SB 5681 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning the age at which clients of the developmental disabilities administration may receive employment and community inclusion services.

This bill changes Washington State's developmental disabilities program to provide employment services starting at age 19 (previously age 21). It requires the state department to offer clients a choice to transition from employment programs to community inclusion services after nine months, with no prior approval needed for this switch. The bill mandates that clients and their legal representatives receive clear information about all service options, including activity types and service duration. It also directs the department to expand community inclusion programs that support community integration and independent living skills. The changes take effect October 1, 2025.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Feb 5, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Substitute Bill · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to change the target agency from the Developmental Disabilities Administration to the Home and Community Living Administration. Additionally, the age for receiving employment services was increased from 19 to 20, and the effective date of the law was moved from 2025 to 2026.
Scope change
The bill's scope was narrowed by changing the administering agency from the Developmental Disabilities Administration to the Home and Community Living Administration, and the age eligibility for services was raised by one year.
SCOPE

The administering agency was changed from the Developmental Disabilities Administration to the Home and Community Living Administration.

ELIGIBILITY

The age at which clients become eligible for employment services was increased from 19 to 20.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the act was changed from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Feb 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
upper
Jan 28, 2026
Committee
Referred to Ways & Means.
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
And refer to Ways & Means.
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 1:30 PM.
upper
Jan 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 1:30 PM.
upper
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors