Sine Die: 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

On Sunday afternoon, the gavel fell, and just like that, the 2025 legislative session came to a close. It was a session filled with highs and lows, drama, controversy, and moments so intense they were “better than TV.” In the end, a budget was passed, compromises were made, and everyone went home exhausted—but not without some hard-won victories.

Budget Highlights: Protecting Core Services for People with I/DD

As we unpack the newly passed budget, the most important news for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is this: essential services were protected.

Despite a looming budget shortfall, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The legislature:

Did not narrow eligibility for DDA services
Did not change the CARE assessment to reduce personal care hours
Did not limit waiver services
Did not cut provider rates

All of these were potential threats on the table—and thanks to your advocacy, they didn’t happen. Every call, email, and conversation mattered. Your work made a difference.

There were even modest investments in services, which is remarkable considering the budget shortfall.

A 15% rate increase for Community Respite programs, plus an additional hour of respite per month. This reflects the work done by advocates to educate legislators about the need for “more” social engagement for people with I/DD. Although this in no way addresses the entire problem, it is an acknowledgement of the need.

A 2% increase for Community Residential services—not enough to match inflation, but better than nothing

Capital Budget

There was a $50 million allocation from the Housing Trust Fund specifically for housing for people with I/DD—a tenfold increase from typical sessions!

Thanks to strong advocates who, over the past 2 biennia have educated legislators about the need for 37,000 units of housing for people with I/DD in Washington. This housing investment will be one of the lasting legacies of former Speaker Frank Chopp, whose leadership on this issue has been transformative. His absence will be deeply felt.

Legislative Wins: Special Education

This session brought historic changes in special education policy and funding:

SB 5263 – The Cap is Gone!
School districts will now have access to funds under the special education funding formulas for all of the special education students they identify and will not be capped at 16% of their total student population. This is a game-changer, especially for small and rural districts.
$350 million in new investments for Special Education, including:
- A higher funding multiplier for K–12 students
- Relinking infant/toddler supports to K–12 funding levels
SB 5253 – Ending the Birthday Cliff
Students in Special Education can now stay in school until the end of the academic year in which they turn 22, instead of being forced out on their 22nd birthday.
Continued funding for inclusive practices, including new demonstration sites
While HB 1795 (Restraint and Isolation) didn’t pass, funding was included in the budget for the “Reducing Restraints and Eliminating Isolation” training initiative for teachers and districts.

Civil Rights Progress

Some key bills passed this year will directly improve the lives of people with disabilities:

SB 5680 – Right to Repair Mobility Equipment
Individuals can now repair their own equipment or use independent shops—cutting down on costly and lengthy delays from dealer-only repairs.
SB 5501 – Ending Unnecessary Driver’s License Requirements
Employers can no longer require a driver’s license unless the job specifically requires driving—ensuring fair access to employment for people who don’t drive.

Other Bills of Interest

HB 1130 – Waiver Prioritization- This bill importantly adds “individuals over the age of 45” as a priority population. This should allow more senior families to be able to plan and receive services before they are in crisis.

Disappointments: Rainier and the Road Ahead

One of the most contentious bills of the session, SB 5393, proposed the closure of the Rainier Residential Habilitation Center. Although it technically passed, the final version was significantly weakened—redefining “closure” as simply “no new admissions.”

For many advocates, this was a bitter pill. After months of testifying, educating legislators, and waiting outside chamber doors, the final result felt like a step sideways—not forward.

The debate also revealed deeply troubling attitudes. Harmful and outdated language about people with disabilities resurfaced during testimony and floor debates, underscoring the critical need for continued education and advocacy.

It’s clear: the legislature has not yet fulfilled its promise to support a fully inclusive community. Until serious investments are made in community-based services, RHCs like Rainier will continue to exist—not because they are needed, but because the alternatives have not been adequately funded.

We at The Arc remain committed to advocating for all people with I/DD and for the services that allow every individual to live a good and meaningful life in the community.

What’s Next: How You Can Help

Advocacy doesn’t end when the gavel falls. Here’s how you can stay involved:

Thank Your Champions

Rep. Darya Farivar – for leading the charge on SB 5393 and HB 1130. She showed tremendous courage and heart in her negotiations and House floor speeches. Let her know you noticed.
Rep. Jamila Taylor – as chair of the Legislators’ Developmental Disabilities Caucus, her leadership was vital. Representative Taylor laid the groundwork by educating her colleagues on our issues throughout the year and was a presence in her Caucus and on the House floor whenever a bill impacted the DD Community. Send her a thank-you note.
Rep. Stephanie Barnard, Senator John Braun, and Senator Paul Harris spoke up for RHC closures and ensured that 5393 was ultimately passed. Their advocacy was in opposition to others in their caucus and was notable and commendable. Send them a note thanking them for their conviction.
Representative Julio Cortes was also a leader on 5393; a note of encouragement would be appreciated.
Representative Gerry Pollet and Jamie Pedersen were champions for Special Education; tell them how much you appreciate their leadership.
Other bill sponsors – See our bill tracker to find out who helped and give them your appreciation.

Educate Your Legislators

Many lawmakers lack firsthand knowledge about the needs of people with I/DD. Let’s change that.

Attend a town hall this summer—bring a friend, ask a question, share your story.
Set up a meeting with your legislator. Tell them what services mean to you and what’s still needed.
Engage your community—the more people who understand DD issues, the stronger our voice becomes.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

We did good work—but the work isn’t over.

– Cathy Murahashi

Upcoming Events

Legislative Session Recap – Wednesday, May 7 at 7 PM
A deeper dive into the wins, losses, and what’s next.

Medicaid Update – Wednesday, May 21 at 7 PM
Learn what is happening at the Federal Level and what you can do

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Sine Die: 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Sine Die: 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up