Text of WA SB 5998 (2026)
Making 2025-2027 fiscal biennium supplemental operating appropriations.
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As introduced
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AN ACT Relating to fiscal matters; reenacting and amending RCW
1
70A.65.030; amending RCW 28B.76.526, 38.40.210, 43.07.130, 43.41.399,
2
43.41.433, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.105.342, 43.185C.185,
3
43.280.130,
70.42.090,
70.168.040,
70A.200.140,
71A.20.170,
4
74.39A.032, 74.46.561, 79.100.100, 82.87.030, and 89.16.020; amending
5
2025 c 424 ss 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112,
6
113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126,
7
127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140,
8
141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154,
9
155, 156, 157, 158, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210,
10
211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224,
11
225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 301,
12
302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 401, 402, 501,
13
502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 509, 511, 512, 513, 515, 516, 517, 518,
14
519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613,
15
614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 701, 702, 704, 709, 713, 719, 722, 727,
16
729, 732, 740, 801, 805, 901, 907, and 909 (uncodified); adding new
17
sections to 2025 c 424 (uncodified); repealing 2025 c 424 s 741
18
(uncodified); making appropriations; and declaring an emergency.
19
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
20
PART I
21
Z-0560.1
SENATE BILL 5998
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Senator Robinson; by request of Office of Financial Management
Prefiled 01/05/26.
p. 1
SB 5998
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1
Sec. 101. 2025 c 424 s 101 (uncodified) is amended to read as
2
follows:
3
FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($61,985,000))
5
$61,789,000
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($65,250,000))
7
$65,441,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($127,235,000))
9
$127,230,000
10
Sec. 102. 2025 c 424 s 102 (uncodified) is amended to read as
11
follows:
12
FOR THE SENATE
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($45,521,000))
14
$45,556,000
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($50,984,000))
16
$50,933,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($96,505,000))
18
$96,489,000
19
Sec. 103. 2025 c 424 s 103 (uncodified) is amended to read as
20
follows:
21
FOR THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE
22
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,910,000))
24
$13,908,000
25
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,910,000))
26
$13,908,000
27
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
28
conditions and limitations:
29
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the joint
30
legislative audit and review committee may adjust the due dates for
31
projects included on the committee's 2025-2027 work plan as necessary
32
to efficiently manage workload.
33
(2)(a) $400,000 of the performance audits of government account—
34
state appropriation is for the joint legislative audit and review
35
committee to review the department of children, youth, and families
36
p. 2
SB 5998
juvenile rehabilitation programs as listed on the committee's
1
approved work plan, including:
2
(i) Review the department of children, youth, and families
3
juvenile rehabilitation program's existing processes and staffing
4
methodology used for determining adequate staffing ratios to meet the
5
confinement and rehabilitative needs of the juveniles and ensure
6
public safety;
7
(ii)
Review
procedures
and
protocols
for
professional
8
development, hiring and recruitment, and training for staff serving
9
youth in juvenile rehabilitation institutions, with a focus on how
10
staff are trained to implement rehabilitative practices;
11
(iii) Review youth access to programming, treatment, and services
12
including, but not limited to, educational programming, treatment and
13
services for youth experiencing substance use disorder, behavioral
14
health treatment, available reentry services such as housing, job
15
training, and other supports, access to technology services, family
16
and community connections, and other programming and services offered
17
by
the
department
to
provide
youth
with
rehabilitation
and
18
restorative interventions;
19
(iv) Review existing security and safety measures, including the
20
use
of
disciplinary
procedures
for
total
isolation
and
room
21
confinement, adopted by the department and their effectiveness in
22
meeting the unique needs of the juvenile population in the custody of
23
the department;
24
(v) Review how often and how many youth face new juvenile or
25
adult criminal offense charges, convictions, or both while residing
26
at
juvenile
rehabilitation
institutions
and
potential
future
27
consequences that may occur as a result such as sentence extension,
28
likelihood of recidivism, health impacts, and effects regarding
29
criminal records;
30
(vi) Assess gender equity regarding education, employment, and
31
career options for female youth;
32
(vii) Review how staffing impacts youth-on-youth conflict and
33
safety;
34
(viii) Review best practices from other states regarding security
35
and safety measures, programming opportunities, reentry supports,
36
staff training and professional development, and staffing ratios, and
37
identify options that may be feasible to adopt in Washington state to
38
increase public safety and the security, programming options,
39
p. 3
SB 5998
treatment services, and rehabilitation mission of the department's
1
juvenile rehabilitation institutions;
2
(ix) Review the department's existing processes for responding to
3
critical incidents, including communication and cooperation with
4
local law enforcement, and identify areas for improvement; and
5
(x) Review the impacts of changes in average daily population,
6
longer lengths of stay, longer sentences, increases in maximum age of
7
release, increases in more serious offense types and adult sentences,
8
and related effects of chapter 322, Laws of 2019.
9
(b) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall report
10
its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate
11
committees of the legislature by June 30, 2026. The report shall
12
include recommendations on supporting the juvenile rehabilitation
13
program's efforts to gradually move young people from carceral
14
settings to least restrictive environments to improve positive
15
reentry outcomes.
16
(3) $400,000 of the performance audits of government account—
17
state appropriation is for the joint legislative audit and review
18
committee to evaluate the ignition interlock device revolving account
19
including the compliance and monitoring results associated with the
20
device requirements, as listed on the committee's approved work plan.
21
The evaluation must include but is not limited to the following:
22
(a) An assessment of the compliance rates for individuals with a
23
legal requirement to have an ignition interlock device installed on
24
their vehicle;
25
(b) A review of impediments of barriers to individual compliance
26
with ignition interlock device installation and use requirements;
27
(c) An examination of state and local agency performance in
28
monitoring and enforcing ignition interlock device requirements; and
29
(d) Prioritized recommendations of potential procedural, policy,
30
or statutory changes, including additional fiscal resources to state
31
or local agencies which will improve ignition interlock device
32
compliance rates. The joint legislative and audit review committee
33
must prioritize the evaluation of compliance and results associated
34
with the state's ignition interlock device requirements in its work
35
plan for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
36
(4) $150,000 of the performance audits of government account—
37
state appropriation is for the joint legislative audit and review
38
committee to review the department of natural resources long-term
39
p. 4
SB 5998
forest health planning and sustainable harvest approach as listed on
1
the committee's approved work plan.
2
(5) Within the amount appropriated in this section, the joint
3
legislative audit and review committee shall conduct the audit
4
required under Second Substitute House Bill No. 1715 (energy
5
standard/comply cost).
6
Sec. 104. 2025 c 424 s 104 (uncodified) is amended to read as
7
follows:
8
FOR THE LEGISLATIVE EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM COMMITTEE
9
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
10
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,607,000))
11
$5,608,000
12
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,607,000))
13
$5,608,000
14
Sec. 105. 2025 c 424 s 105 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE SYSTEMS COMMITTEE
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($23,263,000))
18
$23,269,000
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($22,084,000))
20
$22,078,000
21
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$45,347,000
22
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
23
conditions and limitations:
24
(1) Within the amounts provided in this section, the joint
25
legislative systems committee shall provide information technology
26
support, including but not limited to internet service, for the
27
district offices of members of the house of representatives and the
28
senate.
29
(2) $1,003,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 is provided solely for purchasing IT equipment for the
31
Pritchard building.
32
Sec. 106. 2025 c 424 s 106 (uncodified) is amended to read as
33
follows:
34
FOR THE OFFICE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LABOR RELATIONS
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($919,000))
36
p. 5
SB 5998
$924,000
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($933,000))
2
$967,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,852,000))
4
$1,891,000
5
Sec. 107. 2025 c 424 s 107 (uncodified) is amended to read as
6
follows:
7
FOR THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ACTUARY
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $404,000
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . $422,000
10
State Health Care Authority Administrative Account—
11
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $318,000
12
Department of Retirement Systems Expense Account—
13
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($7,684,000))
14
$7,683,000
15
School Employees' Insurance Administrative Account—
16
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($9,093,000))
18
$9,092,000
19
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
20
conditions and limitations: The select committee on pension policy
21
shall study and report on the tax, legal, actuarial, pension policy,
22
and administrative implications of merging the legacy pension systems
23
as contemplated in Substitute Senate Bill No. 5085 (closed retirement
24
plans) and terminating plan 1 of the law enforcement officers' and
25
firefighters' retirement system as contemplated in Substitute House
26
Bill No. 2034 (LEOFF 1 restatement). The department of retirement
27
systems, the attorney general's office, the office of the state
28
treasurer, the Washington state investment board, and the office of
29
the state actuary shall provide the select committee on pension
30
policy with assistance as requested. The select committee on pension
31
policy shall submit a report to include key findings to the fiscal
32
committees of the legislature by January 9, 2026.
33
Sec. 108. 2025 c 424 s 108 (uncodified) is amended to read as
34
follows:
35
FOR THE STATUTE LAW COMMITTEE
36
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($6,429,000))
37
p. 6
SB 5998
$6,230,000
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($6,245,000))
2
$6,442,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($12,674,000))
4
$12,672,000
5
Sec. 109. 2025 c 424 s 109 (uncodified) is amended to read as
6
follows:
7
FOR THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($6,568,000))
9
$6,634,000
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($6,926,000))
11
$7,171,000
12
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,494,000))
13
$13,805,000
14
Sec. 110. 2025 c 424 s 111 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE SUPREME COURT
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($15,979,000))
18
$16,161,000
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($16,247,000))
20
$16,551,000
21
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($32,226,000))
22
$32,712,000
23
Sec. 111. 2025 c 424 s 112 (uncodified) is amended to read as
24
follows:
25
FOR THE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,935,000))
27
$2,941,000
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,863,000))
29
$2,881,000
30
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,798,000))
31
$5,822,000
32
Sec. 112. 2025 c 424 s 113 (uncodified) is amended to read as
33
follows:
34
FOR THE COURT OF APPEALS
35
p. 7
SB 5998
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($27,987,000))
1
$28,168,000
2
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($28,640,000))
3
$29,029,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($56,627,000))
5
$57,197,000
6
Sec. 113. 2025 c 424 s 114 (uncodified) is amended to read as
7
follows:
8
FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE COURTS
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($108,147,000))
10
$112,317,000
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($109,947,000))
12
$122,305,000
13
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $2,209,000
14
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $681,000
15
Judicial Stabilization Trust Account—State
16
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$36,639,000
17
Judicial Information Systems Account—State
18
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$79,530,000
19
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
20
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $940,000
21
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($338,093,000))
22
$354,621,000
23
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
24
conditions and limitations:
25
(1) The distributions made under this section and distributions
26
from the county criminal justice assistance account made pursuant to
27
section 801 of this act constitute appropriate reimbursement for
28
costs for any new programs or increased level of service for purposes
29
of RCW 43.135.060.
30
(2)(a) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
32
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
33
distribution to county juvenile court administrators for the costs
34
associated with processing and case management of truancy, children
35
in need of services, and at-risk youth referrals. The administrator
36
for
the
courts,
in
conjunction
with
the
juvenile
court
37
administrators, shall develop an equitable funding distribution
38
p. 8
SB 5998
formula. The formula must neither reward counties with higher than
1
average per-petition/referral processing costs nor shall it penalize
2
counties with lower than average per-petition/referral processing
3
costs.
4
(b) Each fiscal year during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, each
5
county shall report the number of petitions processed and the total
6
actual costs of processing truancy, children in need of services, and
7
at-risk youth petitions. Counties shall submit the reports to the
8
administrator for the courts no later than 45 days after the end of
9
the
fiscal
year.
The
administrator
for
the
courts
shall
10
electronically transmit this information to the chairs and ranking
11
minority members of the house of representatives and senate fiscal
12
committees no later than 60 days after a fiscal year ends. These
13
reports are informational in nature and are not for the purpose of
14
distributing funds.
15
(3) $6,000,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for distribution to local courts for
17
costs associated with the court-appointed attorney and visitor
18
requirements set forth in the uniform guardianship act, chapter
19
11.130 RCW. If the amount provided in this subsection is insufficient
20
to fully fund the local court costs, distributions must be reduced on
21
a proportional basis to ensure that expenditures remain within the
22
available funds provided in this subsection.
23
(4) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the administrative office of
26
the courts to use as matching funds to distribute to small municipal
27
and county courts, located in a rural county as defined in RCW
28
43.160.020, for the purpose of increasing security for court
29
facilities. Grants must be used solely for security equipment and
30
services for municipal, district, and superior courts and may not be
31
used for staffing or administrative costs.
32
(5) $5,937,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
33
appropriation is provided solely to establish a direct refund process
34
to individuals to refund legal financial obligations, collection
35
costs, and document-verified costs paid to third parties previously
36
paid by defendants whose convictions have been vacated by court order
37
due to the State v. Blake ruling. Superior court clerks, district
38
court administrators, and municipal court administrators must certify
39
p. 9
SB 5998
and send to the office the amount of any refund ordered by the court.
1
The court order must either contain the amount of the refund or
2
provide language for the clerk or court administrator to certify to
3
the office the amount to be refunded to the individual.
4
(6) $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for activities of the office
7
relating to the resentencing or vacating convictions of individuals
8
and refund of legal financial obligations and costs associated with
9
the State v. Blake ruling. In addition to contracting with cities and
10
counties for the disbursement of funds appropriated for resentencing
11
costs, the office must:
12
(a) Collaborate with superior court clerks, district court
13
administrators,
and
municipal
court
administrators
to
prepare
14
comprehensive reports, based on available court records, of all cause
15
numbers impacted by State v. Blake going back to 1971. Such reports
16
must include the refund amount related to each cause number;
17
(b) In collaboration with the office of public defense and the
18
office of civil legal aid, establish a process that can be used by
19
individuals
seeking
a
refund,
provide
individuals
information
20
regarding the application process necessary to claim a refund, and
21
issue payments from the refund bureau to individuals certified in
22
subsection (5) of this section; and
23
(c) Collaborate with counties and municipalities to adopt
24
standard coding for application to State v. Blake convictions and to
25
develop a standardized practice regarding vacated convictions.
26
(7) $7,563,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
27
appropriation is provided solely to assist counties and cities with
28
costs of complying with the State v. Blake decision that arise from
29
their role in operating the state's criminal justice system,
30
including resentencing, vacating prior convictions for simple drug
31
possession, to include cannabis and possession of paraphernalia, and
32
certifying refunds of legal financial obligations and collections
33
costs. The office shall contract with counties and cities for
34
judicial, clerk, defense, and prosecution expenses for these purposes
35
if requested by a county or city. A county or city may designate the
36
office to use available funding to administer a vacate process, or a
37
portion of the vacate process, on behalf of the county or city. The
38
office must collaborate with counties and cities to adopt standard
39
p. 10
SB 5998
coding for application to Blake convictions and to develop a
1
standardized practice regarding vacated convictions.
2
(8) $4,188,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for decision-making assistance
4
pursuant to chapter 267, Laws of 2024 (2SSB 5825). During the fiscal
5
biennium, in conformity with RCW 2.72.030, the administrative office
6
of the courts shall collect uniform and consistent data on decision
7
making assistance to include, but not limited to: The number of
8
requests for decision making assistance received from hospitals, the
9
number
of
guardianships
and
less
restrictive
alternatives
to
10
guardianships provided, the support and housing provided, and any
11
other data related to case monitoring and management.
12
(9) $242,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second
14
Substitute House Bill No. 1163 (firearms purchase). ((If the bill is
15
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
16
shall lapse.))
17
(10) $520,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
18
appropriation is provided solely for pilot self-help centers in two
19
courthouses, one on each side of the state.
20
(((12))) (11) $249,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
21
for fiscal year 2026 and $133,000 of the general fund—state
22
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
23
implementation of Second Substitute House Bill No. 1391 (court
24
alternatives/youth). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025,
25
the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
26
(13))) (12) $1,094,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
27
for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the statewide fiscal
28
impact on Thurston county courts. It is the intent of the legislature
29
that this policy will be continued in subsequent fiscal biennia.
30
(((14))) (13) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
31
for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state
32
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to address
33
data quality issues across Washington state court management systems.
34
(((15))) (14) $12,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the administrative office of
36
the courts for data management and research related to conducting
37
statewide research on the proportionality of court charges in
38
Washington state based on race and ethnicity.
39
p. 11
SB 5998
Sec. 114. 2025 c 424 s 115 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($83,336,000))
4
$83,348,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($84,113,000))
6
$94,908,000
7
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $40,000
8
Judicial Stabilization Trust Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($19,056,000))
10
$19,054,000
11
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($186,505,000))
12
$197,350,000
13
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
14
conditions and limitations:
15
(1) $900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the purpose of improving the
18
quality of trial court public defense services as authorized by
19
chapter 10.101 RCW. The office of public defense must allocate these
20
amounts so that $450,000 per fiscal year is distributed to counties,
21
and $450,000 per fiscal year is distributed to cities, for grants
22
under chapter 10.101 RCW.
23
(2) $2,632,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026 and $2,812,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of public defense
26
to administer contracts for appellate attorneys to cover a backlog of
27
case assignments and increasing workload associated with indigent
28
appeals. The office shall provide training for contracted attorneys.
29
(3)(a) $8,615,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—
30
state appropriation ((is)) and $1,900,000 of the general fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to:
32
(i) Assist counties and cities with public defense services
33
related to vacating the convictions of defendants and/or resentencing
34
for defendants whose convictions or sentences are affected by the
35
State v. Blake decision. The office of public defense will:
36
(A) Provide statewide attorney training, technical assistance,
37
data analysis and reporting, and quality oversight, to administer
38
p. 12
SB 5998
financial assistance for public defense costs related to State v.
1
Blake impacts;
2
(B) Maintain a triage team to provide statewide support to the
3
management and flow of hearings for individuals impacted by the State
4
v. Blake decision; and
5
(C)
Assist
counties
and
cities
in
providing
counsel
for
6
defendants seeking to vacate a conviction and/or be resentenced under
7
State v. Blake. Assistance shall be allocated to counties and cities
8
based upon a formula established by the office of public defense.
9
Counties may receive assistance by applying for grant funding and/or
10
designating the office of public defense to contract directly with
11
counsel. The office of public defense shall contract directly with
12
counsel to assist cities under this subsection; and
13
(ii) Administer statutory duties under RCW 2.70.200 through the
14
simple possession advocacy and representation program.
15
(b) Of the amounts provided in this subsection, the office of
16
public defense may utilize up to $5,000 for fiscal year 2026 and
17
$5,000 for fiscal year 2027 to address emergency needs for clients
18
served by the simple possession advocacy and representation program.
19
Temporary, limited assistance may be made available to address short
20
term urgent needs that, if unaddressed, could cause clients to miss
21
court dates or fail to engage in court-ordered services. The office
22
of public defense shall establish eligibility criteria and an
23
expedited
process
for
reviewing
financial
assistance
requests
24
submitted by SPAR program contractors.
25
(4) $40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of public defense
28
to address emergency safety assistance and other urgent needs for
29
clients served by the parents representation program. Temporary,
30
limited assistance may be made available for short-term housing,
31
utilities, transportation, food assistance, and other urgent needs
32
that, if unaddressed, could adversely impact dependency case outcomes
33
and impede successful family reunification. The office of public
34
defense shall utilize eligibility criteria and an expedited process
35
for reviewing financial assistance requests submitted by parents
36
representation program contractors.
37
(5) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
p. 13
SB 5998
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the parents for parents
1
program, as established by RCW 2.70.060 through 2.70.090. Funds must
2
be used to maintain and improve the parents for parents service
3
model, including host organizations and county coordinators.
4
(6) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 is provided solely for the office of public defense to
6
contract
with
a
nonprofit
organization
in
eastern
Washington
7
providing peer-led reentry services such as peer coaching, basic
8
needs,
housing
resources,
behavioral
health
treatment,
family
9
support, civic engagement, and voting education. The organization
10
must have a history of collaboration with the department of
11
corrections to provide trainings on trauma to individuals reentering
12
the community after incarceration. The organization shall provide
13
comprehensive trainings, resources and referrals to individuals with
14
a history of reentry from incarceration.
15
(7)
(($13,600,000))
$12,700,000
of
the
general
fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($13,600,000)) $12,700,000 of
17
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
18
provided solely for the office of public defense to administer funds
19
to counties and cities pursuant to formulas established in RCW
20
10.101.050 through 10.101.080.
21
(8) $1,808,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
22
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter 293,
23
Laws of 2024 (2SSB 5780).
24
(9) $102,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $102,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
27
Senate Bill No. 5149 (early childhood court prg.). ((If the bill is
28
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
29
shall lapse.))
30
Sec. 115. 2025 c 424 s 116 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE OFFICE OF CIVIL LEGAL AID
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($66,083,000))
34
$66,089,000
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($64,483,000))
36
$71,399,000
37
Judicial Stabilization Trust Account—State
38
p. 14
SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,464,000
1
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($132,030,000))
2
$138,952,000
3
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
4
conditions and limitations:
5
(1) $8,611,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $8,611,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the appointed counsel
8
program for children and youth in dependency cases under RCW
9
13.34.212(3) in accordance with revised practice, caseload, and
10
training standards adopted by the supreme court commission on
11
children in foster care. The amounts provided in this subsection
12
incudes
funding
for
implementation
of
Senate
Bill
No.
5761
13
(dependency/attorney appt.).
14
(2) $2,579,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $2,579,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the provision of civil legal
17
information, advice, and representation for tenants at risk of
18
eviction but not yet eligible for appointed counsel services under
19
RCW 59.18.640.
20
(3) $19,612,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal
year
2026
and
$16,898,000
of
the
general
fund—state
22
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
23
appointed counsel program for tenants in unlawful detainer cases
24
established in RCW 59.18.640. The office of civil legal aid shall
25
assign priority to providing legal representation to indigent tenants
26
in those counties in which the most evictions occur and to indigent
27
tenants who are disproportionately at risk of eviction, as provided
28
in RCW 59.18.640.
29
(4) An amount not to exceed $40,000 of the general fund—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and an amount not to exceed
31
$40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027
32
may be used to provide telephonic legal advice and assistance to
33
otherwise eligible persons who are 60 years of age or older on
34
matters authorized by RCW 2.53.030(2) (a) through (k) regardless of
35
household income or asset level.
36
(5) $604,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $607,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to the office of civil legal aid
39
p. 15
SB 5998
to maintain a kinship care legal advice phone line and support
1
program. The program provides guidance and legal advice to kinship
2
caregivers on topics including kinship care, guardianship, the child
3
welfare system, and issues related to child custody.
4
(6) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of civil legal
7
aid to continue civil legal aid services for survivors of domestic
8
violence, including legal services for protection order proceedings,
9
family law cases, immigration assistance, and other civil legal
10
issues arising from or related to the domestic violence they
11
experienced.
12
(7) $1,007,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $1,022,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of civil legal
15
aid to continue the statewide reentry legal aid project as
16
established in section 115(12), chapter 357, Laws of 2020.
17
(8) $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of chapter
20
328, Laws of 2024 (E2SSB 6109).
21
(9) $783,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 and $783,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of civil legal
24
aid to establish a program for the provision of civil legal services
25
to medicaid-eligible long-term care residents being discharged from a
26
provider-owned setting.
27
Sec. 116. 2025 c 424 s 117 (uncodified) is amended to read as
28
follows:
29
FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($23,479,000))
31
$28,774,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($23,590,000))
33
$27,911,000
34
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $500,000
35
Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,215,000
37
GOV Central Service Account—State Appropriation. . . (($20,473,000))
38
p. 16
SB 5998
$23,629,000
1
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $854,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($70,611,000))
4
$83,883,000
5
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1) $1,146,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $1,146,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of the education
10
ombuds.
11
(2) (($20,473,000)) $19,769,000 of the GOV central service
12
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the office of
13
equity.
14
(3) $1,187,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $1,187,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
17
House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the bill is
18
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
19
shall lapse.)) Within amounts provided in this subsection:
20
(a) $1,136,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
21
year 2026 and $1,137,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for flexible funding to support
23
children in crisis. Uses of the flexible funding include, but are not
24
limited to:
25
(i) Residential, housing, or wraparound supports that facilitate
26
the safe discharge of children in crisis from hospitals;
27
(ii) Support for families and caregivers to mitigate the risk of
28
a child going into or returning to a state of crisis;
29
(iii) Respite and relief services for families and caregivers
30
that would assist in the safe discharge of a child in crisis from a
31
hospital, or prevent or mitigate a child's future hospitalization due
32
to crisis; or
33
(iv) Any support or service that would expedite a safe discharge
34
of a child in crisis from an acute care hospital or that would
35
prevent or mitigate a child's future hospitalization due to crisis.
36
(b)
Flexible
funding
expenditures
may
not
be
used
for
37
administrative expenses.
38
p. 17
SB 5998
(c) The project director in Substitute House Bill No. 1272
1
(children in crisis program) must approve any expenditures of
2
flexible funding.
3
(4) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
4
Washington state office of equity must cofacilitate the Washington
5
digital equity forum with the statewide broadband office.
6
(5) $328,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $318,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Senate
9
Bill No. 5032 (juvenile rehab ombuds). ((If the bill is not enacted
10
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
11
lapse.))
12
(6) $7,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $7,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Senate
15
Bill No. 5199 (DCYF oversight board comp.). ((If the bill is not
16
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
17
shall lapse.))
18
(7)(a)
(($240,000))
$220,000
of
the
general
fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($100,000)) $120,000 of the
20
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided
21
solely for the governor to invite federally recognized tribes, local
22
governments, agricultural producers, commercial and recreational
23
fisher
organizations,
business
organizations,
salmon
recovery
24
organizations,
forestry
and
agricultural
organizations,
and
25
environmental organizations to participate in a process facilitated
26
by an independent entity to develop recommendations on proposed
27
changes in policy and spending priorities to improve riparian habitat
28
to ensure salmon and steelhead recovery.
29
(i) The independent entity must develop recommendations on
30
furthering riparian funding and policy including, but not limited to,
31
strategies that can attract private investment in improving riparian
32
habitat and developing a regulatory or compensation strategy if
33
voluntary programs do not achieve concrete targets.
