory inclusionary zoning requirement to offer the 20-year rental exemption within one mile of high-capacity transit. The bill would also remove the requirement that certain rural county areas be served by sewer systems and instead allow other county-specific criteria. Kennedy described additional provisions requiring deed restrictions for owner-occupied projects that receive a 12-year exemption, anti-displacement requirements under the Growth Management Act for newly designated residential targeted areas, strengthened compliance penalties, and expanded reporting to the Department of Commerce.

Why it matters: supporters said MFTE is a developer tool that can increase housing production — including affordable units — without direct state subsidy. Opponents did not dominate the hearing; testimony was generally supportive from housing advocates and developers. Nicholas Carr, Governor Ferguson's senior policy advisor for housing, testified in support and said the program has helped produce roughly 70,000 units statewide, including about 12,000 affordable units. He said the bill implements recommendations from the Lieutenant Governor's housing plan and a 2023 Commerce legislative study. Anthony Hempstead, representing multifamily developers, said expanding MFTE eligibility in unincorporated urban county areas would make several projects financially viable and estimated his client could add more than 500 units in Snohomish County alone if the county adopts the program.

Committee members asked about the reason for reverting some eligibility to population thresholds and for clarification about affordability definitions. Staff committed to follow up on some definitional questions about the income thresholds and affordability calculations.

What was not decided: the committee held the public hearing and took testimony; no committee vote was shown in the transcript. A fiscal note is available and staff said there is no expected state revenue impact; any shifts would be between exempt and nonexempt taxpayers and are indeterminate.

Context: MFTE is a local tool that cities and some counties use to incentivize multiunit housing and affordable units. This bill would widen or narrow program access in different ways and add compliance and anti-displacement measures. Supporters argued the changes would expand production and strengthen safeguards; staff and some senators asked technical questions about definitions and thresholds.","Senate committee received a staff briefing and public testimony on House Bill 1494, which would change eligibility and compliance rules for the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279829,"Educators urge committee not to cut National Board stipends; substitute bill would reduce bonuses to $3,000",1256,7028000,8284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a&start=7028&end=8284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a/thumbnail_7028000.jpg","/articles/6279829/Washington/Educators-urge-committee-not-to-cut-National-Board-stipends-substitute-bill-would-reduce-bonuses-to-3000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279829-2b205901bc7765587324dc55292ec83f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142580&Signature=I4Z3IP3MZZoWoVNHijDqFWt4NnlLgaO-G2qTYU9P1OvLARIBJp9hTL20VnQrctczGySWHiF57ySY5fnKdK~MKMI2u4nXsTsoUQwmqLGKdB6GQgdPct~vV-6JDodSnrBAhtphzdmtcA2HhIYt4oRFRyfxpAkI3ELoZn0S1WV4yTRJOwGyTaF8jQLF1y50~P3gi6x9ZsNDvXKMFf12nFWFFP0Kl~YvrYdzaip8R2byzTsBE4siqDV6NMqwFbJ8vR6XQxAg-r7JVtvwKTkofH~rEoAS38pN46U0PdCXyL28pOlN1HEkB8okU3iqhWdPYN-mjXDaOwaD2TKTW3fJvHe9Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Ways & Means Committee heard extensive public testimony opposing a proposed substitute to Senate Bill 5,737, which reduces annual bonuses for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). Under the proposed substitute, the base NBCT annual bonus would be set at $3,000 in the 2025–26 school year and then increase with inflation in subsequent years; an additional high-poverty school bonus would also be reduced to $3,000 and indexed to inflation thereafter. Committee staff estimated the substitute would produce state savings of roughly $37.6 million in fiscal year 2027 and about $115 million across a four-year outlook.

Educators, district leaders and statewide associations testified strongly in opposition. Larry Delaney, president of the Washington Education Association, said the state has valued NBCTs for 25 years and described the certification as rigorous. Derek Sarley, representing the Washington State School Directors Association, told the committee national board stipends should not be the place to find budget savings. John Holman, superintendent of Lake Washington School District, described supporting hundreds of NBCTs in his district and asked the committee to maintain the stipend.

Multiple NBCTs and school counselors testified about the certification process and its classroom impact. Josh Peterson, an NBCT with 22 years of experience, said the certification “takes up to 400 hours beyond my teaching responsibilities” and argued that NBCTs improve student outcomes. Zenovia Clark, an NBCT in Highline Public Schools, noted that 35% of Washington NBCTs work in high-poverty schools and said reducing stipends would disproportionately harm the students who most need experienced educators.

OSPI also testified opposed; Jenny Plaja said reductions would harm a largely female profession whose salaries already trail comparable private-sector jobs. Testimony highlighted retention and pension impacts: several speakers noted the stipend is pensionable pay and that cuts would reduce retirees' pensions and could push experienced teachers toward leaving the profession or delaying retirement.

Why it matters: legislators weigh program savings against potential impacts on teacher recruitment, retention and student outcomes, particularly in high-poverty schools. Supporters of altering the stipend cited the need to identify savings in a tight budget; opponents framed the stipend as an established retention and quality measure.

