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Lawmakers press DHS on plan to eliminate developmental‑disability waiver waiting list; sponsor pledges amendment
Summary
Representative Miller asked DHS to eliminate the developmental‑disability waiver waiting list for people on it as of the sponsor’s cutoff date within three years; DHS described gains from the PASS model and tobacco‑settlement funding but flagged workforce and provider constraints, and the sponsor agreed to amend language about "all available funding."
Representative Miller presented a bill directing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to eliminate the developmental‑disability waiver waiting list for individuals on the list as of a set cutoff date within three years. He told the committee the cost would be significant — “probably looking somewhere between $30 and $40 million” — and framed the bill as setting a goal and timeline to address a list that has left some families waiting for years.
DHS officials described recent progress. Melissa Stone, division director for developmental‑disability services, said the PASS model (implemented March 1) and redirected tobacco settlement funds had already allowed dozens or hundreds of people to move off the wait list; she said DHS expects premium‑tax revenue from PASS to fund additional slots. DHS cautioned, however, that adding people to the waiver depends on available providers and workforce capacity.
Senators pressed the sponsor and department on language that would require DHS to use “all available funding streams.” Several members said that phrasing could force the agency to reallocate funds from other obligations; Representative Miller agreed to remove the word “all” from the funding clause and to work with senators on other clarifying amendments. Committee members emphasized the need for a clear fiscal plan, ability to recruit providers and safeguards so other services are not cannibalized.
The sponsor said the bill’s purpose was to set a goal and create accountability: “If we don’t set a goal, then it’s never going to happen,” he said, while acknowledging DHS needs time and funding to build provider capacity.
Committee reactions included support for the goal but requests for tightened language and fiscal specifics. Representative Miller agreed to pull the bill down to amend the contested language and invited committee members to work with him on other adjustments before it returns to the committee for a vote.
