AN ACT Relating to eliminating wait lists for the individual and family services waiver by including estimated expenditures for the waiver in maintenance level budgets;
Summary
SB 6163 would change Washington’s budgeting process for developmental disability services by requiring estimated expenditures for the Individual and Family Services (IFS) waiver, and the related Basic Plus waiver, to be included in maintenance-level budgets. The bill directs the governor and legislature to consider these costs beginning with the governor’s budget proposal submitted in December, and it requires the Department of Social and Health Services to submit annual budget requests for these expenditures. It also requires the department to budget for the number of individuals expected to reside in state-operated living alternatives administered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
In practical terms, the bill is aimed at making waiver funding a routine part of the state budget rather than an optional or separate appropriation, with the stated goal of eliminating wait lists for the IFS waiver. By embedding these projected costs into maintenance-level budgets, the bill would likely increase the visibility and predictability of funding needs for people with developmental disabilities and the services that support them.
Impact
The bill would amend Washington law governing state budgeting and appropriations for developmental disability services, specifically RCW provisions related to the Individual and Family Services waiver and the Basic Plus waiver. It would require the Department of Social and Health Services to include annual budget requests for these waiver expenditures and for expected placements in state-operated living alternatives, thereby affecting how the state plans, requests, and appropriates funds for these programs. The main affected parties are individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the agencies responsible for administering waiver services and residential supports.
Sentiment
Based on the bill title and the absence of recorded opposition or committee debate in the provided materials, the bill appears to have been framed positively as a service-expansion and waitlist-reduction measure. The overall sentiment is likely supportive, especially among advocates for developmental disability services and families seeking access to waiver supports. No voting history or transcript evidence is provided to indicate formal controversy or divided views.
Contention
The central point of potential contention is fiscal: the bill would require the state to account for and request funding for waiver expenditures as part of maintenance-level budgets, which could increase baseline spending obligations. Supporters would likely emphasize access and waitlist elimination, while budget-focused critics may question the cost, the commitment to ongoing funding, and whether the state can sustain the required appropriations. Another possible issue is the administrative requirement for annual budget requests and how accurately the state can forecast the number of eligible individuals and service needs.