A bill for the closure of Rainier School, an institution for people with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, moved forward in the Washington State Legislature.
The Senate approved the closure of the establishment by a vote of 33-13 on Apr. 27, 2025, after it had cleared the house. Now, the governor will have 20 days to decide whether or not to sign the bill once it is delivered.
Rainier School Closure Bill
The legislation features a key aspect, a newly approved amendment that former long-term residents who are transitioning to community-based settings will still have the right to return to Rainier School once within the first year of their move.
But if they request a second return, it must first be reviewed and approved by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). This would include input from a multidisciplinary care team, as said by the language in the amendment.
Starting from the new bill's effective date, no new long-term admissions will be allowed at the facility, with all admissions ending by June 30, 2027. The DSHS will be tasked with providing alternative living arrangements for residents and work opportunities for school employees, according to The Olympian.
Several members of the House Appropriations Committee protested against Senate Bill 5393 by staging a walkout during a hearing on Apr. 23, 2025. The original bill included Yakima Valley School, which is a residential rehabilitation center (RHC).
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Gov. Bob Ferguson proposed the closure of Rainier School as a means to shift focus away from institutional to community-based care. This is something that proponents of the bill consider to be more cost-effective and beneficial for the quality of life of individuals at the facility.
Rep. Timm Orsmby, the committee chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said that RHCs are a necessary component on the continuum of care for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, NBCRightNow reported.
Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
On the other hand, Republicans who are on the committee shared various concerns that there is no clear plan for relocation. They also fear that residents could end up in hospitals, jails, or facilities that have insufficient capacity and care.
Rep. Travis Couture is among the lawmakers who are concerned that the bill is rushing the closure of Rainier School and does not provide enough safeguards. While still voting against the bill after the amendment, he said he felt better about it afterward.
The closure bill comes as Rainier School faced widespread scrutiny in the last few years because of incidents of abuse, neglect, and safety lapses. There were many disability rights advocates who pushed for the institution to be shut down, as per the Washington State Standard.