What was not decided: no committee vote was recorded during the hearing. Committee staff and witnesses discussed the projected savings and the number of NBCTs affected (staff estimated approximately 7,700 certificated staff for the base bonus reduction and about 3,000 staff in high-poverty schools for the additional bonus reduction). The committee will need to reconcile budget pressures with educators' concerns about retention and pension effects.

Context and next steps: testimony shows broad union, district and educator opposition. Any change to the stipend would also affect retirement calculations and long-term career decisions; committee members asked for additional information about affected populations and fiscal offsets.","The Senate Ways & Means Committee heard heavy opposition to a substitute for Senate Bill 5,737 that would cut annual National Board Certified Teacher bonuses to $3,000 (indexed to inflation after 2025-26).",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6279834,"Bill to tax self-storage rentals draws sharp split between cities, land-trust advocates and storage operators",567,3208000,3775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a&start=3208&end=3775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2618488-6924370b5169c4e2e5c693d3f6bebe4a/thumbnail_3208000.jpg","/articles/6279834/Washington/Bill-to-tax-self-storage-rentals-draws-sharp-split-between-cities-land-trust-advocates-and-storage-operators","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279834-4cd2af8a057eb07bd37f78690a68c9ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142580&Signature=WcT6gh5bbApAQUhS2njDR3i3rbyDHz5bX9TYd9yRj7wVV77RkeGND7EzE-6EL783lxE8zXNYJWJ1ApM7rwb4oQ7tRlMAEVLTqDI8IxZ47N6vlaHMgVv7zM3uX-sZr0EuGgQnpvIUryfTM0UeCODTMpR0jT5vyuSHU625CBW47pCHA9cEogOd9C7EzX7YahDgf4F0Jv-U9-RLV~EVnUWgj7gVn0m4vLNTAYP48BK2kvYN4sx4wmtGC6yZ7ILXLeec77ckI-0INwUTovsKw-8TXyERNlK0Kfc0-1Wj6lET-H3l1fKK7PQfIU9RKFGnhuNUxSWT96C-gu9uQavTMBicew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Ways & Means Committee took public testimony on Senate Bill 5,711, which would tax rentals of individual self-service storage spaces as retail sales (subjecting them to the B&O tax and retail sales tax) and declare legislative intent that revenues support manufactured home communities and affordable housing programs.

Committee staff outlined legal background and fiscal estimates: a 1960 state Supreme Court ruling (Apartment Operators v. Schumacher) previously treated rental income from real property as a property tax subject to uniformity constraints, but staff said a more recent opinion (Quinn v. State) questioned that precedent and could allow a B&O tax on renting storage. Staff estimated general fund revenue increases of about $57.6 million in the upcoming biennium and $147.8 million over four years; a small Department of Revenue implementation cost was also noted.

Why it matters: proponents said the bill closes a tax preference that encourages inefficient land use and creates a new revenue source for affordable housing and land-banking tools. Opponents said the rental of storage is a rental of real property currently exempt from such taxes, that most self-storage businesses are small operators, and that the tax would fall on low-income customers, service members, and small businesses who use storage during life transitions.

Opposition testimony included owner-operators, industry trade groups and small-business owners. Lance Baker, president of the Washington State Self Storage Association, said more than half of Washington's 1,800 storage facilities are single-store operators, and that “one third of our storage users have a household income of less than $50,000.” Pat Sievers, a small Everett operator, described customers who use storage after domestic violence, flooding, or deployment and urged a no vote. Multiple operators and managers emphasized that much of the cost would ultimately be passed to customers on fixed or low incomes; several stressed service members and nonprofits among their tenants.

Supporters included the Association of Washington Cities and housing advocates. Carl Schrader of AWC said the preferential tax treatment encourages inefficient uses of urban land and argued proceeds should be dedicated to mitigating housing impacts. Nick Federici of the Washington State Community Land Trust Coalition urged using proceeds to expand permanently affordable homeownership models such as community land trusts.

Committee members asked staff about legal risk and precedent. Staff said the fiscal note assumes the Supreme Court would uphold a B&O tax on rental activity if the court treats the tax as an excise on the privilege to do business (following language in Quinn) rather than a property tax tied solely to ownership. Members also asked whether the tax would ultimately be levied on businesses or consumers; staff explained B&O would apply to businesses while sales tax would be collected from customers.

What was not decided: no committee vote occurred on the bill during this hearing. Opponents urged that the measure would disproportionately burden vulnerable renters and small businesses; proponents urged the measure would generate significant revenue for housing programs and remove a long-standing preferential tax treatment.

Context and next steps: testimony reflected a classic revenue-versus-distribution debate: whether this revenue source should be tapped for housing and whether the distributional consequences and legal risks are acceptable. The bill's intent language (to fund manufactured home communities and affordable housing) appears in the draft but committee members noted the intent language does not by itself create a legally binding earmark.","Senate Ways & Means Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5,711, which would classify self-storage rentals as retail sales and subject them to business & occupation and retail sales taxes, with revenue intended for manufactured home communities and affordable housing programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee hears hours of testimony on proposed closure of Rainier School

Ways & Means advances three House bills to rules committee in executive session

Committee hears support for expanding Multifamily Property Tax Exemption program in House Bill 1494

Educators urge committee not to cut National Board stipends; substitute bill would reduce bonuses to $3,000

Bill to tax self-storage rentals draws sharp split between cities, land-trust advocates and storage operators