34
(ii) Preliminary recommendations shall be submitted to the
35
legislature and governor by June 1, 2026, with a final report by
36
November 15, 2026.
37
(b) The amounts provided in fiscal year 2027 are provided solely
38
for
the
task
force
to
develop
proposals
to
implement
the
39
p. 18
SB 5998
recommendations submitted in (a) of this subsection. The independent
1
entity must convene a group of interested members of the legislature
2
to provide the task force with background information regarding the
3
recommendations submitted to the legislature, and to support the
4
development of the implementation proposals. A report outlining the
5
implementation proposals is due to the governor and the appropriate
6
committees of the legislature by November 15, 2026.
7
(c) The office of the governor may contract for an independent
8
facilitator. The contract is exempt from the competitive procurement
9
requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
10
Sec. 117. 2025 c 424 s 118 (uncodified) is amended to read as
11
follows:
12
FOR THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($1,356,000))
14
$1,475,000
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($1,416,000))
16
$1,535,000
17
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $90,000
18
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,862,000))
19
$3,100,000
20
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
21
conditions and limitations: Within the amounts appropriated in this
22
section, the office of the lieutenant governor shall conduct a review
23
of retail or commercial properties with substantial potential for
24
redevelopment as residential or mixed-use properties providing market
25
rate and affordable housing supply, and identify state or local
26
legislative actions that would reduce costs and accelerate delivery
27
of new housing supply. The office shall solicit letters of interest
28
from the owners or developers of such properties to be received no
29
later than September 1, 2025. By December 1, 2025, the office must
30
review the letters of interest and submit a report to the appropriate
31
committees of the legislature identifying state or local legislative
32
actions including, but not limited to, regulatory and tax incentives,
33
permit streamlining, infrastructure assistance, support for local
34
development agreements, or other actions that would accelerate
35
delivery and reduce costs of new housing supply.
36
p. 19
SB 5998
Sec. 118. 2025 c 424 s 119 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COMMISSION
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($4,501,000))
4
$4,514,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,851,000))
6
$4,899,000
7
Public Disclosure Transparency Account—State
8
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,208,000))
9
$4,208,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,560,000))
11
$13,621,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations:
14
(1) No moneys may be expended from the appropriations in this
15
section to establish an electronic directory, archive, or other
16
compilation of political advertising unless explicitly authorized by
17
the legislature.
18
(2) $2,170,000 of the public disclosure transparency account—
19
state appropriation is provided solely for the public disclosure
20
commission for the purpose of improving the ability of the public to
21
access information about political campaigns, lobbying, and elected
22
officials, and facilitating accurate and timely reporting by the
23
regulated community. The commission must report to the office of
24
financial management and fiscal committees of the legislature by
25
October 31st of each year detailing information on the public
26
disclosure transparency account. The report shall include, but is not
27
limited to:
28
(a) An investment plan of how funds would be used to improve the
29
ability
of
the
public
to
access
information
about
political
30
campaigns, lobbying, and elected officials, and facilitate accurate
31
and timely reporting by the regulated community;
32
(b) A list of active projects as of July 1st of the fiscal year.
33
This must include a breakdown of expenditures by project and expense
34
type for all current and ongoing projects;
35
(c) A list of projects that are planned in the current and
36
following fiscal year and projects the commission would recommend for
37
future funding. The commission must identify priorities, and develop
38
p. 20
SB 5998
accountability
measures
to
ensure
the
projects
meet
intended
1
purposes; and
2
(d) Any other metric or measure the commission deems appropriate
3
to track the outcome of the use of the funds.
4
Sec. 119. 2025 c 424 s 120 (uncodified) is amended to read as
5
follows:
6
FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($33,025,000))
8
$33,102,000
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($40,763,000))
10
$43,365,000
11
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,822,000))
12
$8,817,000
13
Public Records Efficiency, Preservation, and Access
14
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($12,854,000))
15
$12,897,000
16
Charitable Organization Education Account—State
17
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,305,000
18
Washington State Library Operations Account—State
19
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($14,891,000))
20
$14,940,000
21
Local Government Archives Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,783,000))
23
$11,828,000
24
Election Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $4,499,000
25
Personnel Service Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($1,685,000))
26
$1,684,000
27
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($129,627,000))
28
$132,437,000
29
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
30
conditions and limitations:
31
(1)
(($16,998,000))
$2,498,000
of
the
general
fund—state
32
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($21,450,000)) $12,196,000 of
33
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
34
provided solely to reimburse counties for the state's share of
35
primary and general election costs and the costs of conducting
36
mandatory recounts on state measures. Counties shall be reimbursed
37
p. 21
SB 5998
only for those costs that the secretary of state validates as
1
eligible for reimbursement.
2
(2) Any reductions to funding for the Washington talking book and
3
Braille library may not exceed in proportion any reductions taken to
4
the funding for the library as a whole.
5
(3) $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for humanities Washington
8
speaker's bureau community conversations.
9
(4) $114,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $114,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for election reconciliation
12
reporting.
Funding
provides
for
one
staff
to
compile
county
13
reconciliation reports, analyze the data, and to complete an annual
14
statewide election reconciliation report for every state primary and
15
general election. The report must be submitted annually on July 31,
16
to legislative policy and fiscal committees. The annual report must
17
include statewide analysis and by county analysis on the reasons for
18
ballot rejection and an analysis of the ways ballots are received,
19
counted, rejected and cure data that can be used by policymakers to
20
better understand election administration.
21
(5) $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 ((and)), $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
23
for fiscal year 2027, and $1,740,000 of the secretary of state's
24
revolving account are provided solely for staff dedicated to the
25
maintenance and operations of the voter registration and election
26
management system. These staff will manage database upgrades,
27
database maintenance, system training and support to counties, and
28
triage and customer service to system users.
29
(6) $8,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $8,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for:
32
(a) Funding the security operations center, including identified
33
needs for expanded operations, systems, technology tools, training
34
resources;
35
(b) Additional staff dedicated to the cyber and physical security
36
of election operations at the office and county election offices;
37
(c) Expanding security assessments, threat monitoring, enhanced
38
security training; and
39
p. 22
SB 5998
(d) Providing grants to county partners to address identified
1
threats and expand existing grants and contracts with other public
2
and private organizations such as the Washington military department,
3
national guard, private companies providing cyber security, and
4
county election offices.
5
(7) $580,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $580,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office's migration of
8
its applications and systems to Azure cloud environments, and is
9
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
10
section 701 of this act.
11
(8) $154,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $154,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington state library
14
branch at Green Hill school.
15
(9) $81,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $81,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for intrusion detection systems
18
that prevent election security breaches.
19
(10) $57,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 is provided solely for artifact preservation at Lakeland
21
Village.
22
(11) $237,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill No.
24
5077 (agency voter registration). ((If the bill is not enacted by
25
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
26
(12) $2,226,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Senate
28
Joint Resolution No. 8201 (investments/LTSS accounts). ((If the
29
resolution is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
30
this subsection shall lapse.))
31
Sec. 120. 2025 c 424 s 121 (uncodified) is amended to read as
32
follows:
33
FOR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($852,000))
35
$854,000
36
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($833,000))
37
$829,000
38
p. 23
SB 5998
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($506,000))
1
$509,000
2
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,191,000))
3
$2,192,000
4
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
5
conditions and limitations:
6
(1) The office shall assist the department of enterprise services
7
on providing the government-to-government training sessions for
8
federal, state, local, and tribal government employees. The training
9
sessions shall cover tribal historical perspectives, legal issues,
10
tribal sovereignty, and tribal governments. Costs of the training
11
sessions shall be recouped through a fee charged to the participants
12
of each session. The department of enterprise services shall be
13
responsible for all of the administrative aspects of the training,
14
including the billing and collection of the fees for the training.
15
(2) The office must report to and coordinate with the department
16
of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment act
17
accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
18
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
19
gas emission reductions, the office must use a department of ecology
20
approved calculator tool or methodology.
21
Sec. 121. 2025 c 424 s 122 (uncodified) is amended to read as
22
follows:
23
FOR THE COMMISSION ON ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN AFFAIRS
24
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($628,000))
25
$633,000
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($619,000))
27
$611,000
28
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,247,000))
29
$1,244,000
30
Sec. 122. 2025 c 424 s 123 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE STATE TREASURER
33
State Treasurer's Service Account—State
34
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($24,224,000))
35
$24,979,000
36
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($24,224,000))
37
p. 24
SB 5998
$24,979,000
1
Sec. 123. 2025 c 424 s 124 (uncodified) is amended to read as
2
follows:
3
FOR THE STATE AUDITOR
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($723,000))
5
$726,000
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($737,000))
7
$739,000
8
Auditing Services Revolving Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($18,024,000))
10
$18,162,000
11
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
12
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($81,000))
13
$1,948,000
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($19,565,000))
15
$21,575,000
16
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
17
conditions and limitations:
18
(1) $1,870,000 of the performance audit of government account—
19
state appropriation is provided solely for staff and related costs to
20
verify the accuracy of reported school district data submitted for
21
state funding purposes; conduct school district program audits of
22
state-funded public school programs; establish the specific amount of
23
state funding adjustments whenever audit exceptions occur and the
24
amount is not firmly established in the course of regular public
25
school audits; and to assist the state special education safety net
26
committee when requested.
27
(2) (($730,000)) $663,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
28
for fiscal year 2026 and (($730,000)) $663,000 of the general fund—
29
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for law
30
enforcement audits pursuant to RCW 43.101.460 and 43.101.465.
31
(3) $825,000 of the auditing services revolving account—state
32
appropriation is provided solely for accountability and risk based
33
audits.
34
(4) It is the intent of the legislature that savings assumed in
35
this section from an underspend in audit services be one-time in the
36
2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
37
p. 25
SB 5998
Sec. 124. 2025 c 424 s 125 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE CITIZENS' COMMISSION ON SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($278,000))
4
$282,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . $318,000
6
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($596,000))
7
$600,000
8
Sec. 125. 2025 c 424 s 126 (uncodified) is amended to read as
9
follows:
10
FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($40,286,000))
12
$40,664,000
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($34,616,000))
14
$39,147,000
15
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($29,506,000))
16
$29,498,000
17
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($104,000))
18
$254,000
19
Public Service Revolving Account—State Appropriation. (($6,568,000))
20
$6,676,000
21
New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,934,000))
23
$1,966,000
24
Medicaid Fraud Penalty Account—State Appropriation. . (($8,735,000))
25
$8,732,000
26
Child Rescue Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000
27
Legal Services Revolving Account—State Appropriation (($435,096,000))
28
$440,604,000
29
Local Government Archives Account—State
30
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,161,000))
31
$1,179,000
32
Tobacco Prevention and Control Account—State
33
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($275,000))
34
$279,000
35
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($558,481,000))
36
$569,199,000
37
p. 26
SB 5998
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1) The attorney general shall report each fiscal year on actual
3
legal services expenditures and actual attorney staffing levels for
4
each agency receiving legal services. The report shall be submitted
5
to the office of financial management and the fiscal committees of
6
the senate and house of representatives no later than ninety days
7
after the end of each fiscal year. As part of its by agency report to
8
the legislative fiscal committees and the office of financial
9
management, the office of the attorney general shall include
10
information detailing the agency's expenditures for its agency-wide
11
overhead and a breakdown by division of division administration
12
expenses.
13
(2) Prior to entering into any negotiated settlement of a claim
14
against the state that exceeds five million dollars, the attorney
15
general shall notify the director of the office of financial
16
management and the chairs and ranking members of the senate committee
17
on ways and means and the house of representatives committee on
18
appropriations.
19
(3) The attorney general shall annually report to the fiscal
20
committees of the legislature all new cy pres awards and settlements
21
and all new accounts, disclosing their intended uses, balances, the
22
nature of the claim or account, proposals, and intended timeframes
23
for the expenditure of each amount. The report shall be distributed
24
electronically and posted on the attorney general's web site. The
25
report shall not be printed on paper or distributed physically.
26
(4) $1,981,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $1,981,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for multi-year arbitrations of
29
the state's diligent enforcement of its obligations to receive
30
amounts withheld from tobacco master settlement agreement payments.
31
(5) $958,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $958,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of a program
34
for receiving and responding to tips from the public regarding risks
35
or potential risks to the safety or well-being of youth, called the
36
YES tip line program. Risks to safety or well-being may include, but
37
are not limited to, harm or threats of harm to self or others, sexual
38
abuse, assault, rape, bullying or cyberbullying, substance use, and
39
p. 27
SB 5998
criminal acts. Any person contacting the YES tip line, whether for
1
themselves or for another person, must receive timely assistance and
2
not be turned away. The program must operate within the guidelines of
3
this subsection.
4
(a) During the development and implementation of the YES tip line
5
program the attorney general shall convene an advisory committee
6
consisting of representatives from the Washington state patrol, the
7
department of health, the health care authority, the office of the
8
superintendent
of
public
instruction,
the
Washington
student
9
achievement council, the Washington association of educational
10
service districts, and other participants the attorney general
11
appoints.
12
(b) The attorney general shall develop and implement policies and
13
processes for:
14
(i) Assessing tips based on the level of severity, urgency, and
15
assistance needed using best triage practices including the YES tip
16
line;
17
(ii) Risk assessment for referral of persons contacting the YES
18
tip line to service providers;
19
(iii) Threat assessment that identifies circumstances requiring
20
the YES tip line to alert law enforcement, mental health services, or
21
other first responders immediately when immediate emergency response
22
to a tip is warranted;
23
(iv) Referral and follow-up on tips to schools or postsecondary
24
institution teams, local crisis services, law enforcement, and other
25
entities;
26
(v) YES tip line information data retention and reporting
27
requirements;
28
(vi) Ensuring the confidentiality of persons submitting a tip and
29
to allow for disclosure when necessary to respond to a specific
30
emergency threat to life; and
31
(vii) Systematic review, analysis, and reporting by the YES tip
32
line program of YES tip line data including, but not limited to,
33
reporting program utilization and evaluating whether the YES tip line
34
is being implemented equitably across the state.
35
(c) The YES tip line shall be operated by a vendor selected by
36
the attorney general through a competitive contracting process. The
37
attorney general shall ensure that the YES tip line program vendor
38
and its personnel are properly trained and resourced. The contract
39
must require the vendor to be bound by confidentiality policies
40
p. 28
SB 5998
developed by the office. The contract must also provide that the
1
state of Washington owns the data and information produced from the
2
YES tip line and that vendor must comply with the state's data
3
retention, use, and security requirements.
4
(d) The YES tip line program must develop and maintain a
5
reference and best practices tool kit for law enforcement and mental
6
health officials that identifies statewide and community mental
7
health resources, services, and contacts, and provides best practices
8
and strategies for investigators to use in investigating cases and
9
assisting youths and their parents and guardians.
10
(e) The YES tip line program must promote and market the program
11
and YES tip line to youth, families, community members, schools, and
12
others statewide to build awareness of the program's resources and
13
the YES tip line. Youth perspectives must be included and consulted
14
in tip line development and implementation including creating
15
marketing campaigns and materials required for the YES tip line
16
program. The insights of youth representing marginalized and minority
17
communities must be prioritized for their invaluable insight. Youths
18
are
eligible
for
stipends
and
reasonable
allowances
for
19
reimbursement, lodging, and travel expenses as provided in RCW
20
43.03.220.
21
(6) $7,000,000 of the legal services revolving fund—state
22
appropriation is provided solely for additional legal services to
23
address additional legal services necessary for dependency actions
24
where the state and federal Indian child welfare act (ICWA) apply.
25
The office must report to the fiscal committees of the legislature
26
within 90 days of the close of the fiscal year the following
27
information for new cases initiated in the previous fiscal year to
28
measure quantity and use of this funding:
29
(a) The number and ((proportion of)) percent of dependency and
30
permanency cases ((where the state and federal Indian child welfare
31
act (ICWA) applies as compared to non-ICWA new cases)) in which ICWA
32
applies as compared to those in which they do not apply; and
33
(b) ((The amount of time spent advising on, preparing for court,
34
and litigating issues and elements related to ICWA's requirements as
35
compared to the amount of time advising on, preparing for court, and
36
litigating issues and elements that are not related to ICWA's
37
requirements;
38
p. 29
SB 5998
(c) The length of state and federal Indian child welfare act
1
cases as compared to non-ICWA cases measured by time or number of
2
court hearings; and
3
(d) Any other information or metric the office determines is
4
appropriate to measure the quantity and use of the funding in this
5
subsection)) The amount of attorney and staff time spent on
6
dependency and permanency cases in which ICWA applies compared to
7
time spent on dependency and permanency cases in which ICWA does not
8
apply.
9
(7) $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for legal services related to
12
the defense of the state and its agencies in a federal environmental
13
cleanup action involving the Quendall terminals superfund site.
14
(8) $216,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $216,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for personnel and associated
17
costs to implement and maintain functional operations such as
18
support, records management and disclosure, victim liaisons, and
19
information technology for the clemency and pardons board.
20
(9) $905,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
21
year 2026 and $906,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of chapter
23
299, Laws of 2024 (hate crimes & bias incidents).
24
(10)(a) $253,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and $165,000 of the general fund—state
26
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
27
of the attorney general, jointly with the department of health, to
28
operate a task force to provide recommendations to establish a
29
comprehensive public health and community-based framework to combat
30
extremism and mass violence.
31
(b) The office of the attorney general must, in consultation with
32
the department of health, appoint a minimum of 10 members to the task
33
force representing different stakeholder groups including, but not
34
limited to:
35
(i) Community organizations working to address the impacts of or
36
to assist those who are affected by extremism and mass violence;
37
(ii) Law enforcement organizations that gather data about or work
38
to combat extremism and mass violence; and
39
p. 30
SB 5998
(iii) Public health and nonprofit organizations that work to
1
address the impacts of extremism and mass violence.
2
(c) The office of the attorney general and the department of
3
health may each have no more than one voting member on the task
4
force.
5
(d) The office of the attorney general must provide staff support
6
for the task force.
7
(e) Any reimbursement for nonlegislative members of the task
8
force is subject to chapter 43.03 RCW.
9
(f) The task force must submit a final report to the governor and
10
appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026. The
11
final report must include legislative and policy recommendations for
12
establishing the comprehensive framework.
13
(g) No aspect of this subsection should be construed as a
14
directive to alter any aspect of criminal law, create new criminal
15
penalties, or increase criminal law enforcement.
16
(11) $107,000 of the legal services revolving fund—state
17
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
18
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-term services trust). ((If the
19
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
20
subsection shall lapse.))
21
(12)
$22,000
of
the
legal
services
revolving
fund—state
22
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
23
Senate Bill No. 5149 (early childhood court prg.). ((If the bill is
24
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
25
shall lapse.))
26
(13) $480,000 of the legal services revolving fund—state
27
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill
28
No. 5463 (industrial insurance/duties). ((If the bill is not enacted
29
by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall
30
lapse.))
31
(14)
$34,000
of
the
legal
services
revolving
fund—state
32
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
33
Senate Bill No. 5501 (employee driving requirement). ((If the bill is
34
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
35
shall lapse.))
36
(15) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington state office
39
p. 31
SB 5998
of the attorney general to support the continuation of the Washington
1
state missing and murdered indigenous women and people task force and
2
truth and healing tribal advisory committee.
3
(16) $553,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
4
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
5
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5217 (pregnancy accommodations).
6
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
7
this subsection shall lapse.))
8
(17) $45,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026 is provided solely for the office to support the
10
underground economy task force created in section 906, chapter 376,
11
Laws of 2024.
12
(18) $44,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
13
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
14
Substitute House Bill No. 1409 (clean fuels program). ((If the bill
15
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
16
subsection shall lapse.))
17
(19) $49,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026, $49,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2027, and $58,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
20
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Second
21
Substitute House Bill No. 1359 (criminal insanity). ((If the bill is
22
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
23
shall lapse.
24
(21))) (20) $545,000 of the legal services revolving account—
25
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
26
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1163 (firearms purchase).
27
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
28
this subsection shall lapse.
29
(22))) (21) $33,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
30
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
31
Substitute House Bill No. 1524 (isolated employees). ((If the bill is
32
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
33
shall lapse.
34
(23))) (22) $294,000 of the public service revolving account—
35
state appropriation and $40,000 of the legal services revolving
36
account—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
37
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1514 (low carbon thermal energy).
38
p. 32
SB 5998
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
1
in this subsection shall lapse.
2
(24))) (23) $29,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
4
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1213 (paid family & medical leave).
5
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
6
this subsection shall lapse.
7
(25))) (24) $94,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2026 and $94,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
9
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
10
Substitute House Bill No. 1217 (residential tenants). ((If the bill
11
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
12
subsection shall lapse.
13
(26))) (25) $394,000 of the public service revolving account—
14
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
15
Engrossed
Substitute
House
Bill
No.
1522
(utility
wildfire
16
mitigation). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
17
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
18
(27))) (26) $40,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
19
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
20
Substitute House Bill No. 1644 (working minors). ((If the bill is not
21
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
22
shall lapse.
23
(28))) (27) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
25
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of the
26
attorney general to coordinate the receipt of agency reporting
27
requirements pursuant to sections 201, 210, 219, 221, 230, 233, and
28
601 of this act.
29
Sec. 126. 2025 c 424 s 127 (uncodified) is amended to read as
30
follows:
31
FOR THE CASELOAD FORECAST COUNCIL
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,395,000))
33
$2,401,000
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,369,000))
35
$2,386,000
36
Workforce Education Investment Account—State
37
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $367,000
38
p. 33
SB 5998
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,131,000))
1
$5,154,000
2
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
3
conditions and limitations:
4
(1) $367,000 of the workforce education investment account—state
5
appropriation is provided solely to forecast the caseload for the
6
Washington college grant program.
7
(2) Within existing resources, the caseload forecast council
8
shall produce an unofficial forecast of the long-term caseload for
9
juvenile rehabilitation as a courtesy.
10
(3) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the council
11
must forecast the number of people eligible for the apple health
12
expansion for Washington residents with incomes at or below 138
13
percent of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration
14
status.
15
Sec. 127. 2025 c 424 s 128 (uncodified) is amended to read as
16
follows:
17
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
18
The appropriations in sections 129 through 134 ((of this act)),
19
chapter 424, Laws of 2025 and sections 128 through 133 of this act
20
are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
21
(1) Repayments of outstanding mortgage and rental assistance
22
program loans administered by the department under RCW 43.63A.640
23
shall be remitted to the department, including any current revolving
24
account
balances.
The
department
shall
collect
payments
on
25
outstanding loans, and deposit them into the state general fund.
26
Repayments of funds owed under the program shall be remitted to the
27
department according to the terms included in the original loan
28
agreements.
29
(2)
The
department
is
authorized
to
suspend
issuing
any
30
nonstatutorily required grants or contracts of an amount less than
31
$1,000,000 per year.
32
(3)(a) The appropriations to the department of commerce in this
33
act must be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
34
this act. However, after May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act,
35
the department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for
36
fiscal year 2026 among programs after approval by the director of the
37
office of financial management. However, the department may not
38
p. 34
SB 5998
transfer state appropriations that are provided solely for a
1
specified purpose, except that provisoed amounts may be transferred
2
among programs if they are transferred in their entirety.
3
(b) Within 30 days after the close of fiscal year 2026, the
4
department must provide the office of financial management and the
5
fiscal committees of the legislature with an accounting of any
6
transfers under this subsection. The accounting shall include a
7
narrative explanation and justification of the changes, along with
8
expenditures and allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both
9
before and after any allotment modifications or transfers. The
10
department must also provide recommendations for revisions to
11
appropriations to better align funding with the new budget structure
12
for the department in this act and to eliminate the need for transfer
13
authority in future budgets.
14
(4) The department must report to and coordinate with the
15
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
16
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
17
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
18
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
19
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
20
Sec. 128. 2025 c 424 s 129 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—COMMUNITY SERVICES
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($72,053,000))
24
$82,506,000
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($55,043,000))
26
$60,384,000
27
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($143,496,000))
28
$150,508,000
29
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($5,396,000))
30
$30,000
31
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($25,005,000))
32
$58,005,000
33
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
34
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,439,000
35
Community Reinvestment Account—State Appropriation. . . . $60,000,000
36
Domestic Violence Co-Responder Account—State
37
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,326,000
38
p. 35
SB 5998
Domestic Violence Prevention Account—State
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000,000
2
Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Crimes
3
Investigation and Prosecution Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,680,000
5
Lead Paint Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($1,690,000))
6
$1,695,000
7
((Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
8
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000))
9
Prostitution Prevention and Intervention Account—
10
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$26,000
11
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($373,915,000))
12
$426,599,000
13
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
14
conditions and limitations:
15
(1) $9,975,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and (($9,975,000)) $4,987,000 of the general fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
18
resolution Washington to build statewide capacity for alternative
19
dispute resolution centers and dispute resolution programs that
20
guarantee that citizens have access to low-cost resolution as an
21
alternative to litigation.
22
(2) Within existing resources, the department shall provide
23
administrative and other indirect support to the developmental
24
disabilities council.
25
(3) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington new Americans
28
program. The department may require a cash match or in-kind
29
contributions to be eligible for state funding.
30
(4) $797,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $797,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
33
with a private, nonprofit organization to provide developmental
34
disability ombuds services.
35
(5) $557,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $557,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to design and
38
administer the achieving a better life experience program.
39
p. 36
SB 5998
(6) $9,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $9,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
3
with
organizations
and
attorneys
to
provide
either
legal
4
representation or referral services for legal representation, or
5
both, to indigent persons who are in need of legal services for
6
matters related to their immigration status. Persons eligible for
7
assistance
under
any
contract
entered
into
pursuant
to
this
8
subsection must be determined to be indigent under standards
9
developed under chapter 10.101 RCW.
10
(7) $1,332,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
11
year 2026 and $1,332,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the operations of the long-
13
term care ombudsman program.
