HB 1470
In CommitteeHouse
DDA no-paid services
Reducing the developmental disabilities administration's no-paid services caseload services.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill requires the state's Developmental Disabilities Administration to hire two full-time staff to regularly update and manage the waitlist for people with developmental disabilities who are not yet receiving paid services. The staff will contact individuals to confirm their eligibility, interest, and timing for receiving services, and report findings annually to state leaders. The goal is to ensure the waitlist reflects current need and help people transition to paid services more efficiently.
- Requires the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to hire two permanent, full-time staff to manage the 'no-paid services' waitlist.
- Staff must review and update the waitlist annually to confirm who is still eligible and interested in services, and track whether individuals want paid services now or within the next year.
- Staff must contact individuals on the waitlist to discuss their needs and explain available service options (paid or community-based).
- Requires DDA to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature starting December 1, 2022 (though the bill was introduced in 2025, the effective date suggests this reporting requirement is being updated or clarified).
- Maintains existing requirement that individuals on the no-paid services waitlist receive case resource management services, including outreach and service information.
Who is affected
- Individuals with developmental disabilities on the no-paid services waitlist — Individuals with developmental disabilities on the state's 'no-paid services' waitlist will receive more consistent outreach and support to determine if and when they want paid services.
- Governor and state legislature (especially relevant committees) — Will receive updated annual reports on waitlist trends and service interest to inform policy decisions and budget planning.
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) — Will hire two new full-time staff to manage and update the waitlist and conduct outreach.
- Service providers and community agencies that deliver DDA-funded services — May see changes in how quickly individuals on the waitlist transition to paid services, depending on updated interest data.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for concerns
Potential Benefits (3)
Annual reporting to the governor and legislature provides data that could inform more targeted local service allocations, but the bill does not require local governments to fund or implement new services—only to receive updated data.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(1)Hiring two new state staff creates two permanent public-sector jobs, but these are limited in number and do not significantly impact broader employment trends or small business activity.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(1)Improved service access may indirectly support transportation needs for individuals with developmental disabilities, but the bill does not directly fund or mandate transportation services.
TransportationLean peopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(1)
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill improves coordination and accuracy of service access for individuals with developmental disabilities, reducing the risk of individuals falling through cracks in the system and potentially increasing public safety by ensuring timely access to supports that prevent crises.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(1)By mandating proactive outreach and service explanation by case resource managers, the bill enhances continuity of care and reduces delays in accessing critical developmental disability services, improving health outcomes for a vulnerable population.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(2)Improved waitlist management may facilitate earlier transition to school-based or transition-to-adulthood services for youth on the waitlist, supporting educational and developmental milestones.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(1)Timely access to paid services may reduce housing instability for individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on support services to maintain independent or supported living arrangements.
HousingPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(1)The bill strengthens individual autonomy by ensuring people on the waitlist are proactively consulted about their service preferences and timelines, reinforcing informed consent and person-centered planning.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 71A.10.100(2)
Who Is Most Affected
Individuals on the waitlist—many of whom have limited income, rely on public support, and face barriers to independent living—will benefit significantly from more consistent outreach and service coordination, improving quality of life and reducing risk of institutionalization.
Service providers may see increased demand as individuals transition off the waitlist faster, but the bill does not guarantee increased funding to meet that demand—so providers could face strain without additional resources.
State leaders gain better data to allocate resources and plan budgets, but the bill does not require additional funding beyond the two new staff positions—so policy decisions may still be constrained by existing budget limits.
The DDA gains capacity to manage its waitlist more effectively, but the bill imposes new operational responsibilities without increasing overall funding, potentially straining existing staff and resources.
Families and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities may benefit from reduced stress and better access to services, but they may also bear additional informal care responsibilities if service transitions are delayed due to systemic constraints.