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SB 5393

Closing the Yakima Valley school and Rainier school.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by T'wina Nobles and 2 co-sponsors

The bill closes Rainier School by banning new long-term admissions and ending all admissions by 6/30/2027, while moving residents to community options with protections and ongoing

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5393

SB 5393 — Closing the Rainier School (Chapter 410, 2025 Laws)

Effective date: July 27, 2025

Summary
SB 5393 directs the phased closure of Rainier School (a state Residential Habilitation Center, RHC, in Buckley) by prohibiting new long‑term admissions immediately and prohibiting any admissions as of June 30, 2027. The act requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to relocate current residents into appropriate alternative settings, to manage workforce transitions, and to report regularly to the Legislature on outcomes and system capacity. The law includes requirements intended to protect resident choice, health, and continuity of care during transitions.

Purpose and legislative intent
- Promote transitions from institutional RHC care to community‑based residential options when appropriate, while ensuring safe, individualized transitions and oversight.
- Preserve choice and continuity of services for residents and offer employment opportunities and supports for affected staff.
- Provide the Legislature with ongoing data and independent feedback to monitor outcomes.

Key provisions
- Admissions and closure mechanics
- No new long‑term admissions to Rainier School as of the law’s effective date (7/27/2025).
- No admissions of any kind are permitted as of June 30, 2027.
- Rainier School continues to operate until its census of long‑term residents reaches zero; “closure” is defined as prohibiting new admissions.
- Former long‑term residents who move to the community after the effective date are offered a one‑time right to return within the first year after transition; additional returns require departmental review and Secretary approval.

  • Transition planning and resident protections

    • DSHS must offer meaningful choice of placement, prioritize client autonomy and medical/behavioral needs, and develop individualized transition plans in collaboration with residents, guardians, families and care teams.
    • DSHS must coordinate with other agencies and community stakeholders and provide or contract for assessments, relocation expenses, housing modifications, staff training, crisis supports and related activities.
    • Sufficient funding is required to provide specified alternatives (state‑operated living alternatives, supported living, adult family homes, or space at other RHCs depending on resident preference).

  • Workforce and employment

    • DSHS must offer Rainier employees opportunities to work in state‑operated living alternatives and other state programs (subject to funding and appropriations).

  • Reporting, oversight, and independent review

    • DSHS reporting schedule to Legislature: Dec 1, 2025; Jun 1 & Dec 1, 2026; Jun 1, 2027; Jun 1, 2028; and annually thereafter (reports required through July 1, 2030). Reports must include residential capacity, transitions, deaths of former residents, geographic placement distribution, and workforce outcomes.
    • Office of the Developmental Disability Ombuds must report (summary of resident/guardian feedback) by Nov 1, 2028 (expires July 1, 2029).
    • The act requires robust oversight and monitoring of transition outcomes and individual well‑being.

Who is affected
- Current Rainier School long‑term residents and their families/guardians — subject to individualized transition planning and protections, with a one‑time right to return.
- Former residents who transitioned after the effective date (tracked in reporting).
- Rainier School staff — offered alternative state employment opportunities; workforce impacts are to be reported.
- Community residential providers and local communities — responsible for increased placements and supports; subject to capacity analysis and state coordination.
- DSHS — responsible for planning, funding requests, transition operations, and reporting.

Procedural/timeline notes
- Governor signed and enrolled (Chapter 410, 2025 Laws). Effective July 27, 2025.
- Admissions restrictions begin on effective date; all admissions barred June 30, 2027.
- Reporting and ombuds requirements have specified deadlines through 2028–2030.
- Rainier remains operational until no long‑term residents remain.

Potential impacts (summary)
- Shifts care from institutional to community settings; requires investment in community capacity and staffing.
- Impacts local economy and staffing in Buckley and surrounding areas; employment transition provisions and legislative reporting aim to track and mitigate these effects.
- Establishes statutory safeguards and reporting to monitor resident outcomes, safety, and system capacity over time.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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