14
(8) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
17
with a nonprofit entity located in Seattle that focuses on poverty
18
reduction and racial equity to convene and staff a poverty reduction
19
workgroup steering committee comprised of individuals that have lived
20
experience with poverty. Funding provided in this section may be used
21
to reimburse steering committee members for travel, child care, and
22
other costs associated with participation in the steering committee.
23
(9) $8,618,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026 and (($8,618,000)) $4,309,000 of the general fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
26
department to continue the Washington state office of firearm safety
27
and violence prevention, including the creation of a state and
28
federal grant funding plan to direct resources to cities that are
29
most impacted by community violence. Of the amounts provided in this
30
subsection:
31
(a) $5,318,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 ((and $5,318,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
33
for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for grants to support
34
existing programs and capacity building for new programs providing
35
evidence-based violence prevention and intervention services to youth
36
who are at high risk to perpetrate or be victims of firearm violence
37
and who reside in areas with high rates of firearm violence as
38
provided in RCW 43.330A.050.
39
p. 37
SB 5998
(i) Priority ((shall)) may be given to programs that partner with
1
the University of Washington, school of medicine, department of
2
psychiatry and behavioral sciences for training and support to
3
deliver culturally relevant family integrated transition services
4
through use of credible messenger advocates.
5
(ii) The office may enter into agreement with the University of
6
Washington or another independent entity with expertise in evaluating
7
community-based grant-funded programs to evaluate the grant program's
8
effectiveness.
9
(iii) The office ((shall)) may enter into agreement to provide
10
funding to the University of Washington, school of medicine,
11
department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences to directly deliver
12
trainings and support to programs providing culturally relevant
13
family integrated transition services through use of credible
14
messenger and to train a third-party organization to similarly
15
support those programs.
16
(iv) Of the amounts provided under (a) of this subsection,
17
$250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026
18
((and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2027 are)) is provided solely for a certified credible messenger
20
program that does work in at least three regions of Washington state
21
to train and certify credible messengers to implement a culturally
22
responsive, evidence-based credible messenger violence prevention and
23
intervention services program.
24
(b) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 ((and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided to support safe storage programs
27
and suicide prevention outreach and education efforts across the
28
state.
29
(10) $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,250,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
32
department to administer grants to diaper banks for the purchase of
33
diapers, wipes, and other essential baby products, for distribution
34
to families in need. The department must give priority to providers
35
serving or located in marginalized, low-income communities or
36
communities of color; and providers that help support racial equity.
37
Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $150,000 of the general
38
p. 38
SB 5998
fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for
1
a grant to a Federal Way-based nonprofit diaper bank.
2
(11)(a) (($25,000,000)) $58,000,000 of the climate commitment
3
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
4
administer grant funding through the existing ((network)) providers
5
of federal low-income home energy assistance program grantees to
6
provide low-income households with energy utility bill assistance.
7
(b) To qualify for assistance, a household must be below 80
8
percent of the area median income and living in a community that
9
experiences high environmental health disparities.
10
(c) Under the grant program, each household accessing energy bill
11
assistance must be offered an energy ((assessment)) questionnaire
12
that includes determining the household's need for clean cooling and
13
heating system upgrades that improve safety and efficiency while
14
meeting Washington's climate goals. If beneficial, households may be
15
offered grant funding to cover the replacement of inefficient,
16
outdated, or unsafe home heating and cooling systems with more energy
17
efficient electric heating and cooling technologies, such as heat
18
pumps.
19
(d) Of the amounts provided in this subsection, no more than 60
20
percent of the funding may be utilized by the department to target
21
services to multifamily residential buildings across the state that
22
experience high energy use, where a majority of the residents within
23
the building are below 80 percent of the area median income and the
24
community experiences high environmental health disparities.
25
(e) Of the amounts provided under (a) of this subsection,
26
$5,000,000 of the climate commitment account—state appropriation is
27
provided for members of tribes or tribal organizations.
28
(f) In serving low-income households who rent or lease a
29
residence, the department must establish processes to ensure that the
30
rent for the residence is not increased and the tenant is not evicted
31
as a result of receiving assistance under the grant program.
32
(((f))) (g) The department must incorporate data collected while
33
implementing this program into future energy assistance reports as
34
required under RCW 19.405.120. The department may publish information
35
on its website on the number of furnace or heating and cooling system
36
replacements,
including
replacements
within
multifamily
housing
37
units.
38
p. 39
SB 5998
(((g))) (h) The department may utilize a portion of the funding
1
provided within this subsection to create an electronic application
2
system.
3
(12) $140,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $140,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
the
developmental
6
disabilities council.
7
(13) $20,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for grants to crime victims
9
service providers. The department must distribute the funding in a
10
manner that is consistent with the office of crime victims advocacy's
11
state plan.
12
(14) $10,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027, $1,000,000 of the domestic violence prevention
14
account—state appropriation, and $1,000,000 of the domestic violence
15
co-responder account—state appropriation are provided solely for the
16
department to administer grants to crime victims service providers.
17
Of the amounts provided in this subsection:
18
(a) $3,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2027 is provided to administer grants to provide services to
20
victims of domestic violence.
21
(b) $3,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2027 is provided to administer grants to provide services to
23
victims of sexual assault.
24
(c) $3,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2027 is provided to administer grants to provide services to
26
victims of crimes other than domestic violence and sexual assault. In
27
awarding funds to providers, the department shall prioritize services
28
provided for child abuse and neglect and human trafficking.
29
(d) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2027 is provided to administer grants to provide crime victim
31
services to tribes.
32
(e) $1,000,000 of the domestic violence prevention account—state
33
appropriation is provided to administer grants to provide culturally
34
specific, community-based domestic violence services for victims of
35
domestic violence from populations that have been traditionally
36
underserved or unserved.
37
p. 40
SB 5998
(f) $1,000,000 of the domestic violence co-responder account—
1
state appropriation is provided to administer grants to county
2
prosecutor offices to provide victim services.
3
(15) The department may submit the report required under section
4
1115(50)(b) of this act by October 1, 2025.
5
(((15))) (16) The department may submit the report required under
6
section 1115(124)(d) of this act by October 1, 2025.
7
(17) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to provide
10
grants to nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to,
11
religious nonprofits, "by and for" organizations, or cultural
12
community centers, to fund the physical security or repair of such
13
institutions. Grant recipients must substantiate that their site or
14
sites have been subject to or at risk of physical attacks, threats,
15
vandalism, or damages based on their mission, ideology, or beliefs
16
and
demonstrate
a
need
for
investments
in
physical
security
17
enhancements,
construction
or
renovation,
target
hardening,
18
preparedness planning, training, or exercises.
19
(((20))) (18) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state
21
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
22
a nonprofit community-based organization to provide youth mental and
23
behavioral health education and support services. Services may
24
include,
but
are
not
limited
to,
employment,
mental
health,
25
counseling, tutoring, and mentoring. The grant recipient must be a
26
community-based organization located in Granger operating a Spanish
27
language public radio station with the mission of addressing the
28
social, educational, and health needs of Spanish-speaking residents
29
of central and eastern Washington.
30
(((21))) (19) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
31
for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state
32
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
33
a nonprofit organization within the city of Tacoma that provides
34
social services and educational programming to assist Latino and
35
indigenous communities in honoring heritage and culture through the
36
arts, and in overcoming barriers to social, political, economic, and
37
cultural community development. Grant funding may be used for
38
p. 41
SB 5998
activities including, but not limited to, providing family support
1
services for bilingual, bicultural clients.
2
(((22))) (20) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
5
a nonprofit organization to provide legal aid in subjects including,
6
but not limited to, criminal law and civil rights cases for
7
underserved populations focusing on Black gender-diverse communities.
8
The grant recipient must be a nonprofit organization with offices in
9
Seattle and Tacoma and with a mission to provide intersectional legal
10
and social services for Black intersex and gender-diverse communities
11
in Washington.
12
(((23))) (21) $60,000,000 of the community reinvestment account—
13
state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
14
distribute grants for economic development, civil and criminal legal
15
assistance, community-based violence intervention and prevention
16
services, and reentry services programs. In making distributions
17
under this subsection, the department must award funds among these
18
program areas in similar proportions to awards made during the
19
2023-2025 fiscal biennium for these purposes.
20
(((24))) (22) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
21
for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state
22
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
23
a nonprofit organization to support the development of and outreach
24
for community-led mental health support groups and classes serving
25
individuals and families throughout Washington state, with special
26
focus on Latino communities, rural areas, and tribes. The grant
27
recipient must be a nonprofit organization that serves as the
28
Washington state office of a national grassroots mental health
29
organization dedicated to building better lives for individuals
30
affected by mental health conditions.
31
(((25))) (23) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
34
department, in consultation with the state commission on African
35
American affairs, to contract with a qualified research entity to
36
conduct the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush study on
37
reparative action for Washington state's descendants of victims of
38
United States chattel slavery.
39
p. 42
SB 5998
(a) The department shall verify and contract, in consultation
1
with the commission on African American affairs, that the contracted
2
research entity or research team possesses expertise in reparations,
3
historical analysis, public policy development, and must have the
4
following:
5
(i) A researcher who possesses a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced
6
degree in history, African American studies, sociology, American
7
studies, ethnic studies, law, economics, public policy, or a related
8
field with a direct focus on reparations or United States chattel
9
slavery;
10
(ii) Verifiable expertise in writing peer-reviewed academic
11
studies, publications, or policy reports related to reparations,
12
historical analysis, public policy development, or economic valuation
13
for direct descendants of United States chattel slavery victims;
14
(iii) Expertise in calculating the present value of uncompensated
15
slave labor for direct victims of United States chattel slavery;
16
(iv) Substantial knowledge of the history and doctrine of United
17
States chattel slavery reparations and the ability to develop a
18
process
requiring
Washington
residents
seeking
reparations
to
19
demonstrate direct descent from individuals enslaved in the United
20
States between 1776 and 1865;
21
(v)
Demonstrated
commitment
to
reviewing
and
recommending
22
reparations public policy;
23
(vi) Professional expertise in the field of reparative justice;
24
(vii) A composition that, to the greatest extent possible,
25
reflects the diversity of individuals with direct lived experience
26
related to the subject matter of the study; and
27
(viii) An experienced genealogist on their research team.
28
(b) The department, in consultation with the state commission on
29
African American affairs shall commission and oversee the Charles
30
Mitchell and George Washington Bush study on reparative action for
31
Washington state's descendants of victims of United States chattel
32
slavery, which shall examine the historical injustices of United
33
States
chattel
slavery
and
their
enduring
impact
on
direct
34
descendants, particularly as they relate to Washington state laws and
35
policies. The study must include, but is not limited to the
36
following:
37
(i) Identification, compilation, and synthesization of historical
38
records concerning the institution of United States chattel slavery
39
(1619–1865), including its vestiges within the laws and economic and
40
p. 43
SB 5998
social practices of Oregon and Washington territories (1848–1889)
1
against freed persons and their direct descendants;
2
(ii) An assessment of Washington territory and the state of
3
Washington's
historical
and
present
role
in
perpetuating
4
discriminatory
practices
through
laws,
policies,
and
economic
5
structures against direct descendants of the victims of United States
6
chattel slavery, particularly in economic opportunity, education, and
7
criminal justice;
8
(iii) Appropriate reparative remedies based on study findings,
9
including, but not limited to:
10
(A)
Identified
highlights
for
contributions
to
federal
11
discussions
on
reparations,
including
proposed
frameworks
for
12
calculating and awarding reparations at the national level;
13
(B) The identification of existing Washington state laws and
14
policies that continue to disproportionately harm direct descendants
15
of United States enslaved persons and recommendations for their
16
reform or repeal;
17
(C) Proposed methods for calculating, structuring, and awarding
18
compensation, including both direct cash payments and alternative
19
measures
such
as
enacting
appropriate
recommended
state-level
20
investments in educational access, economic opportunity, and criminal
21
justice reforms; and
22
(D) A cost-benefit analysis for Washington state on the impact of
23
enacting
appropriate,
recommended
reparative
investments
in
24
education, economic opportunity, and criminal justice for the direct
25
descendants of United States chattel slavery victims; and
26
(iv) Utilization of the social determinants of health framework,
27
as outlined by the healthy people 2030 initiative under the United
28
States department of health and human services, to assess economic,
29
educational, and social disparities with the goal of informing
30
Washington state-level policy recommendations.
31
(c) The department, in consultation with the state commission on
32
African American affairs, shall transmit the selected research entity
33
or research team's following reports:
34
(i) A preliminary report to the legislature by June 30, 2026,
35
detailing researcher qualifications, study scope, methodology, and an
36
outline plan for continued community engagement plan throughout the
37
study;
38
(ii) An interim report by December 31, 2026, providing updates on
39
the study's progress and any initial findings; and
40
p. 44
SB 5998
(iii) A final report by June 30, 2027, presenting findings and
1
recommendations to the legislature, the governor, and Washington
2
state's federal delegation.
3
(d) The department may receive and utilize gifts, grants, or
4
endowments from public, private, or philanthropic sources for the
5
sole purpose of the study.
6
(((26))) (24) $1,169,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
7
for fiscal year 2026 and $1,169,000 of the general fund—state
8
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
9
implementation of chapter 462, Laws of 2023 (domestic violence).
10
(((27))) (25) $54,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2026 and $54,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
12
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of the
13
existing structure tax incentive program.
14
(((29))) (26) $1,426,000 of the lead paint account—state
15
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
16
Senate Bill No. 5494 (lead-based paint). ((If the bill is not enacted
17
by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
18
(33))) (27) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a King county-
20
based nonprofit that exclusively serves foreign-trained physicians to
21
help foreign-trained physicians prepare for work in a United States
22
clinical setting. Funds may be used to operate an educational
23
outreach
program
to
help
medical
providers
and
institutions
24
understand the medical doctor: clinical experience program and for
25
stipends for foreign-trained physicians to take medical exams and for
26
other professional development.
27
(((38))) (28) $8,326,000 of the domestic violence co-responder
28
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
29
Substitute House Bill No. 1498 (domestic viol. co-responders). ((If
30
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
31
subsection shall lapse.))
32
Sec. 129. 2025 c 424 s 130 (uncodified) is amended to read as
33
follows:
34
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—HOUSING
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($309,054,000))
36
$299,985,000
37
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($304,114,000))
38
p. 45
SB 5998
$279,197,000
1
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($65,412,000))
2
$65,561,000
3
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $5,843,000
4
Home Security Fund Account—State Appropriation. . . (($248,615,000))
5
$248,732,000
6
Affordable Housing for All Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($91,728,000))
8
$91,746,000
9
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
10
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,448,000))
11
$2,053,000
12
Apple Health and Homes Account—State Appropriation. . . . $6,496,000
13
Covenant Homeownership Account—State Appropriation. . . $200,000,000
14
Washington Housing Trust Account—State Appropriation. (($11,295,000))
15
$35,441,000
16
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,240,162,000))
17
$1,235,054,000
18
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
19
conditions and limitations:
20
(1) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
21
year 2026, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027, and $2,000,000 of the Washington housing trust
23
account—state appropriation are provided solely for services to
24
homeless families and youth through the Washington youth and families
25
fund.
26
(2) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027, and $2,000,000 of the home security fund—state
29
appropriation are provided solely for the administration of the grant
30
program required in chapter 43.185C RCW, linking homeless students
31
and their families with stable housing.
32
(3) $11,252,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal
year
2026
and
$11,252,000
of
the
general
fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for housing
35
assistance,
including
long-term
rental
subsidies,
permanent
36
supportive housing, and low- and no-barrier housing beds, for
37
unhoused individuals. Priority must be given to individuals with a
38
mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or other complex
39
p. 46
SB 5998
conditions; individuals with a criminal history; and individuals
1
transitioning from behavioral health treatment facilities or local
2
jails.
3
(4)(a) $12,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2026, $12,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2027, and $37,000,000 of the affordable housing for
6
all account—state appropriation are provided solely for grants to
7
support the building operation, maintenance, and service costs of
8
permanent supportive housing projects or units within housing
9
projects that have or will receive funding from the housing trust
10
fund—state account or other public capital funding that:
11
(i) Is dedicated as permanent supportive housing units;
12
(ii) Is occupied by low-income households with incomes at or
13
below 30 percent of the area median income; and
14
(iii) Requires a supplement to rent income to cover ongoing
15
property operating, maintenance, and service expenses.
16
(b) Permanent supportive housing projects receiving federal
17
operating
subsidies
that
do
not
fully
cover
the
operation,
18
maintenance, and service costs of the projects are eligible to
19
receive grants as described in this subsection.
20
(c) The department may use a reasonable amount of funding
21
provided in this subsection to administer the grants.
22
(d) Within amounts provided in this subsection, the department
23
must provide staff support for the permanent supportive housing
24
operations, maintenance, and services forecast. The department must
25
develop a model to estimate demand for operating, maintenance, and
26
services costs for permanent supportive housing units that qualify
27
for grant funding under (a) of this subsection. The model shall
28
incorporate
factors
including
the
number
of
qualifying
units
29
currently in operation; the number of new qualifying units assumed to
30
come online since the previous forecast and the timing of when those
31
units will become operational; the impacts of enacted or proposed
32
investments in the capital budget on the number of new potentially
33
qualifying units; the number of units supported through a grant
34
awarded under (a) of this subsection; the historical actual per unit
35
average grant awards under (a) of this subsection; reported data from
36
housing providers on actual costs for operations, maintenance, and
37
services; and other factors identified as appropriate for estimating
38
the demand for maintenance, operations, and services for qualifying
39
p. 47
SB 5998
permanent
supportive
housing
units.
The
forecast
methodology,
1
updates, and methodology changes must be conducted in coordination
2
with staff from the department, the office of financial management,
3
and the appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature. The
4
forecast must be updated each February and November during the fiscal
5
biennium and the department must submit a report to the legislature
6
summarizing the updated forecast based on actual awards made under
7
(a) of this subsection and the completed construction of new
8
qualifying units.
9
(5) $7,000,000 of the home security fund—state appropriation is
10
provided solely for the office of homeless youth prevention and
11
protection programs to:
12
(a) Expand outreach, services, and housing for homeless youth and
13
young adults including but not limited to secure crisis residential
14
centers, crisis residential centers, and HOPE beds, so that resources
15
are equitably distributed across the state;
16
(b) Contract with other public agency partners to test innovative
17
program models that prevent youth from exiting public systems into
18
homelessness; and
19
(c) Support the development of an integrated services model,
20
increase performance outcomes, and enable providers to have the
21
necessary skills and expertise to effectively operate youth programs.
22
(6) $3,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $3,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of homeless youth
25
to build infrastructure and services to support a continuum of
26
interventions, including but not limited to prevention, crisis
27
response, and long-term housing, to reduce youth homelessness in
28
communities identified as part of the anchor community initiative.
29
(7) $1,913,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $1,912,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of homeless youth
32
to contract with one or more nonprofit organizations to provide youth
33
services and young adult housing on a multi-acre youth campus located
34
in the city of Tacoma. Youth services include, but are not limited
35
to, HOPE beds and crisis residential centers to provide temporary
36
shelter and permanency planning for youth under the age of 18. Young
37
adult housing includes, but is not limited to, rental assistance and
38
case management for young adults ages 18 to 24. The department shall
39
p. 48
SB 5998
submit ((an annual)) a biennial report to the legislature on the use
1
of the funds. The report is due ((annually on June 30th)) every even
2
year on October 31st. The report shall include but is not limited to:
3
(a) A breakdown of expenditures by program and expense type,
4
including the cost per bed;
5
(b) The number of youth and young adults helped by each program;
6
(c) The number of youth and young adults on the waiting list for
7
programs, if any; and
8
(d) Any other metric or measure the department deems appropriate
9
to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the funds.
10
(8)(a) $68,550,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal
year
2026
and
$68,550,000
of
the
general
fund—state
12
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
13
essential needs and housing support program and related services.
14
(b) The department may use a portion of the funds provided in
15
this subsection to continue the pilot program established in section
16
127(106), chapter 357, Laws of 2020 (addressing the immediate housing
17
needs of low or extremely low-income elderly or disabled adults in
18
certain counties who receive social security disability or retirement
19
income).
20
(c) The department must ensure the timely redistribution of the
21
funding provided in this subsection among entities or counties to
22
reflect
actual
caseload
changes
as
required
under
RCW
23
43.185C.220(5)(c).
24
(d) The department may use a portion of the funds provided in
25
this subsection to provide housing supports for individuals enrolled
26
in
the
foundational
community
supports
initiative
who
are
27
transitioning off of benefits under RCW 74.04.805 due to increased
28
income or other changes in eligibility.
29
(9) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027, and $4,500,000 of the home security fund—state
32
appropriation are provided solely for the consolidated homeless grant
33
program. Of the amounts provided in this subsection((:
34
(a) $4,500,000 of the home security fund—state appropriation is
35
provided solely for permanent supportive housing targeted at those
36
families who are chronically homeless and where at least one member
37
of the family has a disability. The department will also connect
38
these families to medicaid supportive services.
39
p. 49
SB 5998
(b))), $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for diversion services for
3
those families and individuals who are at substantial risk of losing
4
stable housing or who have recently become homeless and are
5
determined to have a high probability of returning to stable housing.
6
(10) $1,007,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,007,000
of
the
general
fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
9
department
to
administer
a
transitional
housing
program
for
10
nondependent homeless youth.
11
(11)(a) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
14
of homeless youth prevention and protection programs to administer
15
flexible funding to serve eligible youth and young adults. The
16
flexible funding administered under this subsection may be used for
17
the immediate needs of eligible youth or young adults. An eligible
18
youth or young adult may receive support under this subsection more
19
than once.
20
(b) Flexible funding provided under this subsection may be used
21
for purposes including but not limited to:
22
(i) Car repair or other transportation assistance;
23
(ii) Rental application fees, a security deposit, or short-term
24
rental assistance;
25
(iii) Offsetting costs for first and last month's rent and
26
security deposits;
27
(iv) Transportation costs to go to work;
28
(v) Assistance in obtaining photo identification or birth
29
certificates; and
30
(vi) Other uses that will support the eligible youth or young
31
adult's
housing
stability,
education,
or
employment,
or
meet
32
immediate basic needs.
33
(c) The flexible funding provided under this subsection may be
34
provided to:
35
(i) Eligible youth and young adults. For the purposes of this
36
subsection, an eligible youth or young adult is a person under age 25
37
who is experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness,
38
including but not limited to those who are unsheltered, doubled up or
39
p. 50
SB 5998
in unsafe living situations, exiting inpatient programs, or in
1
school;
2
(ii) Community-based providers assisting eligible youth or young
3
adults in attaining safe and stable housing; and
4
(iii) Individuals or entities, including landlords, providing
5
safe housing or other support designed to lead to housing for
6
eligible youth or young adults.
7
(12) $607,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $607,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to assist
10
homeowners at risk of foreclosure pursuant to chapter 61.24 RCW.
11
Funding provided in this section may be used for activities to
12
prevent mortgage or tax lien foreclosure, housing counselors, a
13
foreclosure
prevention
hotline,
legal
services
for
low-income
14
individuals,
mediation,
and
other
activities
that
promote
15
homeownership. The department may contract with other foreclosure
16
fairness program state partners to carry out this work.
17
(13) $1,400,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,400,000
of
the
general
fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
20
of homeless youth to administer a competitive grant process to award
21
funding to licensed youth shelters, HOPE centers, and crisis
22
residential centers to provide behavioral health support services for
23
youth in crisis, and to increase funding for current grantees.
24
(14) $55,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2026 ((and $55,500,000)), $35,000,000 of the general fund
26
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $20,000,000 of the
27
Washington housing trust account—state appropriation are provided
28
solely for the department to continue grant funding for emergency
29
housing and shelter capacity and associated supports such as street
30
outreach, diversion services, short-term rental assistance, hotel and
31
motel vouchers, housing search and placement, and housing stability
32
case management. Entities eligible for grant funding include local
33
governments and nonprofit entities. The department may use existing
34
programs, such as the consolidated homelessness grant program, to
35
award funding under this subsection. Grants provided under this
36
subsection must be used to maintain or increase current emergency
37
housing capacity, funded by the shelter program grant and other
38
programs, as practicable due to increased costs of goods, services,
39
p. 51
SB 5998
and
wages.
Emergency
housing
includes
transitional
housing,
1
congregate or noncongregate shelter, sanctioned encampments, or
2
short-term hotel or motel stays.
3
(15)(a) $45,050,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal
year
2026
and
$45,050,000
of
the
general
fund—state
5
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a targeted
6
grant program to transition persons residing in encampments to safer
7
housing opportunities, with an emphasis on ensuring individuals
8
living unsheltered reach permanent housing solutions. Eligible grant
9
recipients include local governments and nonprofit organizations
10
operating to provide housing or services. The department may provide
11
funding to state agencies to ensure individuals accessing housing
12
services are also able to access other wrap-around services that
13
enable them to obtain housing such as food, personal identification,
14
and other related services. Local government and nonprofit grant
15
recipients may use grant funding to provide outreach, housing, case
16
management, transportation, site monitoring, and other services
17
needed to assist individuals residing in encampments and on public
18
rights-of-way with moving into housing.
19
(b) When awarding grants under (a) of this subsection, the
20
department must prioritize applicants that focus on ensuring an
21
expeditious path to or remaining in sustainable permanent housing
22
solutions, and that demonstrate an understanding of working with
23
individuals to identify their optimal housing type and level of
24
ongoing services through the effective use of outreach, engagement,
25
and temporary lodging and permanent housing placement.
