House passes bill to extend day services for people with disabilities after debate over waiting lists and costs

Representative BDN Buckmeyer, sponsor of House Bill 104, told the House that the bill "only ensures that students leaving special education needing quality day services receive these services without loss of existing skills." He opened floor debate with a summary of long waiting lists and a request that the legislature prioritize those needs if additional funds become available.

Buckmeyer cited multiple waiting lists: "a waiting list for day services of over 252 people, 73 which are critical," and residential waiting lists he described as larger. He said the bill would require ongoing funding and that "we need at least $2,000,000 for these services." Members pressed the fiscal implications; the sponsor referred to a fiscal note read aloud during debate (the transcript phrasing of the fiscal figures was unclear).

Several lawmakers backed the bill on both practical and fiscal grounds. Representative Haman said the measure would help people who have completed training and "continue on their path," noting potential long-term savings to taxpayers if more people remain employed. Another member who visited a local program described how supervised transitional services can preserve employment and reduce future welfare costs.

Opponents focused on near-term budget constraints but did not defeat the motion. After debate, summation was waived and the House voted to pass HB 104 as amended, 65 yes to 9 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for their consideration.

The bill’s sponsor indicated the measure does not resolve the entire statewide waiting list for residential or in‑home supports but is intended to preserve skills for those moving from school-based to adult services. Lawmakers repeatedly emphasized the need to identify funding sources and the importance of future attention to the broader waiting list problem.