House Bill 1390 ends community protection program; DSHS directed to assess 279 clients

An agency official announced the signing of House Bill 1390, saying the bill eliminates the community protection program and directs the Department of Social and Health Services to ensure affected clients receive appropriate services.

The official said the program “was created to transition adults with developmental disabilities who have been charged or convicted of serious criminal offenses,” but that DSHS operates other programs that can serve the clients more effectively. The official added that the program serves 279 clients and that a written directive will require DSHS to individually assess each client "to ensure they receive services to meet their unique needs as this program winds down."

The official said DSHS will be instructed to “address the individual risk of each client and the level of supervision they require with safety the priority.” The remarks thanked advocates and legislators who participated in the legislation’s development and named State Representative Roger Goodman and Senator Claire Wilson for their leadership on the bill.

No vote tallies or enactment dates were recorded in the transcript; the signing was carried out as a ceremonial event with applause and a group photograph. The event record does not specify transitions for individual clients or the precise timelines for DSHS assessments and service placements; those details were described as forthcoming and to be handled by DSHS under the directive.