26
(c) Grant recipients under (a) of this subsection must enter into
27
a memorandum of understanding with the department, and other state
28
agencies if applicable, as a condition of receiving funds. Memoranda
29
of understanding must specify the responsibilities of the grant
30
recipients
and
the
state
agencies
and
must
include
specific
31
measurable outcomes for each entity signing the memorandum. The
32
department must publish all signed memoranda on the department's
33
website and must publish updates on outcomes for each memorandum at
34
least every 90 days, while taking steps to protect the privacy of
35
individuals served by the program. At a minimum, outcomes must
36
include:
37
(i) The number of people actually living in any encampment
38
identified for intervention by the department or grantees;
39
p. 52
SB 5998
(ii)
The
demographics
of
those
living
in
any
encampment
1
identified for intervention by the department or grantees;
2
(iii) The duration of engagement with individuals living within
3
encampments;
4
(iv) The types of housing options that were offered;
5
(v) The number of individuals who accepted offered housing;
6
(vi) Any reasons given for why individuals declined offered
7
housing;
8
(vii) The types of assistance provided to move individuals into
9
offered housing;
10
(viii) Any services and benefits in which an individual was
11
successfully enrolled; and
12
(ix) The housing outcomes of individuals who were placed into
13
housing every six months after placement.
14
(d) Grant recipients under (a) of this subsection may not
15
transition individuals from encampments or close encampments unless
16
they have provided extensive outreach and offered each individual
17
temporary lodging or permanent housing that matches the actual
18
situation and needs of each person, is noncongregate whenever
19
possible, and takes into consideration individuals' immediate and
20
long-term needs and abilities to achieve and maintain housing
21
stability. Grant recipients who initially match an individual to
22
temporary lodging must make efforts to transition the person to a
23
permanent housing placement within six months except under unusual
24
circumstances. The department must establish criteria regarding the
25
safety, accessibility, and habitability of housing options to be
26
offered by grant recipients to ensure that such options are private,
27
sanitary, healthy, and dignified, and that grant recipients provide
28
options that are well-matched to an individual's assessed needs.
29
(e) Funding granted to eligible recipients under (a) of this
30
subsection may not be used to supplant or replace existing funding
31
provided for housing or homeless services.
32
(16) $200,000,000 of the covenant homeownership account—state
33
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of the covenant
34
homeownership program.
35
(17) Before awarding or entering into grants or contracts for the
36
2025-2027 fiscal biennium for homeless housing and service programs
37
that are funded from the home security fund account or the affordable
38
housing for all account, the department must first consult with local
39
governments and eligible grantees to ensure that funding from these
40
p. 53
SB 5998
accounts is used to maintain the quantity and types of homeless
1
housing and services funded in local communities as of February 28,
2
2025. The department may take into consideration local document
3
recording
fee
balances
and
individual
county
fluctuations
in
4
recording fee collections when allocating state funds. The department
5
must redeploy funds to other nonprofit and county grantees if
6
originally granted amounts are not expended or committed within a
7
reasonable timeline. The department may then provide funding to
8
eligible entities to undertake the activities described in RCW
9
36.22.250(4)(b), such as funding for project-based vouchers and other
10
assistance necessary to support permanent supportive housing as
11
defined in RCW 36.70A.030 or as administered by the office of apple
12
health and homes created in RCW 43.330.181.
13
(18) $425,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 and $425,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the continuation of existing
16
contracts with a nonprofit organization to increase housing supply
17
and equitable housing outcomes by advancing affordable housing
18
options, including affordable homeownership or affordable rental
19
housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, shelter, or
20
housing funded through the apple health and homes program, that are
21
co-located with community services such as education centers, health
22
clinics, nonprofit organizations, social services, or community
23
spaces or facilities, available to residents or the public, on
24
underutilized or tax-exempt land. Contract funding may be used for
25
costs including, but not limited to, identifying properties and
26
implementing strategies to accelerate the development of affordable
27
housing,
conducting
affordable
housing
site
predevelopment
28
activities, providing technical assistance on topics related to
29
affordable
housing
development,
facilitating
collaboration
and
30
codevelopment between affordable housing and community partners, and
31
conducting community engagement activities.
32
(19) $58,802,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal
year
2026
and
$58,802,000
of
the
general
fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for grants to
35
counties, cities, and other entities receiving contracts pursuant to
36
RCW 43.185C.080(3) for homeless housing programs and services
37
including, but not limited to, emergency housing and shelter,
38
temporary housing, permanent supportive housing programs, and other
39
p. 54
SB 5998
homeless housing services and initiatives, including those funded
1
through the document recording fee collected pursuant to RCW
2
36.22.250. Grant funds must be prioritized for maintaining existing
3
levels of service and preventing the closure of existing beds or
4
programs.
5
(20) Within existing resources, the department must review
6
current policies and practices regarding reimbursement documentation
7
requirements for grant and contract recipients, with a focus on
8
requirements for grants made under subsection (4) of this section and
9
RCW 36.22.250(5), to improve the efficiency of the reimbursement
10
process and streamline compliance processes for grants and contract
11
recipients while continuing to manage risks related to financial
12
controls
and
federal
requirements.
In
reviewing
policies
and
13
practices, the department may consider implementing process changes
14
and other approaches, including but not limited to risk-based tiering
15
of requirements for grant and contract recipients.
16
(21) Within existing resources, the department must consult with
17
permanent
supportive
housing
providers
awarded
grants
under
18
subsection (4) of this section or RCW 36.22.250(5) to provide
19
awardees
the
opportunity
to
provide
feedback
and
develop
20
recommendations on topics including, but not limited to, allowable
21
expenditures under these grant programs, statewide application
22
benchmarks for operations and maintenance costs per unit and services
23
costs
per
tenant,
and
opportunities
to
streamline
grant
24
administration.
25
(22) $229,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $229,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of the mobile
28
home community sales program.
29
(23) $107,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $55,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
32
Senate Bill No. 5298 (mobile home community sale). ((If the bill is
33
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
34
shall lapse.))
35
(24) $33,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $33,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
38
Senate Bill No. 5587 (affordable housing dev.). ((If the bill is not
39
p. 55
SB 5998
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
1
shall lapse.))
2
(25) $400,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a Pierce county-based
4
nonprofit with emergency shelters in Pierce, King, Thurston, and
5
Kitsap counties which provides a comprehensive approach to addressing
6
the root causes of homelessness to sustain emergency shelters.
7
(26) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a south King county-based
9
nonprofit family center for families experiencing homelessness to
10
maintain services, including emergency shelter beds.
11
(27) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a King county-based
13
nonprofit organization that runs at least two emergency shelters with
14
at least 500 beds to help families stay housed while researchers
15
study the effects of direct rental assistance on families.
16
(((29))) (28) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
17
for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state
18
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
19
implementation of chapter 408, Laws of 2023 (ESSB 5599). The entirety
20
of this amount is provided for the office of homeless youth for
21
prevention and protection programs to provide supportive care grants
22
to organizations to address the needs of youth seeking protected
23
health care services.
24
(((30))) (29) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
25
for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state
26
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
27
implementation
of
Engrossed
House
Bill
No.
1217
(residential
28
tenants). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
29
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
30
(30) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to support the task force on the
33
establishment
of
a
department
of
housing,
which
may
include
34
conducting research and consulting experts, facilitating task force
35
convenings, and preparing the report and recommendations. The
36
department may contract with a third party to complete this work.
37
(31) $4,000,000 of the Washington housing trust account—state
38
appropriation is provided solely for a program that builds capacity
39
p. 56
SB 5998
of nonprofit community land trusts, which develop and preserve
1
affordable housing. Capacity building support may include technical
2
assistance
and
training
on
real
estate
development,
conflict
3
mediation, and long-range sustainability.
4
Sec. 130. 2025 c 424 s 131 (uncodified) is amended to read as
5
follows:
6
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—LOCAL GOVERNMENT
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($30,488,000))
8
$20,949,000
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($27,669,000))
10
$19,881,000
11
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($55,565,000))
12
$55,694,000
13
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($1,137,000))
14
$1,182,000
15
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($22,589,000))
16
$26,179,000
17
Community Preservation and Development Authority
18
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,016,000))
19
$1,027,000
20
Growth Management Planning and Environmental Review
21
Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,681,000))
22
$5,829,000
23
Liquor Excise Tax Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $1,402,000
24
Liquor Revolving Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($6,850,000))
25
$6,851,000
26
Model Toxics Control Stormwater Account—State
27
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
28
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
29
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,136,000
30
Public Facilities Construction Loan Revolving
31
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,596,000))
32
$1,626,000
33
Public Works Assistance Account—State Appropriation. . (($9,030,000))
34
$9,300,000
35
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($167,259,000))
36
$154,156,000
37
p. 57
SB 5998
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1) The department shall administer its growth management act
3
technical assistance and pass-through grants so that smaller cities
4
and counties receive proportionately more assistance than larger
5
cities or counties.
6
(2)
$6,827,000
of
the
liquor
revolving
account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
8
the municipal research and services center of Washington.
9
(3) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to produce
12
the biennial report identifying a list of projects to address
13
incompatible developments near military installations as provided in
14
RCW 43.330.520.
15
(4) $1,160,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $1,159,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the statewide broadband
18
office established in RCW 43.330.532.
19
(5) $9,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and (($9,000,000)) $6,088,000 of the general fund—state
21
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
22
department for grants for updating and implementing comprehensive
23
plans
and
development
regulations
in
order
to
implement
the
24
requirements of the growth management act.
25
(a) In allocating grant funding to local jurisdictions, awards
26
must be based on a formula, determined by the department, to ensure
27
that grants are distributed equitably among cities and counties.
28
Grants will be used primarily to fund the review and update
29
requirements for counties and cities required by RCW 36.70A.130.
30
Funding provided on this formula basis shall cover additional county
31
and city costs, if applicable, to implement chapter 254, Laws of 2021
32
(emergency shelters & housing) and to implement chapter 368, Laws of
33
2023 (land use permitting/local).
34
(b) ((Within the amounts not utilized under (a) of this
35
subsection, the department shall establish a competitive grant
36
program to implement requirements of the growth management act.
37
p. 58
SB 5998
(c) Up to $500,000 per biennium may be allocated toward growth
1
management policy research and development or to assess the ongoing
2
effectiveness of existing growth management policy.
3
(d) The department must develop a process for consulting with
4
local
governments,
affected
stakeholders,
and
the
appropriate
5
committees of the legislature to establish emphasis areas for
6
competitive grant distribution and for research priorities.
7
(e))) $149,000 of the amounts appropriated in this subsection for
8
fiscal year 2026 is for the department to develop recommendations for
9
the integration of special purpose districts into the state's growth
10
management planning framework. The department must provide a final
11
report with recommendations to the governor's office and the
12
appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2025.
13
(6) Within the amounts provided in this section, the department
14
must publish on its website housing data needed to complete housing
15
needs assessments required by RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a). The data shall
16
include:
17
(a) Housing profiles for each county and city in the state,
18
including cost burden, vacancy, and income;
19
(b) Data to assess racially disparate impacts, exclusion, and
20
displacement; and
21
(c) A dashboard to display data in an easily accessible format.
22
(7) $847,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $847,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to increase middle housing.
25
(8) (($22,544,000)) $25,548,000 of the climate commitment account
26
—state appropriation is provided solely for local government climate
27
planning implementation.
28
(9) $67,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 and $67,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the noise abatement program
31
for qualifying port districts.
32
(10) $2,750,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for a contract with a public or
34
private entity for the purpose of public safety and security
35
activities related to the 2026 world cup event. Funding may be
36
provided for law enforcement and fire department resources, emergency
37
management, traffic control, and security at official event venues,
38
including fields and fan activation areas.
39
p. 59
SB 5998
(((13))) (11) $375,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
1
for fiscal year 2026 and $375,000 of the general fund—state
2
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely as pass-
3
through funding to Walla Walla Community College for its water and
4
environmental center.
5
(((14)))
(12)
$500,000
of
the
community
preservation
and
6
development authority account—state appropriation is provided solely
7
for the Central district community preservation and development
8
authority established in RCW 43.167.070 to carry out the duties and
9
responsibilities set forth in RCW 43.167.030.
10
(((15)))
(13)
$500,000
of
the
community
preservation
and
11
development authority account—state appropriation is provided solely
12
for the Pioneer Square-International district community preservation
13
and development authority established in RCW 43.167.060 to carry out
14
the duties and responsibilities set forth in RCW 43.167.030.
15
(((17) $1,809,000)) (14) $1,729,000 of the general fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($2,008,000)) $2,965,000 of
17
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
18
provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second Substitute
19
House Bill No. 1096 (lot splitting), Second Substitute House Bill No.
20
1183 (building codes), Third Substitute House Bill No. 1491 (transit-
21
oriented housing dev), Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No.
22
5148 (GMA housing element), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5184
23
(minimum parking requirements), Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5471
24
(middle housing), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5509 (child
25
care center siting), Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5559 (UGA subdivision
26
process), and Substitute Senate Bill No. 5587 (affordable housing
27
dev).
28
(15) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the department to administer
30
grants to local governments to update their permit review processes.
31
(16)
$490,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
32
appropriation is provided solely for the department to administer
33
grants to assist local governments to support siting and permitting
34
of clean energy projects in the state.
35
(17) $202,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to adopt guidelines
37
for measures and criteria for use by counties and cities in the
38
p. 60
SB 5998
implementation progress reports required by chapter 192, Laws of
1
2022.
2
(18) $135,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to develop a program
4
to
allow
residential
and
mixed-use
development
permits
in
5
commercially zoned areas.
6
(19)
$96,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for the department to establish a
8
Washington electric transmission authority.
9
Sec. 131. 2025 c 424 s 132 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
12
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($15,018,000))
13
$14,932,000
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($15,522,000))
15
$15,204,000
16
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,153,000))
17
$8,201,000
18
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($1,269,000))
19
$1,285,000
20
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
21
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,706,000))
22
$3,693,000
23
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
24
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,831,000))
25
$3,808,000
26
Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment Fund Match
27
Transfer Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . (($22,220,000))
28
$18,597,000
29
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $951,000
30
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
31
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $765,000
32
Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund—Federal
33
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $567,000
34
Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account—State
35
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,851,000))
36
$1,851,000
37
Statewide Tourism Marketing Account—State
38
p. 61
SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,021,000
1
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($77,307,000))
2
$72,875,000
3
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
4
conditions and limitations:
5
(1) $4,152,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $4,152,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for associate development
8
organizations. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department
9
shall
consider
an
associate
development
organization's
total
10
resources when making contracting and fund allocation decisions, in
11
addition to the schedule provided in RCW 43.330.086. The department
12
may distribute the funding as follows:
13
(a)
For
associate
development
organizations
serving
urban
14
counties, which are counties other than rural counties as defined in
15
RCW 82.14.370, a locally matched allocation of up to $1.00 per
16
capita, totaling no more than $300,000 per organization; and
17
(b) For associate development organizations in rural counties, as
18
defined in RCW 82.14.370, a $1.00 per capita allocation with a base
19
allocation of $50,000.
20
(2) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
21
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the northwest agriculture
23
business center.
24
(3)(a) $1,335,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,335,000
of
the
general
fund—state
26
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the small
27
business export assistance program, for the department to establish
28
representation in key international markets that will provide the
29
greatest opportunities for increased trade and investment for small
30
businesses in the state of Washington, and for a grant to a business
31
center that provides confidential, no-cost, one-on-one, client-
32
centered assistance to small businesses to expand outreach in
33
underserved communities, especially Black, indigenous, and people of
34
color-owned businesses, providing targeted assistance where needed.
35
Funding may also be used to collaborate with the department, the
36
Washington economic development association, and others to develop a
37
more effective and efficient service delivery system for Washington's
38
women and minority-owned small businesses.
39
p. 62
SB 5998
(b) Of the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, $400,000
1
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is
2
provided to address the impact of tariffs on Washington jobs and
3
exports, which may include diversification of trade partnerships,
4
enhancing
sector
innovation
and
supply
chain
resilience,
and
5
supporting the recruitment and retention of trade driven enterprises.
6
(4) $60,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $60,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to submit the
9
necessary Washington state membership dues for the Pacific Northwest
10
economic region.
11
(5) $1,219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $1,219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to identify
14
and invest in strategic growth areas, support key sectors, and align
15
existing economic development programs and priorities. The department
16
must consider Washington's position as the most trade-dependent state
17
when identifying priority investments. The department must engage
18
states and provinces in the northwest as well as associate
19
development
organizations,
small
business
development
centers,
20
chambers of commerce, ports, and other partners to leverage the funds
21
provided. Sector leads established by the department must include the
22
industries of: (a) Aerospace; (b) clean technology and renewable and
23
nonrenewable energy; (c) wood products and other natural resource
24
industries; (d) information and communication technology; (e) life
25
sciences and global health; (f) maritime; (g) military and defense;
26
and (h) creative industries. The department may establish these
27
sector leads by hiring new staff, expanding the duties of current
28
staff, or working with partner organizations and or other agencies to
29
serve in the role of sector lead.
30
(6) (($22,220,000)) $18,597,000 of the Andy Hill cancer research
31
endowment fund match transfer account—state appropriation is provided
32
solely for the Andy Hill cancer research endowment program. Amounts
33
provided in this subsection may be used for grants and administration
34
costs.
35
(7) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to assist people
38
with limited incomes in urban areas of the state start and sustain
39
p. 63
SB 5998
small
businesses.
The
grant
recipient
must
be
a
nonprofit
1
organization involving a network of microenterprise organizations and
2
professionals to support micro entrepreneurship and access to
3
economic development resources.
4
(8) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and (($1,000,000)) $700,000 of the general fund—state
6
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a
7
nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to provide grants,
8
capacity building, and technical assistance support to a network of
9
microenterprise
development
organizations.
The
microenterprise
10
development organizations will support rural and urban Black,
11
indigenous and people of color owned businesses, veteran owned
12
businesses, and limited resourced and other hard to serve businesses
13
with five or fewer employees throughout the state with business
14
training, technical assistance, and microloans.
15
(9) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to strengthen capacity of the
18
keep Washington working act work group established in RCW 43.330.510.
19
(((11))) (10) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the city of Seattle to
21
lease space for nonprofit and academic institutions to incubate
22
technology business startups, especially those focusing on artificial
23
intelligence and develop and teach curricula to skill up workers to
24
use artificial intelligence as a business resource.
25
(((12))) (11) $500,000 of the climate commitment account—state
26
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
27
a nonregulatory coalition located in Seattle that supports the
28
strategic
development
and
activation
of
Washington
state's
29
participation in the West Coast wide-floating offshore wind supply
30
chain
through
a
collaborative
approach.
The
department
and
31
nonregulatory coalition shall identify economic, community, and
32
workforce development opportunities resulting from Washington state's
33
participation in the offshore wind supply chain through conducting
34
convenings, workshops, and studies as appropriate.
35
(((13))) (12) Sufficient amounts are provided in this section for
36
the department to administer a grant program to cannabis licensees
37
holding a license issued after July 1, 2024, who meet the social
38
equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335. The department must
39
p. 64
SB 5998
award grants primarily based on the strength of the social equity
1
plans
submitted
by
cannabis
licensees
but
may
also
consider
2
additional criteria if deemed necessary or appropriate by the
3
department. Technical assistance activities eligible for funding
4
include, but are not limited to:
5
(a) Assistance navigating the cannabis licensure process;
6
(b) Cannabis-business specific education and business plan
7
development;
8
(c) Regulatory compliance training;
9
(d) Financial management training and assistance in seeking
10
financing;
11
(e) Strengthening a social equity plan as defined in RCW
12
69.50.101; and
13
(f) Connecting social equity applicants with established industry
14
members and tribal cannabis enterprises and programs for mentoring
15
and other forms of support.
16
(13) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2027 is provided solely to initiate a statewide economic
18
development and competitiveness strategic plan. At a minimum, the
19
plan shall establish goals and strategies for state-supported
20
economic development activities in the state, utilizing analysis of
21
economic and industry data. The department shall inform the governor
22
and legislature of its progress by November 1, 2026.
23
Sec. 132. 2025 c 424 s 133 (uncodified) is amended to read as
24
follows:
25
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—ENERGY AND INNOVATION
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($3,601,000))
27
$2,021,000
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,522,000))
29
$2,273,000
30
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($39,799,000))
31
$115,658,000
32
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($106,000))
33
$138,000
34
Building Code Council Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $19,000
35
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($54,112,000))
36
$80,566,000
37
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
38
p. 65
SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $160,000
1
Energy Efficiency Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . $20,000
2
Low-Income Weatherization and Structural
3
Rehabilitation Assistance Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,416,000))
5
$1,426,000
6
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $166,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($102,921,000))
9
$202,447,000
10
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
11
conditions and limitations:
12
(1) The department is authorized to require an applicant to pay
13
an application fee to cover the cost of reviewing the project and
14
preparing an advisory opinion on whether a proposed electric
15
generation project or conservation resource qualifies to meet
16
mandatory conservation targets.
17
(2) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to build a mapping and
20
forecasting tool that provides locations and information on charging
21
and refueling infrastructure as required in chapter 300, Laws of 2021
22
(zero emissions transp.). The department shall collaborate with the
23
interagency electric vehicle coordinating council established in
24
chapter 182, Laws of 2022 (transportation resources) when developing
25
the tool and must work to meet benchmarks established in chapter 182,
26
Laws of 2022 (transportation resources).
27
(3) (($5,000,000)) $4,510,000 of the climate commitment account—
28
state appropriation is provided solely for grants to support port
29
districts, counties, cities, towns, special purpose districts, any
30
other municipal corporations or quasi-municipal corporations, and
31
tribes to support siting and permitting of clean energy projects in
32
the state. Eligible uses of grant funding provided in this section
33
include supporting predevelopment work for sites intended for clean
34
energy projects, land use studies, conducting or engaging in planning
35
efforts such as planned actions and programmatic environmental impact
36
statements, and staff to improve permit timeliness and certainty.
37
(4)(a) (($500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2026)) $800,000 of the climate commitment account—state
39
p. 66
SB 5998
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
1
((one or more of the western national laboratories, or a similar
2
independent research organization, in consultation with state and
3
federal energy agencies, stakeholders, and relevant utilities,)) an
4
entity or firm with necessary expertise to conduct an analysis for
5
new
electricity
generation,
transmission,
ancillary
services,
6
efficiency and storage sufficient to offset those ((presently))
7
provided by the lower Snake river dams. The analysis should include a
8
list of requirements for a replacement portfolio that diversifies and
9
improves the resilience and maintains the reliability and adequacy of
10
the electric power system, is consistent with the state's statutory
11
and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation, and is
12
supplementary to the resources that will be required to replace
13
fossil fuels in the electrical generation, transportation, industry,
14
and buildings sectors. The department and its contractor's assessment
15
will include quantitative analysis based on available data as well as
16
qualitative input gathered from tribal and other governments, the
17
Northwest power and conservation council, relevant utilities, and
18
other key stakeholders. The analysis ((must include)) should consider
19
the following:
20
(i) Expected trends for demand, and distinct scenarios that
21
examine potential outcomes for electricity demand, generation, and
22
storage
technologies
development((,
land
use
and
land
use
23
constraints)), and cost through 2050, as well as ((the most))
24
relevant recent ((analysis)) analyses of future resource adequacy and
25
reliability, including the range of energy needs, resources available
26
during the next 20 years, new resources that need to be developed,
27
and adequacy and reliability analysis;
28
(ii) A resource portfolio approach in which a combination of
29
commercially
available
generating
resources,
energy
efficiency,
30
conservation, and demand response programs, transmission resources,
31
and
other
programs
and
resources
that
would
be
necessary
32
prerequisites to replace the power and grid reliability services
33
otherwise provided by the lower Snake river dams and the time frame
34
needed to put those resources into operation;
35
(iii) ((Identification of generation and transmission siting
36
options consistent with the overall replacement resource portfolio,
37
in
coordination
with
other
state
processes
and
requirements
38
supporting the planning of clean energy and transmission siting;
39
p. 67
SB 5998
(iv) An evaluation of alternatives for the development, ownership
1
and operation of the replacement resource portfolio;
2
(v))) Examination of possible impacts and opportunities that
3
might result from the renewal of the Columbia river treaty, revisions
4
of
the
Bonneville
power
administration
preference
contracts,
5
implementation of the western resource adequacy program (WRAP),
6
expansion of the western day ahead power markets, and other changes
7
in operation and governance of the regional electric power system,
8
consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements of the clean
9
energy transformation act;
10
(((vi)
Identification
of
revenue
and
payment
structures
11
sufficient to maintain reliable and affordable electricity supplies
12
for ratepayers, with emphasis on overburdened communities;
13
(vii))) (iv) Development of distinct scenarios that examine
14
different potential cost and timeline potentials for development and
15
implementation of identified generation, storage, and transmission
16
needs, potential rate impacts, and options including planning((,
17
permitting, design, and construction)) and ideal project locations to
18
support replacement services, including relevant federal authorities,
19
consistent with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the
20
clean energy transformation act; and
21
(((viii))) (v) Quantification of impacts to greenhouse gas
22
emissions including life-cycle emissions analysis associated with
23
implementation of identified generation and transmission needs and
24
options
including
(((A)
planning,
permitting,
design,
and
25
construction, and, if relevant,)) emissions associated with the
26
acquisition of non-Washington state domestic or foreign sources of
27
electricity, ((and (B))) any additional operations of existing
28
fossil-fueled generating resources((; and
29
(ix) An inventory of electricity demand by state-owned or
30
operated facilities and information needed to complete a request for
31
proposals (RFP) to satisfy this demand through new nonhydro renewable
32
energy generation and/or conservation)), and the impact of forecasted
33
new load growth on greenhouse gas emissions.
34
(b) The department shall, to the extent determined practicable,
35
consider related analyses undertaken by the federal government as
36
part of the Columbia river system operation stay of litigation agreed
37
to in National Wildlife Federation et al. v. National Marine
38
Fisheries Service et al. in October 2021.
39
p. 68
SB 5998
(c) The department shall provide ((a status update)) the final
1
report to the energy and environment committees of the legislature
2
and governor's office by June 30, ((2026)) 2027.
3
(5)
$13,088,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
4
appropriation is provided solely for the department to administer a
5
grant program to assist owners of public buildings in covering the
6
costs of conducting an investment grade energy audit for those
7
buildings. Public buildings include those owned by state and local
8
governments, tribes, and school districts.
