The bill aims to eliminate wait lists for the individual and family services waiver by ensuring that estimated expenditures for the waiver are included in maintenance level budgets. It amends RCW 71A.18.060 to require that expenditures for the individual and family services waiver, as well as the basic plus waiver, be considered by the governor and the legislature for inclusion in maintenance level budgets starting with the governor's budget proposal in December 2022. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is mandated to submit an annual budget request for these expenditures.

Additionally, the bill specifies that expenditures for the individual and family services waiver must be included in maintenance level budgets beginning with the governor's budget proposal in December 2026. The DSHS is also required to submit an annual budget request for the number of individuals expected to reside in state-operated living alternatives. The amendments replace references to "Title 71A RCW" with "this title" to streamline the language in the law.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 71A.18.060