The bill amends RCW 71A.16.040 to enhance the eligibility criteria for developmental disability services, specifically focusing on the treatment of children under the age of 18. It mandates that the secretary must make a timely written determination regarding an applicant's eligibility for services and provide notice of this determination, including information about the right to an adjudicative proceeding and judicial review.

A significant change introduced in the bill is the stipulation that the secretary's rules for redetermination of eligibility cannot terminate or require redetermination of eligibility for a child under 18 based solely on age, provided that the child has been determined eligible for services after their third birthday. This aims to protect the continuity of services for eligible children as they grow older.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71A.16.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 71A.16.040
Session Law: 71A.16.040