9
(6)
$1,078,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
10
appropriation is provided solely for the department to develop plans
11
to test hydrogen combustion and resulting nitrogen oxides (NOx)
12
emissions, technical assistance for strategic end uses of hydrogen, a
13
feasibility assessment regarding underground storage of hydrogen in
14
Washington, and an environmental justice toolkit for hydrogen
15
projects.
16
(7)
$1,678,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
17
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter 344,
18
Laws of 2024 (public building materials), including to develop and
19
maintain a publicly accessible database for covered projects to
20
submit environmental and working conditions data, to convene a
21
technical work group, and to develop legislative reports.
22
(8)
$2,500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
23
appropriation is provided solely for the department for activities
24
that engage tribes or overburdened communities when siting renewable
25
energy generation or electrical transmission facilities in Washington
26
state. Of the amounts provided in this subsection:
27
(a)
$2,000,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
28
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
engagement
of
a
tribal
29
collaborative and participating tribes to identify areas with higher
30
and lower potential for avoiding conflicts with tribes when siting
31
renewable energy generation and electrical transmission facilities.
32
The effort must consider tribal renewable energy and transmission
33
needs, tribal sovereignty and rights, sensitive natural areas and
34
working lands, and the goal to minimize harm while maximizing
35
benefits to tribal communities. The department may contract for this
36
purpose.
37
(b)
$500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
38
appropriation is provided solely for the department to engage with
39
p. 69
SB 5998
communities to create a framework and process to support early and
1
ongoing overburdened community input for the planning and development
2
of transmission corridors. This shall, to the extent feasible,
3
include identifying ways for overburdened communities to benefit from
4
transmission corridor development as well as ways to reduce and avoid
5
conflict
with
overburdened
communities
in
the
development
of
6
transmission corridors. Engagement activities may be coordinated with
7
the tribal collaborative described in section 133 of this act and
8
other relevant community engagement activities within the department.
9
(9)(a)
$200,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
10
appropriation is provided solely for a grant to continue the
11
Washington just and rapid transition climate tech program. The grant
12
will provide funding for the recruitment, development, business
13
training, and support of underserved climate technology innovators,
14
entrepreneurs, and organizations developing or deploying solutions in
15
the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable
16
transportation, and other technology solving for the environmental
17
challenges facing overburdened communities in Washington.
18
(b) Activities may include supporting entrepreneurs in preparing
19
for private investment; technical assistance for entrepreneurs
20
receiving state directed federal equity and debt capital; assistance
21
accessing or leveraging the use of federal funding; business coaching
22
and mentoring; and connections to technical and business resources.
23
(c) The grant recipient must be a nonprofit organization that has
24
been awarded, from the state of Washington, federal state small
25
business credit initiative funds for investment in Washington climate
26
tech entrepreneurs, and must also have experience managing investment
27
funding and providing entrepreneurial support programs and federal
28
funding assistance to early-stage climate start-ups and businesses
29
based in Washington. The grant recipient should have experience
30
providing services to individuals and companies led by individuals
31
from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, women, and individuals
32
residing in rural communities and have working partnerships with
33
state
research
universities,
climate
technology
industry
34
associations, and community-based organizations serving underserved
35
communities.
36
(10)
$300,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
37
appropriation is provided solely for the department to provide
38
assistance
and
develop
financing
recommendations
to
increase
39
p. 70
SB 5998
transmission capacity in Washington. The department must use the
1
funding provided in this subsection to:
2
(a) Provide assistance to local and tribal governments regarding
3
the permitting of electric transmission projects which includes, but
4
is not limited to, providing easily accessible information on
5
advanced transmission technologies in Washington and identifying
6
applicable codes and ordinances that support transmission facilities
7
for the purpose of providing frameworks that local and tribal
8
governments may consider or adopt;
9
(b) Provide technical assistance to transmission operators for
10
increasing and enhancing transmission capacity with reconductoring
11
and other advanced transmission technologies; and
12
(c) Identify the appropriate finance mechanisms needed to improve
13
capacity to develop electric transmission in Washington. By November
14
1, 2025, the department must submit a report that analyzes financing
15
options for transmission projects and provides recommendations to the
16
governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature.
17
(11)
$163,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
18
appropriation is provided solely for the department to administer a
19
pilot program to provide grants and technical assistance to support
20
planning, predevelopment, and installation of commercial, dual-use
21
solar power demonstration projects. Eligible grant recipients may
22
include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, public
23
entities, and federally recognized tribes.
24
(12)(a) (($10,000,000)) $7,500,000 of the climate commitment
25
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
26
administer a program to assist community-based organizations, local
27
governments, ports, tribes, and other entities to access federal tax
28
incentives and grants. Eligible entities for the program include, but
29
are
not
limited
to,
local
governments
in
Washington,
tribal
30
governments
and
tribal
entities,
community-based
organizations,
31
housing
authorities,
ports,
transit
agencies,
nonprofit
32
organizations, and for-profit businesses. The department shall
33
prioritize
assistance
that
benefits
vulnerable
populations
in
34
overburdened communities, with a goal of directing at least 25
35
percent of funds to this purpose.
36
(b) Within the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, the
37
department must contract with a nonprofit organization to provide the
38
following services:
39
p. 71
SB 5998
(i) Development of tax guidance resources for clean energy tax
1
credits, including core legal documents to be used broadly across
2
stakeholders;
3
(ii) Providing tailored marketing materials for these resources
4
targeting underserved entities; and
5
(iii) Providing funds to subcontract with clean energy tax
6
attorneys to pilot office hours style support available to eligible
7
entities across the state.
8
(13)
$3,500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely for the department to provide and
10
facilitate
access
to
energy
assistance
programs,
including
11
incentives, energy audits, and rebate programs to retrofit homes and
12
small businesses.
13
(14)
$250,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
14
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
15
a nonprofit entity that represents the maritime industry to develop
16
and publish a strategic framework regarding the production, supply,
17
and use of sustainable maritime fuels and deployment of low and zero-
18
emissions vessel technologies in Washington. Analyses will include
19
relevant human and environmental health and equity considerations.
20
Funding under this subsection may be used for activities including,
21
but
not
limited
to,
convening
stakeholders
and
building
22
organizational capacity. Stakeholder engagement pursuant to this
23
subsection shall include, at a minimum, engagement with federal and
24
state agencies, ports, industry, labor, research institutions,
25
nongovernmental organizations, and relevant federally recognized
26
tribes.
27
(((17))) (15) $450,000 of the climate commitment account—state
28
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
29
the Washington state academy of sciences to complete a study to
30
determine the value of distributed solar and storage in Washington
31
state. Including any factors that it finds relevant, the academy
32
shall develop policy recommendations and options for a methodology or
33
methodologies that utility regulators and governing bodies may use
34
after the statutory four percent net metering threshold is met. The
35
academy shall submit a final report to the department and the
36
utilities and transportation commission by October 1, 2026.
37
(((18))) (16) $197,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
38
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the department to
39
p. 72
SB 5998
complete the final report of the electrical transmission workforce
1
needs study pursuant to section 1117(40) of this act. The department
2
must submit the final report of the study to the appropriate
3
committees of the legislature by November 1, 2025.
4
(17)(a) $30,000,000 of the climate commitment account—state
5
appropriation is provided solely for the department to administer
6
grants for public and private utilities to provide bill credits for
7
low-income residential electricity customers. These credits will
8
assist Washington families with clean energy transition and shall not
9
exceed $200 per residential household.
10
(b) To qualify for assistance, a household must be below 80
11
percent of the area median income.
12
(c) Utilities must prioritize customers who are considered
13
vulnerable populations in overburdened communities as defined in RCW
14
70A.02.010, such as those that have participated in the low-income
15
home energy assistance program, utility payment plans, or ratepayer
16
funded assistance programs. Utilities must first prioritize bill
17
credits for customers at or below 50 percent area median income, and
18
if funds remain, may expand bill credits for customers up to 80
19
percent of area median income. Utilities may qualify customers
20
through self-attestation.
21
(d) Utilities may, but are not required to, work with community
22
action agencies to administer these grant funds. Each utility shall
23
use the grant funds to disburse credits directly to customer
24
accounts. Utilities must adhere to program communications guidelines
25
provided by the department. Utilities may use up to five percent of
26
their grant funds for administrative costs associated with the
27
disbursement outlined in this subsection.
28
(18)
$350,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
29
appropriation is provided solely for the department to establish a
30
Washington electric transmission authority.
31
Sec. 133. 2025 c 424 s 134 (uncodified) is amended to read as
32
follows:
33
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—PROGRAM SUPPORT
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($6,539,000))
35
$11,166,000
36
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,692,000))
37
$9,369,000
38
p. 73
SB 5998
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $7,902,000
1
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($2,075,000))
2
$2,087,000
3
((Dedicated Cannabis Account—State
4
Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000))
5
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($1,753,000))
6
$1,627,000
7
((Growth Management Planning and Environmental
8
Review Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $148,000))
9
Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund—Federal
10
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $142,000
11
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($24,111,000))
12
$32,293,000
13
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
14
conditions and limitations:
15
(1) (($253,000)) $127,000 of the climate commitment account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for the department to incorporate
17
equity and environmental justice into agency grant programs with the
18
goal of reducing programmatic barriers to vulnerable populations in
19
overburdened
communities
in
accessing
department
funds.
The
20
department shall prioritize grant programs receiving funds from the
21
accounts established under RCW 70A.65.240, 70A.65.250, 70A.65.260,
22
70A.65.270, and 70A.65.280.
23
(2)
$1,500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
24
appropriation is provided solely for the department to continue
25
implementation of chapter 70A.02 RCW.
26
(((3) $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for language access activities,
29
which may include translation services, interpretation services, and
30
in-language material development.))
31
(3) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department, in
34
collaboration with the office of financial management and relevant
35
partners, to conduct an evaluation of the short-term and long-term
36
facility needs to maximize usage and return on investment of the
37
Pacific tower property, as contracted to the department by the
38
Pacific
hospital
preservation
and
development
authority.
In
39
p. 74
SB 5998
conducting the evaluation, the department may enter a contract, which
1
must be with an entity with expertise in space planning, financial
2
modeling, and public-sector real estate management. The department
3
must submit a final report of their evaluation by November 1, 2026.
4
The evaluation must include, but is not limited to:
5
(a) A floor-by-floor utilization assessment and restacking plan
6
that considers state agencies, local government partners, mission-
7
aligned nonprofits, and other appropriate tenants;
8
(b) An analysis of financial, operational, and contractual
9
factors affecting the building's financial sustainability, including
10
sublease structures and potential areas of duplicative payment or
11
cost overlap;
12
(c) Recommendations for optimizing space based on telework
13
trends, tenant readiness, and the building's physical and historic
14
constraints; and
15
(d) A long-term strategy to improve return on investment,
16
stabilize operating costs, and ensure alignment with the master lease
17
and the 2013 legislative intent for the facility.
18
Sec. 134. 2025 c 424 s 135 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE ECONOMIC AND REVENUE FORECAST COUNCIL
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($948,000))
22
$1,017,000
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($946,000))
24
$954,000
25
Lottery Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $50,000
26
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,944,000))
27
$2,021,000
28
Sec. 135. 2025 c 424 s 136 (uncodified) is amended to read as
29
follows:
30
FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($16,140,000))
32
$15,190,000
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($16,270,000))
34
$10,789,000
35
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($36,493,000))
36
$36,491,000
37
p. 75
SB 5998
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($539,000))
1
$7,132,000
2
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $3,004,000
3
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000
5
Personnel Service Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($24,571,000))
6
$27,459,000
7
Higher Education Personnel Services Account—State
8
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,428,000))
9
$1,427,000
10
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
11
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300,000
12
Statewide Information Technology System Development
13
Revolving Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . (($154,207,000))
14
$274,178,000
15
Office of Financial Management Central Service
16
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($34,140,000))
17
$35,975,000
18
((Labor Relations Service Nonappropriated
19
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $11,797,000))
20
Statewide Information Technology System Maintenance
21
and Operations Revolving Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,178,000
23
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($298,891,000))
24
$414,125,000
25
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
26
conditions and limitations:
27
(1)(a) The student achievement council and all institutions of
28
higher education as defined in RCW 28B.92.030 and eligible for state
29
financial aid programs under chapters 28B.92 and 28B.118 RCW shall
30
ensure that data needed to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of
31
state financial aid programs are promptly transmitted to the
32
education data center so that it is available and easily accessible.
33
The data to be reported must include but not be limited to:
34
(i) The number of Washington college grant and college bound
35
recipients;
36
(ii) Persistence and completion rates of Washington college grant
37
recipients and college bound recipients, disaggregated by institution
38
of higher education;
39
p. 76
SB 5998
(iii) Washington college grant recipients grade point averages;
1
and
2
(iv) Washington college grant and college bound scholarship
3
program costs.
4
(b) The student achievement council shall submit student unit
5
record data for state financial aid program applicants and recipients
6
to the education data center.
7
(2)(a)
(($153,269,000))
$273,263,000
of
the
information
8
technology system development revolving account—state appropriation
9
is provided solely for the one Washington enterprise resource
10
planning statewide program phase 1A (agency financial reporting
11
system replacement) and is subject to the conditions, limitations,
12
and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
13
(b) Of the amount provided in this subsection:
14
(i) (($15,300,000)) $38,643,000 of the information technology
15
system development revolving account—state appropriation is provided
16
solely for a technology pool ((in fiscal year 2026)) to pay for phase
17
1A (agency financial reporting system replacement—core financials)
18
state agency costs due to legacy system remediation work associated
19
with impacted financial systems and interfaces. The office of
20
financial management must manage the pool, authorize funds, track
21
funds authorized and spent by agency by fiscal month, and report
22
after each fiscal month close on the agency spending to Washington
23
technology solutions so that the spending is included in the
24
statewide dashboard actual spending each fiscal month for phase 1A
25
and included on the program dashboard for program actual spend. If
26
the office of financial management projects that a portion of the
27
funding provided in this subsection (2)(b)(i) will be underspent,
28
amounts provided in this subsection may be utilized for the purposes
29
outlined in (b)(ii) of this subsection;
30
(ii) (($27,563,000)) $49,962,000 of the information technology
31
system development revolving account—state appropriation is provided
32
solely for an agency readiness pool ((in fiscal year 2026)) to pay
33
for phase 1A (agency financial reporting system replacement-core
34
financials) state agency costs incurred in preparation for a
35
successful transition to phase 1A. The office of financial management
36
must manage this pool, authorize funds, track funds authorized and
37
spent by agency by fiscal month, and report after each fiscal month
38
close on the agency spending to Washington technology solutions so
39
p. 77
SB 5998
that the spending is included in the statewide dashboard actual
1
spending each fiscal month for phase 1A and included on the program
2
dashboard program actual spend. If the office of financial management
3
projects that a portion of the funding provided in this subsection
4
(2)(b)(ii) will be underspent, amounts provided in this subsection
5
may be utilized for the purposes outlined in (b)(i) of this
6
subsection; and
7
(iii) $988,000 of the information technology system development
8
revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely for an
9
interagency agreement ((in fiscal year 2026)) with Washington
10
technology
solutions
for
one
dedicated
information
technology
11
consultant and two dedicated system architect staff. These staff will
12
work
with
state
agencies
to
ensure
preparation
and
timely
13
decommission of information technology systems that will no longer be
14
necessary post implementation of phase 1A (agency financial reporting
15
system replacement-core financials).
16
(c) The one Washington solution and team must use an agile
17
development
model
holding
live
demonstrations
of
functioning
18
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
19
of two-week sprints.
20
(d) The one Washington solution must be capable of being
21
continually updated, as necessary.
22
(e) Beginning July 1, 2025, the office of financial management
23
shall provide written quarterly reports, within 30 calendar days of
24
the end of each fiscal quarter, to legislative fiscal committees and
25
the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee to
26
include how funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan
27
for the prior quarter by fiscal month and what the ensuing quarter
28
budget will be by fiscal month. All reporting must be separated by
29
phase of one Washington subprojects. The written report must also
30
include:
31
(i) A list of quantifiable deliverables scheduled for that
32
quarter, including those accomplished and the amount spent associated
33
with each deliverable, by fiscal month;
34
(ii) A report on the contract full-time equivalent charged
35
compared to the budget spending plan by fiscal month for each
36
contracted vendor, to include interagency agreements with other state
37
agencies, and what the ensuing contract equivalent budget spending
38
plan assumes by fiscal month;
39
p. 78
SB 5998
(iii) A report identifying each state agency that applied for and
1
received technology pool resources under (b)(i) of this subsection,
2
the staffing equivalent used, and the actual spending by fiscal month
3
by agency compared to the budget spending plan by fiscal month;
4
(iv) A report identifying each state agency that applied for and
5
received agency readiness pool resources under (b)(ii) of this
6
subsection, the staffing equivalent used, and the actual spending by
7
fiscal month by agency compared to the budget spending plan by fiscal
8
month;
9
(v) A report on budget spending plan by fiscal month by phase
10
compared to actual spending by fiscal month, and the projected
11
spending plan by fiscal month for the ensuing quarter;
12
(vi) A report on current financial office performance metrics
13
that at least 10 state agencies use, to include the monthly
14
performance data, that began July 1, 2021;
15
(vii) A report identifying each mandatory go-live phase 1A system
16
by agency and system name, and the status on each system readiness
17
compliance to meet the go-live date as of the start of the quarter
18
and the percentage of compliance by the end of the quarter;
19
(viii) An accounting of each known risk to the project identified
20
by Washington technology solutions, the assigned quality assurance
21
vendor, or the program during the last quarter, and then how each of
22
these risks were addressed during the last quarter, what date each of
23
these risks are anticipated to be resolved, and if the risk will be
24
unresolved in the ensuing quarter;
25
(ix) An accounting of any deliverables that were changed in the
26
last quarter noting start and anticipated end dates before and after
27
change, and any plans to change future deliverables to include what
28
the deliverable was, what the new deliverable is, why the deliverable
29
was or will be missed, what was done to mitigate this delay, and what
30
the revised deliverable date is; and
31
(x) The project roll-out schedule by phase to include the date
32
each phase will go live compared to the last known go-live date. If
33
the go-live date changed since the last quarterly report, the report
34
must reference the last go-live date compared to the new one and
35
include detail on why the schedule will be missed, how the project
36
mitigated additional delays, and what the additional time in the
37
schedule is anticipated to cost by fiscal year.
38
p. 79
SB 5998
(f) Prior to the expenditure of the amounts provided in this
1
subsection, the director of the office of financial management must
2
review and approve the spending in writing.
3
(g) The legislature intends to provide additional funding for
4
fiscal year 2027 costs for phase 1A (agency financial reporting
5
system replacement) to be completed.
6
(3) $250,000 of the office of financial management central
7
services account—state appropriation is provided solely for a
8
dedicated information technology budget staff for the work associated
9
with statewide information technology projects that at least are
10
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
11
section 701 of this act and are under the oversight of Washington
12
technology solutions. The staff will be responsible for providing a
13
monthly financial report after each fiscal month close to fiscal
14
staff of the senate ways and means and house appropriations
15
committees to reflect at least:
16
(a) Fund balance of the information technology pool account after
17
each fiscal month close;
18
(b) Amount by information technology project, differentiated if
19
in the technology pool or the agency budget, of what funding has been
20
approved to date and for the last fiscal month;
21
(c) Amount by agency of what funding has been approved to date
22
and for the last fiscal month;
23
(d) Total amount approved to date, differentiated if in the
24
technology pool or the agency budget, and for the last fiscal month;
25
(e) A projection for the information technology pool account by
26
fiscal month through the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium close, and a
27
calculation spent to date as a percentage of the total appropriation;
28
(f) A projection of each information technology project spending
29
compared to budget spending plan by fiscal month through the
30
2025-2027 fiscal biennium, and a calculation of amount spent to date
31
as a percentage of total project cost; and
32
(g) A list of agencies and projects that have not yet applied for
33
nor been approved for funding by the office of financial management.
34
(4) Within existing resources, the labor relations section shall
35
produce a report annually on workforce data and trends for the
36
previous fiscal year. At a minimum, the report must include a
37
workforce profile; information on employee compensation, including
38
salaries and cost of overtime; and information on retention,
39
including average length of service and workforce turnover.
40
p. 80
SB 5998
(5) The office of financial management must report to and
1
coordinate with the department of ecology to track expenditures from
2
climate commitment act accounts, as defined and described in RCW
3
70A.65.300 and chapter 173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to
4
result in greenhouse gas emission reductions, the office must use a
5
department of ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
6
(6) Within existing resources, the office will maintain a data
7
portal to track state agency expenditures from climate commitment act
8
accounts as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
9
173-446B WAC. The data portal must be coordinated with the department
10
of ecology.
11
(7) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of chapter
14
245, Laws of 2022 (state boards, etc./stipends).
15
(8)(a) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the office of financial
17
management to complete a study of the future long-term uses of the
18
Olympic heritage behavioral health campus. The study must assess the
19
options for maximizing the facility's ability to receive federal
20
matching funds for services provided while contributing to the health
21
of the entire state behavioral health system based on community
22
needs. The study must examine Washington behavioral health system
23
trends, including demand and capacity for voluntary and involuntary
24
behavioral health in-patient treatment, forecasted bed need and
25
current and planned statewide capacity for civil and forensic state
26
hospital populations, short-term civil commitment capacity trends,
27
and trends in prosecutorial forensic referrals. The study must also
28
consider area provider admittance and refusal rates. The study must
29
include:
30
(i) An analysis on the types of services which could be provided
31
at the property, including but not limited to:
32
(A) Voluntary behavioral health treatment services, including
33
diversion, prediversion, and specialty services for people with co-
34
occurring conditions including substance use disorders, intellectual
35
or
developmental
disabilities,
traumatic
brain
disorders,
or
36
dementia;
37
(B) Services for patients that are deemed not guilty by reason of
38
insanity;
39
p. 81
SB 5998
(C) Integrated service approaches that address medical, housing,
1
vocational, and other needs of behaviorally disabled individuals with
2
criminal
legal
involvement
or
likelihood
of
criminal
legal
3
involvement;
4
(D) Long-term involuntary treatment services for specialized
5
populations
such
as
those
with
developmental
disabilities
or
6
dementia;
7
(E) Short-term involuntary treatment services;
8
(F) Long-term involuntary treatment services for civil conversion
9
patients;
10
(G) Out-patient intensive behavioral health treatment including
11
partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care;
12
(H) Crisis response services; and
13
(I) Other services that will increase the state's ability to
14
comply with requirements for providing timely admission of competency
15
restoration patients into treatment beds;
16
(ii) Review of potential for additional capacity or services on
17
the entirety of the property, including any capital improvements
18
needed to expand services under the options described in (a)(i) of
19
this subsection;
20
(iii) Identification and evaluation of strategies to obtain
21
federal matching funding opportunities, specifically focusing on
22
innovative medicaid framework adjustments and the consideration of
23
necessary state plan amendments;
24
(iv)
Estimated
costs,
required
staffing
and
workforce
25
availability for each of the recommended types of services if
26
available; and
27
(v) Consideration of options for providers that can provide the
28
different services recommended at the facility and an analysis on the
29
cost differential and potential federal reimbursement for the
30
different providers. The office of financial management may consider
31
a variety of provider types or partners, including, but not limited
32
to:
33
(A) Tribal or local governments;
34
(B) Acute care hospitals already providing similar care;
35
(C) Providers contracted by the health care authority; and
36
(D) State-operated options.
37
(b) The office of financial management shall consult with the
38
University of Washington school of medicine, the health care
39
p. 82
SB 5998
authority, and the department of social and health services in
1
developing and conducting the study.
2
(c) The office of financial management shall submit a final
3
report with its findings and recommendations to the governor and the
4
appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by
5
December 1, 2025.
6
(d) The office of financial management may contract with one or
7
more third parties and consult with other state entities to conduct
8
the study. The contract is exempt from the competitive procurement
9
requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
10
(9) $352,000 of the labor relations service nonappropriated
11
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
12
Senate Bill No. 5653 (fish and wildlife officers). ((If the bill is
13
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
14
shall lapse.))
15
Sec. 136. 2025 c 424 s 137 (uncodified) is amended to read as
16
follows:
17
FOR THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
18
Administrative Hearings Revolving Account—State
19
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($72,878,000))
20
$73,596,000
21
Administrative Hearings Revolving Account—Local
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12,000
23
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($72,890,000))
24
$73,608,000
25
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
26
conditions and limitations:
27
(1) $809,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
28
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
29
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-term services trust).
30
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
31
this subsection shall lapse.))
32
(2) $24,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
33
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
34
Engrossed
Second
Substitute
Senate
Bill
No.
5217
(pregnancy
35
accommodations). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
36
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
37
p. 83
SB 5998
(3) $56,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
1
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
2
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1213 (paid family and
3
medical leave protections). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
4
2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
5
(4) $39,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
6
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
7
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1644 (working minors). ((If the
8
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
9
subsection shall lapse.))
10
Sec. 137. 2025 c 424 s 138 (uncodified) is amended to read as
11
follows:
12
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE LOTTERY
13
Lottery Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . (($31,618,000))
14
$32,145,000
15
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($31,618,000))
16
$32,145,000
17
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
18
conditions and limitations:
19
(1) No portion of this appropriation may be used for acquisition
20
of gaming system capabilities that violate state law.
21
(2) Pursuant to RCW 67.70.040, the commission shall take such
22
action necessary to reduce retail commissions to an average of 5.1
23
percent of sales.
24
Sec. 138. 2025 c 424 s 139 (uncodified) is amended to read as
25
follows:
26
FOR THE COMMISSION ON HISPANIC AFFAIRS
27
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($1,173,000))
28
$1,190,000
29
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($1,199,000))
30
$1,209,000
31
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,372,000))
32
$2,399,000
33
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
34
conditions and limitations: $105,000 of the general fund—state
35
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $105,000 of the general fund—
36
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
37
p. 84
SB 5998
grants to gang youth intervention specialists for a pilot program
1
within high schools in Washington. Grants may be provided without
2
using a competitive selection process.
