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Debate over contracting and scope of community inclusion services divides families and counties
Summary
Representative Tanya Levitt said House Bill 1158 was drafted in response to decades of requests from families for more and better day habilitation and community activities.
Representative Tanya Levitt (sponsor) told the committee House Bill 1158 responds to long-standing family requests for more meaningful, reliable community-based day services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"House Bill 1158 comes to us from many families in Pierce County and beyond who have been asking for decades for services for their family members," Representative Levitt said, describing the bill as an effort to expand access to community-based activities beyond current options.
Committee staff explained community inclusion currently is contracted by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) through counties, and that the service is individualized and intended to promote skill development, independent living and community integration. Under the bill, DDA would be required to contract directly with service providers and establish service standards; incidental personal care would be allowed and provider-client ratios would not be limited to one-to-one.
Supporters, including family members and local Arc chapters, said the bill would broaden the provider base and increase options for people who have lacked access to meaningful activities. Rose Yu, a guardian and parent from Seattle, described a son who receives only five hours a week of one-on-one coaching: "He averages 5 hours a week with 1 on 1 coaching... 5 hours a week is only 5% of his awake hours in a typical week." Several family members described long waits, loss of services after moving counties and near-impossible hiring and retention for providers.
Opponents, including the Washington State Association of Counties and The Arc of Washington State, said the bill risks dismantling long-standing county-managed, person-centered systems. Brad Banks, representing counties, said DDA lacks the existing statewide structure for provider oversight and quality control the counties deliver locally. "As currently written, this proposal just shifts focus away from individualized person centered care," he testified.
Other critics worried the bill could reduce funds that support family navigation and local services, including funds tied to the federal match. Stacy Dim of The Arc of Washington State said she had "very significant concerns about HB1158" and urged a more comprehensive, funded approach that removes barriers to existing services, such as the nine-month employment-services rule.
No committee vote occurred in the hearing. Lawmakers and witnesses signaled willingness to continue negotiations; sponsors said they are not wedded to final contracting language but want to expand access for families who report limited options.
