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

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…