3
Sec. 139. 2025 c 424 s 140 (uncodified) is amended to read as
4
follows:
5
FOR THE COMMISSION ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN AFFAIRS
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($559,000))
7
$564,000
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($541,000))
9
$540,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,100,000))
11
$1,104,000
12
Sec. 140. 2025 c 424 s 141 (uncodified) is amended to read as
13
follows:
14
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF RETIREMENT SYSTEMS—OPERATIONS
15
Department of Retirement Systems Expense Account—
16
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($124,988,000))
17
$125,572,000
18
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($124,988,000))
19
$125,572,000
20
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
21
conditions and limitations:
22
(1) $45,493,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
23
account—state appropriation is provided solely for pension system
24
modernization, and is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
25
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
26
(2) $20,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
27
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
28
Senate Bill No. 5306 (pension credit for leave). ((If the bill is not
29
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
30
shall lapse.))
31
Sec. 141. 2025 c 424 s 142 (uncodified) is amended to read as
32
follows:
33
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($431,882,000))
35
$194,626,000
36
p. 85
SB 5998
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($448,347,000))
1
$200,793,000
2
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . $569,000,000
3
Timber Tax Distribution Account—State Appropriation. . (($8,187,000))
4
$8,464,000
5
Business License Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($20,025,000))
6
$20,745,000
7
Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Litter Control
8
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $184,000
9
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
10
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $128,000
11
Financial Services Regulation Nonappropriated Fund—
12
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000,000
13
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($913,753,000))
14
$998,940,000
15
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
16
conditions and limitations:
17
(1) $1,661,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $1,661,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the implementation of
20
chapter 196, Laws of 2021 (capital gains tax).
21
(2) (($253,005,000)) $14,005,000 of the general fund—state
22
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $273,103,000)), $14,103,000
23
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
24
$569,000,000 of the climate commitment account—state appropriation
25
are provided solely for implementation of chapter 195, Laws of 2021
26
(working families tax exempt.). Of the total amounts provided in this
27
subsection:
28
(a) $14,005,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal
year
2026
and
$14,103,000
of
the
general
fund—state
30
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
31
administration of the working families tax exemption program; and
32
(b) (($239,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026 and $259,000,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) $569,000,000 of the climate
35
commitment
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
36
remittances under the working families tax exemption program.
37
p. 86
SB 5998
(3) $6,976,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $4,510,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to implement
3
2025 revenue legislation. Within the amounts provided in this
4
section, funding is sufficient for the department to implement
5
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5314 (capital gains tax) and Engrossed
6
Substitute House Bill No. 2061 (duty-free sales enterprises).
7
(4) $181,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 is provided solely to support the underground economy task
9
force created in section 906, chapter 376, Laws of 2024.
10
(5) Within existing resources, during the 2025-2027 fiscal
11
biennium, the department of revenue shall implement an expanded
12
voluntary disclosure program for all entities engaged in investment
13
activities that are not a banking, lending, or security business, as
14
defined in RCW 82.04.4281. Unless an audit has been commenced by the
15
department as of July 1, 2025, all such entities may participate in
16
the expanded voluntary disclosure program. During the 2025-2027
17
fiscal biennium, the department shall waive all penalties and
18
interest for participating entities of the expanded voluntary
19
disclosure program for the purpose of registering and collecting
20
revenue due from businesses.
21
(6) The department must report to and coordinate with the
22
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
23
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
24
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
25
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
26
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
27
Sec. 142. 2025 c 424 s 143 (uncodified) is amended to read as
28
follows:
29
FOR THE BOARD OF TAX APPEALS
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,810,000))
31
$2,888,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,847,000))
33
$2,976,000
34
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,657,000))
35
$5,864,000
36
p. 87
SB 5998
Sec. 143. 2025 c 424 s 144 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN'S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . $3,611,000
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,677,000))
5
$3,663,000
6
Minority and Women's Business Enterprises Account—
7
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($8,350,000))
8
$8,656,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($15,638,000))
10
$15,930,000
11
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
12
conditions and limitations: The office of minority and women's
13
business enterprises shall consult with the Washington state office
14
of equity on the Washington state toolkit for equity in public
15
spending.
16
Sec. 144. 2025 c 424 s 145 (uncodified) is amended to read as
17
follows:
18
FOR THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $300,000
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . $800,000
21
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($6,780,000))
22
$6,779,000
23
Insurance Commissioner's Regulatory Account—State
24
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($95,465,000))
25
$96,565,000
26
Insurance Commissioner's Fraud Account—State
27
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,851,000))
28
$4,911,000
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($108,196,000))
30
$109,355,000
31
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
32
conditions and limitations:
33
(1) $1,244,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account
34
—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to
35
continue
its
work
on
behavioral
health
parity
compliance,
36
enforcement, and provider network oversight. The commissioner may use
37
internal staff and contracted experts to oversee provider directories
38
p. 88
SB 5998
and evaluate consumer access to services for mental health and
1
substance use disorders in state-regulated individual, small group,
2
and large group health plans.
3
(2) $350,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
4
state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to study
5
the feasibility of using a joint underwriting association to provide
6
property and liability insurance coverage for child care centers,
7
group foster homes, family child care homes, child and youth serving
8
organizations, and child placement services. The commissioner must
9
provide a report of findings to the appropriate policy committees of
10
the legislature by December 31, 2025.
11
(a) The commissioner shall collect information from entities
12
transacting insurance in the state and other sources to evaluate
13
feasibility, limitations, and options. Any authorized insurers,
14
unauthorized insurers, and risk retention groups contacted for
15
purposes of this study are required to provide the requested
16
information to the commissioner. The commissioner may confer with
17
government entities, insurers, and stakeholders as needed for the
18
feasibility study and report of findings.
19
(b) The commissioner may contract with actuaries and other
20
consultants,
as
needed,
to
analyze
data
gathered,
evaluate
21
feasibility, assess limitations, develop options and recommendations,
22
and prepare the report.
23
(c) The study shall evaluate, at a minimum:
24
(i) Concerns with the cost or availability of property and
25
liability coverage for child care centers, group foster homes, family
26
child care homes, child and youth serving organizations, and child
27
placement services;
28
(ii) Barriers that child care centers, group foster homes, family
29
child care homes, child and youth serving organizations, and child
30
placement services experience in accessing adequate property and
31
liability coverage;
32
(iii) Whether and how a joint underwriting association might suit
33
the property and liability coverage needs of child care centers,
34
group foster homes, family child care homes, child and youth serving
35
organizations, and child placement services, and any limitations of a
36
joint underwriting association in meeting the need; and
37
(iv) Statutory or implementation considerations relevant to
38
legislative deliberations regarding feasibility.
39
p. 89
SB 5998
(3) $3,297,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account
1
—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to
2
enhance consumer education, outreach, counseling, and complaint
3
resolution for elders and persons with disabilities related to
4
medicare program enrollment and access to care through the senior
5
health insurance benefit advisor program. Activities under this
6
subsection may include but are not limited to: Contracts with
7
community-based organizations with language skills and relationships
8
with
medicare
beneficiaries;
permanent
or
part-time
staffing;
9
volunteer recruitment; and outreach activities.
10
(4) $187,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
11
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
12
Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5721 (automobile insurance). ((If the bill
13
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
14
subsection shall lapse.))
15
(5) $290,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
16
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
17
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5351 (dental insurance practices). ((If
18
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
19
subsection shall lapse.))
20
(6) $528,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
21
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the
22
commissioner to study insurers' use of credit history, credit-based
23
insurance scores, other rate factors that may have disparate impacts
24
on
Washington
residents,
and
alternatives
to
their
use,
in
25
determining personal insurance premiums, rates, or eligibility for
26
coverage, and the associated impacts to consumer costs and the
27
availability of insurance. The commissioner must provide a report of
28
findings to the appropriate policy committees of the legislature by
29
((November 1, 2026)) June 1, 2027.
30
(a) In conducting the study, the commissioner shall:
31
(i) Collect information from entities transacting personal
32
insurance as defined in RCW 48.19.035(1)(e), and any identified
33
authorized insurers are required to provide the requested information
34
to the commissioner;
35
(ii) Investigate and obtain any other relevant information that
36
may assist the commissioner with analyzing insurers' use of credit
37
history, credit-based insurance scoring models, other rate factors
38
that may disparately impact Washington residents, and alternatives to
39
p. 90
SB 5998
their use, in determining personal insurance premiums, rates,
1
eligibility for coverage, and evaluating the associated impacts to
2
consumer costs and the availability of insurance;
3
(iii) Contract with actuarial and other consultants, as needed,
4
to:
5
(A) Analyze insurers' use of credit history, credit-based
6
insurance scoring models, or other rate factors that may disparately
7
impact Washington residents, in determining premiums, rates, and
8
eligibility for coverage for people of various races, ethnicities,
9
sexes, socioeconomic status, and national origins;
10
(B) Identify and analyze alternate rate factors that could be
11
used to determine premiums, rates, and eligibility for coverage that
12
neither rely on credit history or credit-based insurance scoring
13
models, nor disparately impact Washington residents of various races,
14
ethnicities, sexes, socioeconomic status, or national origins; and
15
(C) Analyze the likely impact of insurers' uses under (a)(iii)(A)
16
of this subsection and alternative rate factors identified under
17
(a)(iii)(B) of this subsection, on consumer costs, rates, premiums
18
eligibility for coverage, and availability of insurance for people of
19
various races, ethnicities, sexes, socioeconomic status, and national
20
origins; and
21
(iv) Develop for legislative consideration, policy options and
22
their likely impacts on consumer costs, premiums, rates, eligibility
23
for coverage, and the availability of personal insurance, of use of
24
rate plans that include and exclude credit history, credit-based
25
insurance scoring models, or other rate factors that may have a
26
disparate impact on Washington residents.
27
(b) Consistent with RCW 43.01.036, the commissioner shall submit
28
a final report by November 1, 2026, with review findings, policy
29
options, and recommendations regarding allowance, prohibition, or
30
contingent use, of credit history, credit-based insurance scoring
31
models, other disparately impactful rating factors, and alternatives
32
to their use, for personal insurance, and the associated impacts on
33
consumer costs, premiums, rates, eligibility for coverage, and
34
availability of insurance for people of various races, ethnicities,
35
sexes, socioeconomic status, and national origins.
36
(c) Data requested by, or provided to, the commissioner and the
37
commissioner's contracted consultants for the purpose of complying
38
with the study and reporting requirements in this subsection is
39
confidential by law and privileged and is not subject to public
40
p. 91
SB 5998
disclosure under chapter 48.02.065(8) RCW. Nothing in this subsection
1
prohibits the commissioner from preparing and publishing reports,
2
analyses, or other documents using the data received under this
3
subsection so long as the data is in aggregate form and does not
4
permit the identification of information related to individual
5
companies. Data in the aggregate form is deemed public records
6
available for public inspection. Nothing in this subsection affects,
7
limits, or amends the commissioner's authority under chapter 48.37
8
RCW.
9
(7) $737,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
10
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
11
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-term services trust).
12
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
13
this subsection shall lapse.))
14
(8) $284,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
15
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
16
Substitute House Bill No. 1669 (prosthetic limb coverage). ((If the
17
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
18
subsection shall lapse.))
19
(9) $56,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
20
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
21
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5419 (reports of fire losses). ((If the
22
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
23
subsection shall lapse.))
24
(10) $157,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
25
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Senate
26
Bill No. 5108 (service contracts). ((If the bill is not enacted by
27
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
28
(11)(a) $250,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
29
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner,
30
in consultation with the health care authority, to complete an
31
analysis of the cost to implement an obesity treatment benefit as
32
described in Senate Bill No. 5353 (diabetes and obesity).
33
(b) The commissioner must contract with one or more consultants
34
to obtain utilization and cost data from the Washington state all
35
payer claims database and, if needed, Washington state health
36
carriers, as defined in RCW 48.43.005, necessary to provide an
37
estimate of the fiscal impact of including an obesity treatment
38
benefit in the commercial health plan market.
39
p. 92
SB 5998
(c) The analysis must include, but is not limited to, a
1
utilization and cost analysis of each of the following services:
2
(i) Intensive health, behavioral, and lifestyle treatment;
3
(ii) Metabolic and bariatric surgery; and
4
(iii) Food and drug administration-approved obesity medication.
5
(d) The report should include projected costs in the individual,
6
small group and large group markets, separate and in the aggregate,
7
expressed both as total annual costs and per member per month costs
8
for plan years 2028 through 2029.
9
(e) The commissioner must report the findings of the analysis to
10
the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by
11
September 30, 2026.
12
(12) $350,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
13
state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to review
14
and evaluate the efficacy of current property protection class rating
15
methodologies and to study the feasibility of modernizing community
16
property classification rating schedules to more accurately reflect
17
the fire protection risk and available mitigations for a specific
18
property by December 31, 2025.
19
(13) $491,000 of the insurance commissioner's fraud account—state
20
appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to collaborate
21
with the Pierce county prosecuting attorney's office regarding the
22
criminal prosecution of matters investigated by the limited authority
23
peace officers employed by the commissioner.
24
(14) $100,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
25
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
26
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1686 (health care entity
27
registry). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
28
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
29
(15) $1,287,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
30
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
31
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1432 (mental health
32
services). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
33
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
34
(16) $14,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
35
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
36
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1971 (prescription hormone
37
therapy). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
38
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
39
p. 93
SB 5998
(17) $250,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
1
state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to enter
2
into an interagency agreement with the health care authority to
3
support economic, actuarial, or other modeling related to design of a
4
universal health care system, as directed in RCW 41.05.840.
5
(18) $116,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
6
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
7
Substitute House Bill No. 1392 (medicaid access program). ((If the
8
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
9
subsection shall lapse.))
10
(19) $273,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
11
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
12
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5579 (health/contract terminations). ((If
13
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
14
subsection shall lapse.))
15
(20) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to the office of the insurance
18
commissioner to defray costs during plan year 2026 incurred by
19
carriers for coverage in qualified health plans of state-mandated
20
health benefits included in the state essential health benefits
21
benchmark plan as approved by the federal centers for medicare and
22
medicaid services on October 7, 2024, that are not permitted to be
23
treated as an essential health benefit under federal law or
24
regulation.
25
(21) $368,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
26
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
27
Substitute House Bill No. 1516 (insurance/affordable units). ((If the
28
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
29
subsection shall lapse.))
30
Sec. 145. 2025 c 424 s 146 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE STATE INVESTMENT BOARD
33
State Investment Board Expense Account—State
34
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($90,325,000))
35
$90,574,000
36
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($90,325,000))
37
$90,574,000
38
p. 94
SB 5998
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations: $170,000 of the state investment board
2
expense
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
3
implementation of Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201 (investment/LTSS
4
accounts). ((If the resolution is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
5
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
6
Sec. 146. 2025 c 424 s 147 (uncodified) is amended to read as
7
follows:
8
FOR THE LIQUOR AND CANNABIS BOARD
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $620,000
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($638,000))
11
$637,000
12
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($3,210,000))
13
$3,249,000
14
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $75,000
15
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
16
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($14,486,000))
17
$14,427,000
18
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
19
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($14,966,000))
20
$14,876,000
21
Liquor Revolving Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($105,057,000))
22
$108,097,000
23
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($139,052,000))
24
$141,981,000
25
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
26
conditions and limitations:
27
(1) The liquor and cannabis board may require electronic payment
28
of the cannabis excise tax levied by RCW 69.50.535. The liquor and
29
cannabis board may allow a waiver to the electronic payment
30
requirement for good cause as provided by rule.
31
(2)
$8,208,000
of
the
liquor
revolving
account—state
32
appropriation is provided solely for the tax and fee systems
33
replacement and are subject to the conditions, limitations, and
34
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
35
(3) $117,000 of the liquor revolving account—state appropriation
36
is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Senate Bill No.
37
p. 95
SB 5998
5206 (cannabis advertising). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
1
2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
2
(4) $165,000 of the liquor revolving account—state appropriation
3
is provided solely for implementation of Second Substitute Senate
4
Bill No. 5786 (liquor license fees). ((If the bill is not enacted by
5
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
6
(5)
$1,367,000
of
the
liquor
revolving
account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
8
Substitute House Bill No. 1515 (alcohol service in public). ((If the
9
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
10
subsection shall lapse.))
11
(6) $28,000 of the liquor revolving account—state appropriation
12
is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed House Bill No.
13
1602 (liquor food service options). ((If the bill is not enacted by
14
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
15
(7) Within existing resources appropriated in this section, by
16
December 1, 2025, the liquor and cannabis board, in consultation with
17
the department of commerce when specified in this subsection, shall
18
evaluate the cannabis social equity program as provided in this
19
subsection and submit a report to the governor and appropriate
20
committees of the legislature with findings and policy options. In
21
conducting the evaluation, the board shall provide opportunities for
22
public comment on the cannabis social equity program from communities
23
throughout Washington. The evaluation must include the following
24
components:
25
(a) A review of feedback received by the board in public comments
26
from individuals that the program is intended to benefit, the public,
27
and the cannabis industry;
28
(b) An examination of the issuance and reissuance of cannabis
29
retailer licenses that began before January 1, 2025, under the
30
provisions of chapter 236, Laws of 2020, including a comparative
31
analysis of the applicants who successfully secured a location and
32
were issued a cannabis retailer license relative to applicants whose
33
status remains pending but were issued a preliminary letter of
34
approval by the board;
35
(c) An examination, in consultation with the department of
36
commerce, of grants awarded and the mentorships provided under RCW
37
43.330.540 and opportunities for the alignment of the board's
38
p. 96
SB 5998
implementation of the cannabis social equity program with the
1
department of commerce's implementation of RCW 43.330.540;
2
(d) The demographic information about owners of licensed cannabis
3
businesses who became licensed under the cannabis social equity
4
program, to the extent such information is available or obtainable by
5
the board;
6
(e) The identification of any provisions of law or rule and any
7
economic, market, or practical factors that effectively prevent or
8
hinder the successful opening, operation, and business success of
9
cannabis businesses licensed under the cannabis social equity
10
program; and
11
(f) An examination of the impact of provisions in laws and rules
12
on cannabis licensees in the cannabis social equity program with
13
respect to: (i) Permissible locations for the siting of licensed
14
cannabis
businesses,
including
distance
restrictions
in
RCW
15
69.50.331(8),
zoning
or
other
location
restrictions
in
local
16
government ordinances, and local written objections under RCW
17
69.50.331(11); (ii) the mobility of cannabis licenses to or between
18
jurisdictions; (iii) the ability of persons holding an existing
19
cannabis retailer license or title certificate for a cannabis
20
retailer business to apply for a cannabis license under a cannabis
21
social equity program, when the license or certificate holder is
22
located in a local jurisdiction that is subject to a ban or
23
moratorium on cannabis retail businesses; (iv) prioritizing license
24
applications through use of a third-party contractor, using a scoring
25
rubric developed by the board; (v) restrictions on the transfer or
26
assumption of a cannabis license issued through the cannabis social
27
equity program, other than to individuals or groups of individuals
28
who comply with the requirements for initial licensure as a social
29
equity applicant for a period of at least five years from the date of
30
initial licensure; and (vi) the definition of a "social equity
31
applicant."
32
Sec. 147. 2025 c 424 s 148 (uncodified) is amended to read as
33
follows:
34
FOR THE UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
35
Public Service Revolving Account—State Appropriation. (($72,453,000))
36
$72,758,000
37
Public Service Revolving Account—Federal
38
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
39
p. 97
SB 5998
Pipeline Safety Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . (($3,759,000))
1
$3,791,000
2
Pipeline Safety Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . (($3,473,000))
3
$3,472,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($79,785,000))
5
$80,121,000
6
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
7
conditions and limitations:
8
(1) Up to $800,000 of the public service revolving account—state
9
appropriation in this section is for the utilities and transportation
10
commission to supplement funds committed by a telecommunications
11
company to expand rural broadband service on behalf of an eligible
12
governmental entity. The amount in this subsection represents
13
payments collected by the utilities and transportation commission
14
pursuant to the Qwest performance assurance plan.
15
(2) $617,000 of the public service revolving account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
17
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5284 (solid waste management). If
18
the bill in not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
19
subsection shall lapse.
20
(3) $239,000 of the public service revolving account—state
21
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
22
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5445 (local energy resilience). If the
23
bill in not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
24
subsection shall lapse.
25
(4) $39,000 of the public service revolving account—state
26
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
27
Substitute House Bill No. 1990 (utility disaster costs). ((If the
28
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
29
subsection shall lapse.))
30
(5) $71,000 of the public service revolving account—state
31
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
32
Substitute House Bill No. 1522 (utility wildfire mitigation). ((If
33
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
34
subsection shall lapse.))
35
(6) $202,000 of the public service revolving account—state
36
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
37
Substitute House Bill No. 1514 (low carbon thermal energy). ((If the
38
p. 98
SB 5998
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
1
subsection shall lapse.))
2
Sec. 148. 2025 c 424 s 149 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($16,219,000))
6
$16,292,000
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($15,961,000))
8
$16,936,000
9
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($148,158,000))
10
$148,646,000
11
911 Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($55,114,000))
12
$65,656,000
13
Disaster Response Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($52,763,000))
14
$56,374,000
15
Disaster Response Account—Federal Appropriation. . . (($702,432,000))
16
$973,733,000
17
Military Department Rent and Lease Account—State
18
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,409,000
19
Military Department Active State Service Account—
20
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400,000
21
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$55,000
23
Oil Spill Prevention Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $855,000
24
Worker and Community Right to Know Fund—State
25
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,243,000))
26
$2,242,000
27
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($995,609,000))
28
$1,282,598,000
29
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
30
conditions and limitations:
31
(1) The military department shall submit a report to the office
32
of financial management and the legislative fiscal committees by
33
February 1st and October 31st of each year detailing information on
34
the disaster response account, including: (a) The amount and type of
35
deposits into the account; (b) the current available fund balance as
36
of the reporting date; and (c) the projected fund balance at the end
37
p. 99
SB 5998
of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium based on current revenue and
1
expenditure patterns.
2
(2) $40,000,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation is
3
provided solely for homeland security, subject to the following
4
conditions:
Any
communications
equipment
purchased
by
local
5
jurisdictions or state agencies shall be consistent with standards
6
set by the Washington state interoperability executive committee.
7
(3)
(($11,000,000))
$16,500,000
of
the
911
account—state
8
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
financial
assistance
to
9
counties.
10
(4) $784,000 of the disaster response account—state appropriation
11
is provided solely for fire suppression training, equipment, and
12
supporting costs to national guard soldiers and airmen.
13
(5) $876,000 of the disaster response account—state appropriation
14
is provided solely for a dedicated access and functional needs
15
program manager, access and functional need services, and a dedicated
16
tribal liaison to assist with disaster preparedness and response.
17
(6) The department must report to and coordinate with the
18
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
19
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
20
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
21
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
22
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
23
(7)(a) $355,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the department to conduct a
25
study regarding statewide building code and construction standards
26
pertaining
to
earthquake
and
tsunami
resilience
as
well
as
27
recommendations for functional recovery of buildings and critical
28
infrastructure directly following an earthquake. In conducting the
29
study, the department must request input from the state building code
30
council and representatives of appropriate public and private sector
31
entities. The department may contract for all or a portion of the
32
study. The study must, at a minimum, include an assessment of:
33
(i) Functional recovery building code standards that are being
34
developed at the federal level, have been proposed or adopted in
35
other countries, states, or local jurisdictions with a high risk of
36
earthquakes, or are developed by public or private organizations with
37
expertise in earthquake performance standards and safety;
38
p. 100
SB 5998
(ii) The levels of functional recovery supported by current state
1
and local building and construction codes;
2
(iii) The objectives, feasibility, necessary measures, and
3
estimated costs of adopting and implementing statewide functional
4
recovery building code standards, and how this assessment is impacted
5
by whether the standards:
6
(A) Are mandatory or voluntary;
7
(B) Apply to only certain types of structures and infrastructure
8
or prioritize certain types of structures and infrastructure;
9
(C) Apply to existing structures and infrastructure in addition
10
to new construction;
11
(D) Are intended to apply to only specific seismic hazard levels;
12
or
13
(E) Include nonstructural components as well as structural
14
systems;
15
(iv) How statewide standards for functional recovery would fit
16
into an all hazards approach for state emergency response and
17
recovery;
18
(v) Funding opportunities that provide for the coordination of
19
state and federal funds for the purposes of improving the state's
20
preparedness
for
functional
recovery
following
a
significant
21
earthquake or tsunami; and
22
(vi) Equity considerations for the development of statewide
23
building code standards for functional recovery.
24
(b) The department must submit a final report summarizing the
25
study's findings and including policy recommendations relating to
26
statewide building code standards for functional recovery to the
27
appropriate committees of the legislature by May 1, 2026.
28
Sec. 149. 2025 c 424 s 150 (uncodified) is amended to read as
29
follows:
30
FOR THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,765,000))
32
$2,786,000
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,740,000))
34
$2,779,000
35
Personnel Service Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($4,872,000))
36
$4,920,000
37
Higher Education Personnel Services Account—State
38
p. 101
SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,613,000))
1
$1,619,000
2
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,990,000))
3
$12,104,000
4
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
5
conditions and limitations:
6
(1) $61,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $41,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
9
Senate Bill No. 5503 (public employee bargaining). ((If the bill is
10
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
11
shall lapse.))
12
(2) $119,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $99,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
15
Substitute House Bill No. 1141 (ag. cannabis workers). ((If the bill
16
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
17
subsection shall lapse.))
18
Sec. 150. 2025 c 424 s 151 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY
21
Certified Public Accountants' Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,802,000))
23
$4,994,000
24
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,802,000))
25
$4,994,000
26
Sec. 151. 2025 c 424 s 152 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE BOARD FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
29
Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers'
30
Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($1,563,000))
31
$1,521,000
32
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,563,000))
33
$1,521,000
34
Sec. 152. 2025 c 424 s 153 (uncodified) is amended to read as
35
follows:
36
p. 102
SB 5998
FOR THE FORENSIC INVESTIGATION COUNCIL
1
Death Investigations Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($841,000))
2
$846,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($841,000))
4
$846,000
5
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1)(a)
$250,000
of
the
death
investigations
account—state
8
appropriation is provided solely for providing financial assistance
9
to local jurisdictions in multiple death investigations. The forensic
10
investigation council shall develop criteria for awarding these funds
11
for
multiple
death
investigations
involving
an
unanticipated,
12
extraordinary, and catastrophic event or those involving multiple
13
jurisdictions.
