The bill amends existing laws regarding the Yakima Valley School, a residential habilitation center for individuals with developmental disabilities. It establishes the Yakima Valley School, along with other centers, as permanently operational facilities. Notably, the previous requirement for the Yakima Valley School to cease operations when the census of permanent residents reached eight has been removed. Instead, the facility may now operate crisis stabilization beds and respite service beds based on the needs of the community and available funding.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the department to provide community residential services for residents transitioning from the Yakima Valley School. This includes establishing state-operated living alternatives, utilizing existing supported living program capacity, and creating crisis stabilization and respite beds as needed. The department is also tasked with providing regional specialty services and continuing respite services both in residential habilitation centers and in the community.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71A.20.020, 71A.20.180