14
(b) Of the amount provided in this subsection, $30,000 of the
15
death investigations account—state appropriation is provided solely
16
for the Adams county crime lab to investigate a double homicide that
17
occurred in fiscal year 2021.
18
(2)
$210,000
of
the
death
investigations
account—state
19
appropriation is provided solely for providing financial assistance
20
to local jurisdictions in identifying human remains.
21
(3) The forensic investigation council must collaborate and work
22
with the Washington state patrol for the patrol to provide services
23
related to public records requests, to include responding to, or
24
assisting the council in responding to, public disclosure requests
25
received by the council.
26
Sec. 153. 2025 c 424 s 154 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE SERVICES
29
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($18,229,000))
30
$18,145,000
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($17,985,000))
32
$17,487,000
33
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $102,000
34
Building Code Council Account—State Appropriation. . . (($2,266,000))
35
$2,686,000
36
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $1,308,000
37
Prescribed Fire Claims Account—State Appropriation. . . . $2,000,000
38
p. 103
SB 5998
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($41,890,000))
1
$41,728,000
2
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
3
conditions and limitations:
4
(1)
(($6,672,000))
$6,699,000
of
the
general
fund—state
5
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($6,725,000)) $6,856,000 of
6
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
7
provided solely for the payment of facilities and services charges to
8
include campus rent, parking, security, contracts, public and
9
historic facilities, financial cost recovery, and capital projects
10
surcharges allocable to the senate, house of representatives, statute
11
law committee, legislative support services, and joint legislative
12
systems committee. The department shall allocate charges attributable
13
to these agencies among the affected revolving funds. The department
14
shall maintain an interagency agreement with these agencies to
15
establish performance standards, prioritization of preservation and
16
capital improvement projects, and quality assurance provisions for
17
the delivery of services under this subsection. The legislative
18
agencies named in this subsection shall continue to have all of the
19
same rights of occupancy and space use on the capitol campus as
20
historically established.
21
(2) Before any agency may purchase a passenger motor vehicle as
22
defined in RCW 43.19.560, the agency must have approval from the
23
director of the department of enterprise services. Agencies that are
24
exempted from the requirement are the Washington state patrol,
25
Washington state department of transportation, and the department of
26
natural resources.
27
(3) From the fee charged to master contract vendors, the
28
department shall transfer to the office of minority and women's
29
business enterprises in equal monthly installments $1,500,000 in
30
fiscal year 2026 and $1,300,000 in fiscal year 2027.
31
(4) Within existing resources, the department, in collaboration
32
with Washington technology solutions, must provide a report to the
33
governor and fiscal committees of the legislative by October 31 of
34
each calendar year that reflects information technology contract
35
information based on a contract snapshot from June 30 of that same
36
calendar year, and must also include any contract that was active
37
since July 1 of the previous calendar year. The department will
38
coordinate to receive contract information for all contracts to
39
p. 104
SB 5998
include those where the department has delegated authority so that
1
the report includes statewide contract information. The report must
2
contain a list of all information technology contracts to include the
3
agency name, contract number, vendor name, contract term start and
4
end dates, contract dollar amount in total, and contract dollar
5
amounts by state fiscal year. The report must also include, by
6
contract, the contract spending projections by state fiscal year for
7
each ensuing state fiscal year through the contract term, and note
8
the type of service delivered. The list of contracts must be provided
9
electronically in Excel and be sortable by all field requirements.
10
The
report
must
also
include
trend
analytics
on
information
11
technology contracts, and recommendations for reducing costs where
12
possible.
13
(5) $654,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 and $654,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department, in
16
collaboration with the state efficiency and environmental performance
17
program, to implement the zero emission vehicle strategy.
18
(6) $1,501,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 ((and $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for zero emission
21
electric vehicle supply equipment infrastructure at facilities to
22
accommodate charging station installation. The electric vehicle
23
charging equipment must allow for the collection of usage data and
24
must be coordinated with the state efficiency and environmental
25
performance program. The department must prioritize locations based
26
on
state
efficiency
and
environmental
performance
location
27
priorities, and at least where zero emission fleet vehicles are or
28
are scheduled to be purchased. The department must report when and
29
where the equipment was installed, usage data at each charging
30
station, and the state agencies and facilities that benefit from the
31
installation of the charging station to the fiscal committees of the
32
legislature by June 30. The department shall collaborate with the
33
interagency electric vehicle coordinating council to implement this
34
subsection and must work to meet benchmarks established in chapter
35
182, Laws of 2022 (transportation resources).
36
(7)(a) $6,052,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal
year
2026
and
$6,052,000
of
the
general
fund—state
38
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
39
p. 105
SB 5998
contracting with a nonprofit organization to produce gavel-to-gavel
1
television coverage of state government deliberations and other
2
events statewide. The funding level for each year of the contract
3
shall be based on the amount provided in this subsection. The
4
nonprofit organization shall be required to raise contributions or
5
commitments to make contributions, in cash or in kind, in an amount
6
equal to 40 percent of the state contribution. The department may
7
make full or partial payment once all criteria in this subsection
8
have been satisfactorily documented.
9
(b) The legislature finds that the commitment of on-going funding
10
is necessary to ensure continuous, autonomous, and independent
11
coverage of public affairs. For that purpose, the department shall
12
enter into a contract with the nonprofit organization to provide
13
public affairs coverage.
14
(c)
The
nonprofit
organization
shall
prepare
an
annual
15
independent audit, an annual financial statement, and an annual
16
report, including benchmarks that measure the success of the
17
nonprofit organization in meeting the intent of the program.
18
(d) No portion of any amounts disbursed pursuant to this
19
subsection may be used, directly or indirectly, for any of the
20
following purposes:
21
(i) Attempting to influence the passage or defeat of any
22
legislation by the legislature of the state of Washington, by any
23
county, city, town, or other political subdivision of the state of
24
Washington, or by the congress, or the adoption or rejection of any
25
rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment of any state
26
agency;
27
(ii) Making contributions reportable under chapter 42.17A RCW; or
28
(iii) Providing any: (A) Gift; (B) honoraria; or (C) travel,
29
lodging, meals, or entertainment to a public officer or employee.
30
(8) $15,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
32
Bill No. 5655 (child care centers/buildings). ((If the bill is not
33
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
34
shall lapse.))
35
(9) $112,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
37
Bill No. 5552 (kit homes/building codes). ((If the bill is not
38
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
39
shall lapse.))
40
p. 106
SB 5998
(10) $2,000,000 of the prescribed fire claims account—state
1
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
2
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1563 (prescribed fire claims). ((If
3
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
4
subsection shall lapse.))
5
Sec. 154. 2025 c 424 s 155 (uncodified) is amended to read as
6
follows:
7
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($4,040,000))
9
$4,085,000
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,973,000))
11
$4,007,000
12
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($2,559,000))
13
$3,387,000
14
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $14,000
15
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($617,000))
16
$754,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,203,000))
18
$12,247,000
19
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
20
conditions and limitations:
21
(1) $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 and $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington main street
24
program.
25
(2) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the implementation of the
28
black historic sites survey project.
29
(3) The department must report to and coordinate with the
30
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
31
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
32
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
33
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
34
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
35
Sec. 155. 2025 c 424 s 156 (uncodified) is amended to read as
36
follows:
37
p. 107
SB 5998
FOR THE WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS AGENCY
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $188,000
2
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($188,000))
3
$134,000
4
Washington Technology Solutions Revolving Account—
5
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($140,085,000))
6
$139,435,000
7
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($140,461,000))
8
$139,757,000
9
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
10
conditions and limitations:
11
(1) $2,000,000 of the Washington technology solutions revolving
12
account—state appropriation is provided solely for experienced
13
information technology project managers to provide critical support
14
to agency IT projects that are under oversight from Washington
15
technology solutions. The staff or vendors will:
16
(a) Provide master level project management guidance to agency IT
17
stakeholders;
18
(b) Consider statewide best practices from the public and private
19
sectors, independent review and analysis, vendor management, budget
20
and timing quality assurance and other support of current or past IT
21
projects in at least Washington state and share these with agency IT
22
stakeholders and legislative fiscal staff at least twice annually and
23
post these to the statewide IT dashboard; and
24
(c) Provide independent recommendations to legislative fiscal
25
committees by December of each calendar year on oversight of IT
26
projects to include opportunities for accountability and performance
27
metrics.
28
(2) (($2,226,000 of the Washington technology solutions revolving
29
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the enterprise
30
data management pilot project, and is subject to the conditions,
31
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
32
(3) $16,655,000)) $16,481,000 of the Washington technology
33
solutions revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely
34
for the office of cyber security.
35
(((4) $2,692,000)) (3) $2,652,000 of the Washington technology
36
solutions revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely
37
for the office of privacy and data protection.
38
p. 108
SB 5998
(((5))) (4) Washington technology solutions shall work with
1
customer agencies using the Washington state electronic records vault
2
(WASERV) to identify opportunities to:
3
(a) Reduce storage volumes and costs associated with vault
4
records stored beyond the agencies' record retention schedules; and
5
(b) Assess a customized service charge as defined in chapter 304,
6
Laws of 2017 for costs of using WASERV to prepare data compilations
7
in response to public records requests.
8
(((6)))
(5)(a)
In
conjunction
with
Washington
technology
9
solutions'
prioritization
of
proposed
information
technology
10
expenditures,
agency
budget
requests
for
proposed
information
11
technology expenditures must include the following:
12
(i) The agency's priority ranking of each information technology
13
request;
14
(ii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for the
15
current biennium;
16
(iii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for the
17
ensuing biennium;
18
(iv) The estimated total cost for the current and ensuing
19
biennium;
20
(v) The total cost by fiscal year, by fund, and in total, of the
21
information technology project since it began;
22
(vi) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund over all
23
biennia through implementation and close out and into maintenance and
24
operations;
25
(vii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for service
26
level agreements once the project is implemented;
27
(viii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for agency
28
staffing
for
maintenance
and
operations
once
the
project
is
29
implemented; and
30
(ix) The expected fiscal year when the agency expects to complete
31
the request.
32
(b) Washington technology solutions and the office of financial
33
management may request agencies to include additional information on
34
proposed information technology expenditure requests.
35
(((7))) (6) Washington technology solutions must not increase
36
fees charged for existing services without prior approval by the
37
office of financial management. The agency may develop fees to
38
recover the actual cost of new infrastructure to support increased
39
use of cloud technologies.
40
p. 109
SB 5998
(((8))) (7) Within existing resources, the agency must provide
1
oversight of state procurement and contracting for information
2
technology goods and services by the department of enterprise
3
services.
4
(((9))) (8) Within existing resources, the agency must host,
5
administer, and support the state employee directory in an online
6
format to provide public employee contact information.
7
(((10))) (9) The health care authority, the health benefit
8
exchange,
the
department
of
social
and
health
services,
the
9
department of health, the department of corrections, and the
10
department of children, youth, and families shall work together
11
within existing resources to establish the health and human services
12
enterprise coalition (the coalition). The coalition, led by the
13
health care authority, must be a multi-organization collaborative
14
that provides strategic direction and federal funding guidance for
15
projects
that
have
cross-organizational
or
enterprise
impact,
16
including information technology projects that affect organizations
17
within the coalition. Washington technology solutions shall maintain
18
a statewide perspective when collaborating with the coalition to
19
ensure that the development of projects identified in this report are
20
planned for in a manner that ensures the efficient use of state
21
resources and maximizes federal financial participation. The work of
22
the coalition and any project identified as a coalition project is
23
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review provided in
24
section 701 of this act.
25
(((11) $9,101,000)) (10) $8,974,000 of the Washington technology
26
solutions revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely
27
for the creation and ongoing delivery of information technology
28
services tailored to the needs of small agencies. The scope of
29
services must include, at a minimum, full-service desktop support,
30
service assistance, security, and consultation.
31
(((12)
$86,566,000))
(11)
$96,227,000
of
the
Washington
32
technology
solutions
revolving
account—state
appropriation
is
33
provided solely for the procurement and distribution of Microsoft 365
34
licenses which must include advanced security features and cloud-
35
based private branch exchange capabilities for state agencies. The
36
office must report annually to fiscal committees of the legislature
37
each December 31, on the count and type of licenses distributed by
38
Washington technology solutions to each state agency. The report must
39
also separately report on the count and type of Microsoft 365
40
p. 110
SB 5998
licenses that state agencies have in addition to those that are
1
distributed by Washington technology solutions so that the total
2
count, type of license, and cost is known for statewide Microsoft 365
3
licenses.
4
(((13))) (12) Washington technology solutions shall maintain an
5
information technology project dashboard that, at minimum, provides
6
updated information each fiscal month on the projects subject to
7
section 701 of this act.
8
(a) The statewide information technology dashboard must include,
9
at a minimum, the:
10
(i) Start date of the project;
11
(ii) End date of the project, when the project will close out and
12
implementation will commence;
13
(iii) Term of the project in state fiscal years across all
14
biennia to reflect the start of the project through the end of the
15
project;
16
(iv) Total project cost from start date through the end date of
17
the project in total dollars, and a subtotal of near general fund
18
outlook;
19
(v) Near general fund outlook budget and actual spending in total
20
dollars and by fiscal month for central service agencies that bill
21
out project costs;
22
(vi) Start date of maintenance and operations;
23
(vii) Estimated annual state fiscal year cost of maintenance and
24
operations after implementation and close out;
25
(viii) Actual spending by state fiscal year and in total for
26
state fiscal years that have closed;
27
(ix) Date a feasibility study was completed or note if none has
28
been completed to date;
29
(x) Monthly project status assessments on scope, schedule,
30
budget, and overall by the:
31
(A) Washington technology solutions;
32
(B) Quality assurance vendor, if applicable; and
33
(C) Agency project team;
34
(xi) Monthly quality assurance reports, if applicable;
35
(xii) Monthly Washington technology solutions status reports on
36
budget, scope, schedule, and overall project status; and
37
(xiii) Historical project budget and expenditures through fiscal
38
year 2025.
39
p. 111
SB 5998
(b) The statewide dashboard must retain a roll up of the entire
1
project cost, including all subprojects, that can display subproject
2
detail. This includes coalition projects that are active. For
3
projects that include multiple agencies or subprojects and roll up,
4
the dashboard must display:
5
(i) A separate technology budget and investment plan for each
6
impacted agency. If the impacted agency has funding appropriated to
7
another agency, as is done with the statewide electronic health
8
records solution where the federal funding is appropriated to the
9
health care authority and not at the department of corrections, then
10
the technology budget must be compiled in the lead agency technology
11
budget only, referencing any differences in appropriation index, as
12
described in section 701(4)(b)(iii)(B) of this act; and
13
(ii) A statewide project technology budget roll up that includes
14
each affected agency at the subproject level.
15
(c) Washington technology solutions may recommend additional
16
elements to include but must have agreement with legislative fiscal
17
committees and the office of financial management prior to including
18
additional elements.
19
(d) The agency must ensure timely posting of project data on the
20
statewide information technology dashboard for at least each project
21
funded in the budget and those projects subject to the conditions,
22
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act to
23
include, at a minimum, posting on the dashboard:
24
(i) The budget funded level by project for each project under
25
oversight within 30 calendar days of the budget being signed into
26
law;
27
(ii) The project historical expenditures through completed fiscal
28
years by December 31; and
29
(iii) Whether each project has completed a feasibility study.
30
(e) Washington technology solutions must post to the statewide
31
dashboard a list of funding received by fiscal year by enacted
32
session law, and how much was received citing chapter law as a list
33
of funding provided by fiscal year.
34
(((14))) (13) Within existing resources, Washington technology
35
solutions must collaborate with the department of enterprise services
36
on the annual contract report that provides information technology
37
contract information. Washington technology solutions will:
38
(a) Provide data to the department of enterprise services
39
annually by September 1 of each year; and
40
p. 112
SB 5998
(b) Provide analysis on contract information for all agencies
1
comparing spending across state fiscal years by, at least, the
2
contract spending towers.
3
(((15)
$8,666,000
of
the
Washington
technology
solutions
4
revolving
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
5
implementation of the enterprise cloud computing program as outlined
6
in the December 2020 Washington state cloud readiness report. Funding
7
provided includes, but is not limited to, cloud service broker
8
resources, cloud center of excellence, cloud management tools, a
9
network assessment, cybersecurity governance, and a cloud security
10
roadmap.
11
(16) $3,498,000 of the Washington technology solutions revolving
12
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation
13
of the recommendations of the cloud transition task force report to
14
include:
15
(a) A cloud readiness program to help agencies plan and prepare
16
for transitioning to cloud computing;
17
(b) A cloud retraining program to provide a coordinated approach
18
to skills development and retraining; and
19
(c) Staffing to define career pathways and core competencies for
20
the state's information technology workforce.
21
(17))) (14) $11,623,000 of the Washington technology solutions
22
revolving
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
23
enterprise cloud services. Funding provided includes, but is not
24
limited to:
25
(a) Cloud service broker resources, cloud center of excellence,
26
cloud
management
tools,
a
network
assessment,
cybersecurity
27
governance, and a cloud security roadmap; and
28
(b) The implementation of the recommendations of the cloud
29
transition task force report and a cloud readiness program.
30
(15) Washington technology solutions must collaborate with the
31
office of the secretary of state in the evaluation of the office of
32
the secretary of state's information technology infrastructure and
33
applications in determining the appropriate candidates for the
34
location of data and the systems that could be exempt from Washington
35
technology solutions oversight.
36
(((18))) (16)(a) Washington technology solutions must include the
37
enterprise statewide electronic health records program on the
38
statewide information technology program dashboard for those agencies
39
p. 113
SB 5998
appropriated funding for the statewide electronic health records
1
solution. The program dashboard must ensure the program detail will
2
roll up the below required subprojects:
3
(i) Enterprise foundational statewide electronic health records
4
system, appropriated to the health care authority;
5
(ii) Department of corrections statewide electronic health
6
records, appropriated to the department of corrections;
7
(iii)
Department
of
social
and
health
services
statewide
8
electronic health records, appropriated to the department of social
9
and health services; and
10
(iv) Health care authority statewide electronic health records,
11
appropriated to the health care authority.
12
(b) The Washington technology solutions must report to the
13
technology services board by December 31, 2025, on the status of the
14
following statewide electronic health records solution go-live dates:
15
(i) August 15, 2027, for the department of corrections;
16
(ii) August 15, 2027, for the department of social and health
17
services; and
18
(iii) August 15, 2027, for the health care authority;
19
The update must include any changes to the scheduled go-live
20
dates by agency, reporting on all risks to the schedule for the above
21
milestone go-live dates by agency, include detail on why the schedule
22
will be missed by agency, how the project mitigated additional
23
delays, and what the additional time in the schedule is anticipated
24
to cost by fiscal year by fund source by agency, and in total.
25
(c) Washington technology solutions must:
26
(i) Require that vendors for the statewide electronic health
27
records solution must use an agile development model holding live
28
demonstrations
of
functioning
software,
be
developed
using
29
incremental user research, and held at the end of two-week sprints;
30
(ii) Require the solutions be capable of being continually
31
updated, as necessary; and
32
(iii) Ensure development of the statewide electronic health
33
records
solution
shall
include
consideration
of
national
34
interoperability standards, such as United States core data for
35
interoperability or the trusted exchange framework and common
36
agreement.
37
(((19))) (17) In collaboration with the department of health and
38
the health care authority:
39
p. 114
SB 5998
(a) Washington technology solutions must actively consult and
1
provide oversight over:
2
(i) The department of health 988 technology platform that must
3
provide interoperability capabilities between the 988-related system
4
and the health care authority's 988-related system;
5
(ii) The health care authority 988 technology platform that must
6
provide interoperability capabilities between the 988-related system
7
and the department of health's 988 call center platform;
8
(iii) How the platforms in (a)(i) and (ii) of this subsection
9
will
meet
the
statutory
requirements
for
technology
platform
10
functionality and implementation dates as established in chapter 364,
11
Laws of 2024, and must report on the progress of both platforms'
12
budget,
scope,
schedule,
and
milestone
accomplishments
at
a
13
technology services board meeting by October 31, 2025. The update
14
must include any changes to the scheduled October 1, 2025, request
15
for proposal issuance and the January 1, 2028, go-live date by
16
agency, reporting on all risks to the schedule for the milestone
17
dates by agency, include detail on why the schedule will be missed by
18
agency, how the project mitigated additional delays, and what the
19
additional time in the schedule is anticipated to cost by fiscal year
20
by fund source by agency, and in total; and
21
(b) Washington technology solutions must:
22
(i) Require that vendors for the 988 technology platforms must
23
use an agile development model holding live demonstrations of
24
functioning software, be developed using incremental user research,
25
and held at the end of two-week sprints; and
26
(ii) Require the solutions be capable of being continually
27
updated, as necessary.
28
Sec. 156. 2025 c 424 s 157 (uncodified) is amended to read as
29
follows:
30
FOR THE BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND
31
SURVEYORS
32
Professional Engineers' Account—State Appropriation. . (($5,018,000))
33
$5,041,000
34
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,018,000))
35
$5,041,000
36
Sec. 157. 2025 c 424 s 158 (uncodified) is amended to read as
37
follows:
38
p. 115
SB 5998
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE LEADERSHIP BOARD
1
Washington State Leadership Board Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,696,000))
3
$1,712,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,696,000))
5
$1,712,000
6
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
7
conditions and limitations:
8
(1) $374,000 of the Washington state leadership board account—
9
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter
10
96, Laws of 2022 (WA state leadership board).
11
(2) $1,200,000 of the Washington state leadership board account—
12
state appropriation is provided solely for implementing programming
13
in RCW 43.388.010, and specifically the Washington world fellows
14
program, sports mentoring program/boundless Washington, compassion
15
scholars, and the Washington state leadership awards.
16
(End of part)
p. 116
SB 5998
PART II
1
HUMAN SERVICES
2
Sec. 201. 2025 c 424 s 201 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
5
(1) The appropriations to the department of social and health
6
services in this act shall be expended for the programs and in the
7
amounts specified in this act. Appropriations made in this act to the
8
department of social and health services shall initially be allotted
9
as required by this act. Subsequent allotment modifications shall not
10
include transfers of moneys between sections of this act except as
11
expressly provided in this act, nor shall allotment modifications
12
permit moneys that are provided solely for a specified purpose to be
13
used for other than that purpose.
14
(2) The department of social and health services shall not
15
initiate any services that require expenditure of state general fund
16
moneys unless expressly authorized in this act or other law. The
17
department may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260 through
18
43.79.282, federal moneys not anticipated in this act as long as the
19
federal funding does not require expenditure of state moneys for the
20
program in excess of amounts anticipated in this act. If the
21
department receives unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys, those
22
moneys shall be spent for services authorized in this act or in any
23
other legislation providing appropriation authority, and an equal
24
amount of appropriated state general fund moneys shall lapse. Upon
25
the lapsing of any moneys under this subsection, the office of
26
financial management shall notify the legislative fiscal committees.
27
As used in this subsection, "unrestricted federal moneys" includes
28
block grants and other funds that federal law does not require to be
29
spent on specifically defined projects or matched on a formula basis
30
by state funds.
31
(3) The legislature finds that medicaid payment rates, as
32
calculated by the department pursuant to the appropriations in this
33
act, bear a reasonable relationship to the costs incurred by
34
efficiently and economically operated facilities for providing
35
quality services and will be sufficient to enlist enough providers so
36
that care and services are available to the extent that such care and
37
services are available to the general population in the geographic
38
area. The legislature finds that cost reports, payment data from the
39
p. 117
SB 5998
federal government, historical utilization, economic data, and
1
clinical input constitute reliable data upon which to determine the
2
payment rates.
3
(4) The department shall to the maximum extent practicable use
4
the same system for delivery of spoken-language interpreter services
5
for social services appointments as the one established for medical
6
appointments in the health care authority. When contracting directly
7
with an individual to deliver spoken language interpreter services,
8
the department shall only contract with language access providers who
9
are working at a location in the state and who are state-certified or
10
state-authorized, except that when such a provider is not available,
11
the department may use a language access provider who meets other
12
certifications or standards deemed to meet state standards, including
13
interpreters in other states.
14
(5) Information technology projects or investments and proposed
15
projects or investments impacting time capture, payroll and payment
16
processes
and
systems,
eligibility,
case
management,
and
17
authorization systems within the department of social and health
18
services are subject to technical oversight by Washington technology
19
solutions.
20
(6)(a) The department shall facilitate enrollment under the
21
medicaid expansion for clients applying for or receiving state funded
22
services from the department and its contractors. Prior to open
23
enrollment, the department shall coordinate with the health care
24
authority to provide referrals to the Washington health benefit
25
exchange for clients that will be ineligible for medicaid.
26
(b) To facilitate a single point of entry across public and
27
medical assistance programs, and to maximize the use of federal
28
funding, the health care authority, the department of social and
29
health services, and the health benefit exchange will coordinate
30
efforts to expand HealthPlanfinder access to public assistance and
31
medical eligibility staff. The department shall complete medicaid
32
applications in the HealthPlanfinder for households receiving or
33
applying for public assistance benefits.
34
(7) The health care authority, the health benefit exchange, the
35
department of social and health services, the department of health,
36
the department of corrections, and the department of children, youth,
37
and families shall work together within existing resources to
38
establish the health and human services enterprise coalition (the
39
coalition). The coalition, led by the health care authority, must be
40
p. 118
SB 5998
a multi-organization collaborative that provides strategic direction
1
and
federal
funding
guidance
for
projects
that
have
cross-
2
organizational or enterprise impact, including information technology
3
projects that affect organizations within the coalition. Washington
4
technology solutions shall maintain a statewide perspective when
5
collaborating with the coalition to ensure that projects are planned
6
for in a manner that ensures the efficient use of state resources,
7
support the adoption of a cohesive technology and data architecture,
8
and maximize federal financial participation. The work of the
9
coalition is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review
10
provided in section 701 of this act.
11
(8) The department must report to and coordinate with the
12
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
13
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
14
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
15
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
16
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
17
(9) The department shall promptly notify the office of the
18
attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf of a
19
federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
20
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
21
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
22
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
23
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
24
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
25
impact expenditures for such services. The department shall require
26
contracted entities to notify the department promptly upon receipt of
27
a request from a federal agency or law enforcement authority as
28
described in this subsection.
29
(10)(a) The appropriations to the department of social and health
30
services in this act must be expended for the programs and in the
31
amounts specified in this act. However, after May 1, 2026, unless
32
prohibited by this act, the department may transfer general fund—
33
state appropriations for fiscal year 2026 among programs and
34
subprograms after approval by the director of the office of financial
35
management.
However,
the
department
may
not
transfer
state
36
appropriations that are provided solely for a specified purpose
37
except as expressly provided in (b) of this subsection.
38
(b) To the extent that transfers under (a) of this subsection are
39
insufficient to fund actual expenditures in excess of fiscal year
40
p. 119
SB 5998
2026 caseload forecasts and utilization assumptions in the long-term
1
care, developmental disabilities, and public assistance programs, the
2
department may transfer state appropriations that are provided solely
3
for a specified purpose. The department may not transfer funds, and
4
the director of the office of financial management may not approve
5
the transfer, unless the transfer is consistent with the objective of
6
conserving, to the maximum extent possible, the expenditure of state
7
funds. The director of the office of financial management shall
8
notify the appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature in
9
writing seven days prior to approving any allotment modifications or
10
transfers under this subsection. The written notification shall
11
include a narrative explanation and justification of the changes,
12
along
with
expenditures
and
allotments
by
budget
unit
and
13
appropriation, both before and after any allotment modifications or
14
transfers.
15
Sec. 202. 2025 c 424 s 202 (uncodified) is amended to read as
16
follows:
17
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—MENTAL HEALTH
18
PROGRAM
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($703,408,000))
20
$722,437,000
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($729,030,000))
22
$908,683,000
23
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($204,706,000))
24
$371,918,000
25
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($15,151,000))
26
$15,349,000
27
Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund—Federal
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,575,000
29
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
30
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $680,000
31
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,660,550,000))
32
$2,026,642,000
33
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
34
conditions and limitations:
35
(1) The state psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment
36
facilities may use funds appropriated in this subsection to purchase
37
p. 120
SB 5998
goods, services, and supplies through hospital group purchasing
1
organizations when it is cost-effective to do so.
2
(2) $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a community partnership
5
between western state hospital and the city of Lakewood to support
6
community policing efforts in the Lakewood community surrounding
7
western state hospital. The amounts provided in this subsection are
8
for the salaries, benefits, supplies, and equipment for the city of
9
Lakewood to produce incident and police response reports, investigate
10
potential criminal conduct, assist with charging consultations,
11
liaison between staff and prosecutors, provide staff training on
12
criminal justice procedures, assist with parking enforcement, and
13
attend meetings with hospital staff.
14
(3) $45,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $45,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for payment to the city of
17
Lakewood for police services provided by the city at western state
18
hospital and adjacent areas.
19
(4) $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the salaries, benefits,
22
supplies, and equipment for one full-time investigator, one full-time
23
police officer, and one full-time community services officer for
24
policing efforts at eastern state hospital. The department must
25
collect data from the city of Medical Lake on the use of the funds
26
and the number of calls responded to by the community policing
27
program and submit a report with this information to the office of
28
financial management and the appropriate fiscal committees of the
29
legislature each December of the fiscal biennium.
30
(5) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for payment to the city of
33
Medical Lake for police services provided by the city at eastern
34
state hospital and adjacent areas.
35
(6) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department, in
38
collaboration with the health care authority, to develop and
39
p. 121
SB 5998
implement a predictive modeling tool which identifies clients who are
1
at high risk of future involvement with the criminal justice system
2
and for developing a model to estimate demand for civil and forensic
3
state hospital bed needs pursuant to the following requirements.
4
(a) By the first day of each December during the fiscal biennium,
5
the department, in coordination with the health care authority, must
6
submit a report to the office of financial management and the
7
appropriate committees of the legislature that summarizes how the
8
predictive modeling tool has been implemented and includes the
9
following: (i) The number of individuals identified by the tool as
10
having a high risk of future criminal justice involvement; (ii) the
11
method and frequency for which the department is providing lists of
12
high-risk clients to contracted managed care organizations and
13
behavioral health administrative services organizations; (iii) a
14
summary of how the managed care organizations and behavioral health
15
administrative services organizations are utilizing the data to
16
improve the coordination of care for the identified individuals; and
17
(iv) a summary of the administrative data to identify whether
18
implementation of the tool is resulting in increased access and
19
service levels and lower recidivism rates for high-risk clients at
20
the state and regional level.
21
(b) The department must provide staff support for the forensic
22
and long-term civil commitment bed forecast which must be conducted
23
under the direction of the office of financial management. The
24
forecast methodology, updates, and methodology changes must be
25
conducted in coordination with staff from the department, the health
26
care
authority,
the
office
of
financial
management,
and
the
27
appropriate fiscal committees of the state legislature. The model
28
shall incorporate factors for capacity in state hospitals as well as
29
contracted facilities, which provide similar levels of care, referral
30
patterns, wait lists, lengths of stay, and other factors identified
31
as appropriate for estimating the number of beds needed to meet the
32
demand for civil and forensic state hospital services. Factors should
33
include identification of need for the services and analysis of the
34
effect of community investments in behavioral health services and
35
other types of beds that may reduce the need for long-term civil
36
commitment needs. The forecast must be updated each February, June,
37
and November during the fiscal biennium and the department must
38
submit a report to the legislature and the appropriate committees of
39
the legislature summarizing the updated forecast based on the
40
p. 122
SB 5998
caseload
forecast
council's
schedule
for
entitlement
program
1
forecasts.
2
(7)
(($9,119,000))
$8,473,000
of
the
general
fund—state
3
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($9,145,000)) $8,499,000 of
4
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
5
provided solely for the settlement agreement under Trueblood, et al.
6
v. Department of Social and Health Services, et al., United States
7
District Court for the Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-
8
cv-01178-MJP. The department, in collaboration with the health care
9
authority
and
the
criminal
justice
training
commission,
must
10
implement the provisions of the settlement agreement pursuant to the
11
timeline and implementation plan provided for under the settlement
12
agreement.
This
includes
implementing
provisions
related
to
13
competency evaluations, competency restoration, forensic navigators,
14
crisis diversion and supports, education and training, and workforce
15
development.
16
(8) $7,147,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 and $7,147,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to maintain implementation of
19
efforts to improve the timeliness of competency evaluation services
20
for individuals who are in local jails pursuant to chapter 5, Laws of
21
2015 (timeliness of competency treatment and evaluation services).
22
This funding must be used solely to maintain increases in the number
23
of competency evaluators that began in fiscal year 2016 pursuant to
24
the settlement agreement under Trueblood, et al. v. Department of
25
Social and Health Services, et al., United States District Court for
26
the Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
27
(9) $71,690,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal
year
2026
and
$77,825,000
of
the
general
fund—state
29
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
30
implementation of efforts to improve the timeliness of competency
31
restoration services pursuant to chapter 5, Laws of 2015 (timeliness
32
of competency treatment and evaluation services) and the settlement
33
agreement under Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social and Health
34
Services, et al., United States District Court for the Western
35
District of Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP. These amounts must
36
be used to maintain increases that were implemented between fiscal
37
year 2016 and fiscal year 2025. Pursuant to chapter 7, Laws of 2015
38
1st sp. sess. (timeliness of competency treatment and evaluation
39
p. 123
SB 5998
services), the department may contract some of these amounts for
1
services at alternative locations if the secretary determines that
2
there is a need.
3
(10) $84,565,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2026, $77,343,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2027, and $960,000 of the general fund—federal
6
appropriation are provided solely for the department to continue to
7
implement an acuity based staffing tool at western state hospital and
8
eastern state hospital in collaboration with the hospital staffing
9
committees. The staffing tool must be used to identify, on a daily
10
basis, the clinical acuity on each patient ward and determine the
11
minimum level of direct care staff by profession to be deployed to
12
meet the needs of the patients on each ward. The department must
13
evaluate interrater reliability of the tool within each hospital and
14
between the two hospitals. The department must also continue to
15
update, in collaboration with the office of financial management's
16
labor relations office, the staffing committees, and state labor
17
unions, an overall state hospital staffing plan that looks at all
18
positions and functions of the facilities.
19
(a) Within the amounts provided in this section, the department
20
must establish, monitor, track, and report monthly staffing and
21
expenditures at the state hospitals, including overtime and use of
22
locums, to the functional categories identified in the recommended
23
staffing
plan.
The
allotments
and
tracking
of
staffing
and
24
expenditures must include all areas of the state hospitals, must be
25
done at the ward level, and must include contracted facilities
26
providing forensic restoration services as well as the office of
27
forensic mental health services.
28
(b) By December 1st of each fiscal year of the biennium, the
29
department must submit reports to the office of financial management
30
and the appropriate committees of the legislature that provide a
31
comparison of monthly spending, staffing levels, overtime, and use of
32
locums for the prior year compared to allotments and to the
33
recommended state hospital staffing model. The format for these
34
reports must be developed in consultation with staff from the office
35
of financial management and the appropriate committees of the
36
legislature. The reports must include a summary of the results of the
37
evaluation of the interrater reliability in use of the staffing
38
acuity tool and an update from the hospital staffing committees.
39
p. 124
SB 5998
(c) Monthly staffing levels and related expenditures at the state
1
hospitals must not exceed official allotments without prior written
2
approval from the director of the office of financial management. In
3
the event the director of the office of financial management approves
4
an increase in monthly staffing levels and expenditures beyond what
5
is budgeted, notice must be provided to the appropriate committees of
6
the legislature within 30 days of such approval. The notice must
7
identify the reason for the authorization to exceed budgeted staffing
8
levels and the time frame for the authorization. Extensions of
9
authorizations under this subsection must also be submitted to the
10
director of the office of financial management for written approval
11
in advance of the expiration of an authorization. The office of
12
financial management must notify the appropriate committees of the
13
legislature of any extensions of authorizations granted under this
14
subsection within 30 days of granting such authorizations and
15
identify the reason and time frame for the extension.
16
(11)
(($8,611,000))
$8,345,000
of
the
general
fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($8,611,000)) $8,345,000 of the
18
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $924,000
19
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for a
20
violence reduction team at western state hospital to improve patient
21
and staff safety at eastern and western state hospitals. A report
22
must be submitted by December 1st of each fiscal year of the
23
biennium, which includes a description of the violence reduction or
24
safety strategy, a profile of the types of patients being served, the
25
staffing model being used, and outcomes associated with each
26
strategy. The outcomes section should include tracking data on
27
facility-wide metrics related to patient and staff safety as well as
28
individual outcomes related to the patients served.
29
(12) $2,593,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,593,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for services
32
to patients found not guilty by reason of insanity under the Ross v.
33
Lashway settlement agreement.
34
(13) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the
35
department
must
develop
and
submit
an
annual
state
hospital
36
performance report for eastern and western state hospitals. Each
37
measure included in the performance report must include baseline
38
performance data, agency performance targets, and performance for the
39
p. 125
SB 5998
most recent fiscal year. The performance report must include a one
1
page dashboard as well as charts for each fiscal year and quality of
2
care measure broken out by hospital and including but not limited to:
3
(a) Monthly FTE expenditures compared to allotments; (b) monthly
4
dollar
expenditures
compared
to
allotments;
(c)
monthly
FTE
5
expenditures per thousand patient bed days; (d) monthly dollar
6
expenditures per thousand patient bed days; (e) percentage of FTE
7
expenditures for overtime; (f) average length of stay by category of
8
patient; (g) average monthly civil wait list; (h) average monthly
9
forensic wait list; (i) rate of staff assaults per thousand patient
10
bed days; (j) rate of patient assaults per thousand patient bed days;
11
(k) average number of days to release after a patient has been
12
determined to be clinically ready for discharge; and (l) average
13
monthly vacancy rates for key clinical positions. The department must
14
submit the state hospital performance report to the office of
15
financial
management
and
the
appropriate
committees
of
the
16
legislature by the first day of each December of the biennium.
17
(14) $135,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $135,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
20
an on-site safety compliance officer, stationed at western state
21
hospital, to provide oversight and accountability of the hospital's
22
response
to
safety
concerns
regarding
the
hospital's
work
23
environment.
24
(15) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to track
27
compliance with the requirements of RCW 71.05.365 for transition of
28
state hospital patients into community settings within 14 days of the
29
determination
that
they
no
longer
require
active
psychiatric
30
treatment at an inpatient level of care. The department must use
31
these amounts to track the following elements related to this
32
requirement: (a) The date on which an individual is determined to no
33
longer require active psychiatric treatment at an inpatient level of
34
care; (b) the date on which the behavioral health entities and other
35
organizations responsible for resource management services for the
36
person is notified of this determination; and (c) the date on which
37
either the individual is transitioned to the community or has been
38
reevaluated and determined to again require active psychiatric
39
p. 126
SB 5998
treatment at an inpatient level of care. The department must provide
1
this information in regular intervals to behavioral health entities
2
and other organizations responsible for resource management services.
3
The department must summarize the information and provide a report to
4
the office of financial management and the appropriate committees of
5
the legislature on progress toward meeting the 14 day standard by
6
December 1st of each year of the biennium.
7
(16)
(($298,000))
$1,363,000
of
the
general
fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($297,000)) $1,120,000 of the
9
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided
10
solely for maintenance of the facility, property, and assets at the
11
Brockmann campus located in Clark county.
12
(17) (($77,102,000)) $75,137,000 of the general fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($81,301,000)) $64,825,000 of
14
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
15
provided solely for the department to operate the maple lane campus
16
as described in (a) and (b) of this subsection.
17
(a) The department shall operate the Oak, Columbia, and Cascade
18
cottages to provide:
19
(i) Treatment services to individuals committed to a state
20
hospital under chapter 71.05 RCW pursuant to the dismissal of
21
criminal charges and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086
22
or 10.77.088; and
23
(ii) Treatment services to individuals acquitted of a crime by
24
reason of insanity and subsequently ordered to receive treatment
25
services under RCW 10.77.120.
26
(b) The department shall open and operate the Baker and Chelan
27
cottages to provide treatment services to individuals committed to a
28
state hospital under chapter 71.05 RCW pursuant to the dismissal of
29
criminal charges and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086
30
or 10.77.088.
31
(c) In considering placements at the maple lane campus, the
32
department must maximize forensic bed capacity at the state hospitals
33
for individuals in jails awaiting admission that are class members of
34
Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social and Health Services, et
35
al., United States district court for the western district of
36
Washington, cause no. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
37
(18) $1,412,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,412,000
of
the
general
fund—state
39
p. 127
SB 5998
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
1
relocation, storage, and other costs associated with building
2
demolition on the western state hospital campus.
3
(19) Within the amounts provided in this section, the department
4
is provided funding to operate civil long-term inpatient beds at the
5
state hospitals as follows:
6
(a) Funding is sufficient for the department to operate 162 civil
7
beds at eastern state hospital in both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal
8
year 2027.
9
(b) Funding is sufficient for the department to operate 287 civil
10
beds at western state hospital in both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal
11
year 2027.
12
(c) The department shall fully operate funded civil capacity at
13
eastern state hospital, including reopening and operating civil beds
14
that are not needed for eastern Washington residents to provide
15
services for western Washington residents.
16
(d) The department shall coordinate with the health care
17
authority
toward
increasing
community
capacity
for
long-term
18
inpatient services required under section 214(30) of this act.
19
(20)(a) (($59,650,000)) $58,541,000 of the general fund—state
20
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($59,650,000)) $58,541,000 of
21
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
22
provided solely for the department to operate 74 beds in three wards
23
in the Olympic heritage behavioral health facility.
24
(b) The department may not use the remaining 38 beds at the
25
facility for any purpose and must permit the contractor selected by
26
the health care authority to utilize the beds pursuant to and upon
27
completion of the contracted process outlined in section 214 of this
28
act.
29
(21) Within existing resources, the department shall participate
30
in the advisory group for the behavioral health facilities program
31
referenced in chapter 474, Laws of 2023. Responsibilities of the
32
department include:
33
(a) Attend monthly advisory group meetings;
34
(b) Designate subject matter experts to provide input and
35
technical assistance in developing program guidelines, notices of
36
funding availability, and application questions;
37
(c) Designate subject matter experts to serve as application
38
reviewers including scoring applications and making recommendations
39
on funding decisions; and
40
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SB 5998
(d)
Provide
guidance
and
technical
assistance
related
to
1
behavioral health facility development, behavioral health service
2
modalities, unmet demand for different types of behavioral health
3
facilities and services, insurance, and other programmatic issues.
4
(22) $61,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $29,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
7
Substitute House Bill No. 1359 (criminal insanity). ((If the bill is
8
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
9
shall lapse.
10
(22))) (23) $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2026 and $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
12
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
13
Substitute House Bill No. 1162 (health care work violence). ((If the
14
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
15
subsection shall lapse.
16
(23) $3,278,000)) (24) $2,789,000 of the general fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($4,345,000)) $3,856,000 of
18
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
19
provided solely for implementation of chapter 453, Laws of 2023
20
(competency evaluations).
21
(((24))) (25) $4,118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
22
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$4,118,000
of
the
general
fund—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $396,000 of the general fund—
24
federal appropriation are provided solely for the department to
25
address delays in patient discharge as provided in this subsection.
26
(a) The department shall hire staff dedicated to discharge
27
reviews, including psychologists to complete reviews and staff for
28
additional discharge review work, including, but not limited to,
29
scheduling, planning, and providing transportation; and establish and
30
implement a sex offense and problematic behavior program as part of
31
the sex offense review and referral team program.
32
(b) Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $504,000 per year
33
shall be used for bed fees for patients who are not guilty by reason
34
of insanity.
35
(c) The department shall track data as it relates to this
36
subsection and, where available, compare it to historical data.
37
(26) Individuals receiving services as supplemental security
38
income (SSI) state supplemental payments may not become eligible for
39
p. 129
SB 5998
medical assistance under RCW 74.09.510 due solely to the receipt of
1
SSI state supplemental payments.
2
(27)
The
residential
habilitation
centers
may
use
funds
3
appropriated in this section to purchase goods, services, and
4
supplies through hospital group purchasing organizations when it is
5
cost-effective to do so.
6
(28) $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $104,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to hire a
9
consultant to develop a plan for certification and accreditation of
10
the new forensic hospital on the western state hospital campus.
11
(29) $214,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $1,071,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to ensure
14
effective communication with patients with hearing disabilities in
15
the department's custody and comply with the terms of the settlement
16
agreement with the United States department of justice.
17
(30)(a) $9,376,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 and $9,851,000 of the general fund—federal
19
appropriation are provided solely for the department to operate a
20
transitional facility specializing in treatment for youth aged 13-17
21
who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, or autism
22
spectrum disorder, and a severe psychiatric diagnosis requiring 24/7
23
care under the direction of a physician. Services must be provided at
24
a leased property in Burien, serve no more than 12 youth at one time,
25
and be implemented in a way that prioritizes transition to less
26
restrictive community-based settings.
27
(b)
The
department
and
the
health
care
authority
shall
28
collaborate in the identification and evaluation of strategies to
29
obtain federal match funding opportunities and shall consider any
30
necessary state plan amendments.
31
(31) Within existing resources, the department in coordination
32
with the health care authority shall jointly meet with community
33
health providers, universities, legislative members, and tribes to
34
identify utilization options for the Clark county behavioral health
35
and treatment center that could serve state or community behavioral
36
health needs. Options considered should include, but not be limited
37
to, public private partnerships, long-term leases, local government
38
partnerships, behavioral health service organizations, and state
39
p. 130
SB 5998
operations. The department and the health care authority shall
1
convene at least four meetings, with the first meeting held by June
2
1, 2026. The secretary and the director of the health care authority
3
shall provide a list of options, including anticipated barriers and
4
cost estimates for each, to the governor and the fiscal committees of
5
the legislature by September 30, 2026.
6
Sec. 203. 2025 c 424 s 203 (uncodified) is amended to read as
7
follows:
8
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—DEVELOPMENTAL
9
DISABILITIES PROGRAM
10
(1) COMMUNITY SERVICES
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($1,328,114,000))
12
$1,349,597,000
13
((General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . $1,390,855,000))
14
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($2,781,638,000))
15
$1,391,954,000
16
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($4,486,000))
17
$2,034,000
18
Developmental Disabilities Community Services
19
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,020,000))
20
$1,006,000
21
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,507,113,000))
22
$2,744,591,000
23
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
24
following conditions and limitations:
25
(a) Individuals who receive supplemental security income (SSI)
26
state supplemental payments shall not become eligible for medical
27
assistance under RCW 74.09.510 solely on the basis of receiving those
28
payments.
29
(b) In accordance with RCW 18.51.050, 18.20.050, 70.128.060, and
30
43.135.055,
the
department
is
authorized
to
increase
nursing
31
facility, assisted living facility, and adult family home fees as
32
necessary to fully support the actual costs of conducting the
33
licensure, inspection, and regulatory programs. The license fees may
34
not exceed the department's annual licensing and oversight activity
35
costs and shall include the department's cost of paying providers for
36
the amount of the license fee attributed to medicaid clients.
37
p. 131
SB 5998
(i) The current annual license renewal fee for adult family homes
1
is $450 per bed. A nonrefundable processing fee of $2,750 shall be
2
charged for the initial licensing of each adult family home. In
3
addition, a processing fee of $700 shall be imposed on providers
4
submitting an application for a change of ownership.
5
(ii) The current annual license renewal fee for assisted living
6
facilities is $383 per bed in fiscal year 2026 ((and $381 in fiscal
7
year 2027)).
8
(iii) The current annual license renewal fee for nursing
9
facilities is $814 per bed in fiscal year 2026 ((and $834 per bed in
10
fiscal year 2027)).
11
(c) $14,742,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal
year
2026((,
$35,028,000
of
the
general
fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2027,)) and (($62,704,000)) $18,573,000
14
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
15
rate increase for the new consumer-directed employer contracted
16
individual providers as set by the consumer-directed employer rate
17
setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
18
(d) $1,146,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026((, $2,755,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($4,914,000)) $1,444,000 of the general fund
21
—federal appropriation are provided solely for the homecare agency
22
parity consistent with the rate set by the consumer-directed employer
23
rate setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
24
(e) $1,027,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026((, $1,862,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($3,639,000)) $1,293,000 of the general fund
27
—federal appropriation are provided solely for administrative costs
28
of the consumer-directed employer as set by the consumer-directed
29
employer rate setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
30
(f) $228,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026((, $420,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($817,000)) $287,000 of the general fund—
33
federal
appropriation
are
provided
solely
to
increase
the
34
administrative rate for home care agencies by 30 cents per hour
35
effective July 1, 2025((, and an additional 23 cents per hour
36
effective July 1, 2026)).
37
(g) $6,953,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026((, $7,815,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
p. 132
SB 5998
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($18,212,000)) $8,573,000 of the general
1
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the implementation
2
of an agreement reached between the governor and the adult family
3
home council under the provisions of chapter 41.56 RCW for the
4
2025-2027 fiscal biennium, as provided in section 907 of this act.
5
(h) The department may authorize a one-time waiver of all or any
6
portion of the licensing and processing fees required under RCW
7
70.128.060 in any case in which the department determines that an
8
adult family home is being relicensed because of exceptional
9
circumstances, such as death or incapacity of a provider, and that to
10
require the full payment of the licensing and processing fees would
11
present a hardship to the applicant. In these situations the
12
department is also granted the authority to waive the required
13
residential administrator training for a period of 120 days if
14
necessary to ensure continuity of care during the relicensing
15
process.
16
(i)(i) $10,722,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal
year
2026((,
$10,722,000
of
the
general
fund—state
18
appropriation for fiscal year 2027,)) and (($21,190,000)) $10,595,000
19
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely to
20
increase rates by two percent, effective July 1, 2025, for community
21
residential service providers. This includes supported living, group
22
home, group training home, licensed staff residential services,
23
community
protection,
and
children's
out-of-home
services
to
24
individuals with developmental disabilities. The full amount must be
25
used for compensation increases for direct support professionals and
26
other direct care workers in these settings.
27
(ii)
Contracted
agency
providers
must
include
staffing
28
information in their community residential cost reports. This
29
includes wages, health insurance, number of positions, and turnover.
30
The data must be broken out specifically for direct support
31
professionals and published on the department's residential programs
32
reimbursement website.
33
(j) Community residential cost reports that are submitted by or
34
on behalf of contracted agency providers are required to include
35
information about agency staffing including health insurance, wages,
36
number of positions, and turnover.
37
(k) Sufficient appropriations are provided to continue community
38
alternative placement beds that prioritize the transition of clients
39
p. 133
SB 5998
who are ready for discharge from the state psychiatric hospitals, but
1
who have additional long-term care or developmental disability needs.
2
(i) Community alternative placement beds include enhanced service
3
facility beds, adult family home beds, skilled nursing facility beds,
4
shared supportive housing beds, state operated living alternative
5
beds, and assisted living facility beds.
6
(ii) Each client must receive an individualized assessment prior
7
to leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals. The individualized
8
assessment must identify and authorize personal care, nursing care,
9
behavioral health stabilization, physical therapy, or other necessary
10
services to meet the unique needs of each client. It is the
11
expectation that, in most cases, staffing ratios in all community
12
alternative placement options described in (i)(i) of this subsection
13
will need to increase to meet the needs of clients leaving the state
14
psychiatric hospitals. If specialized training is necessary to meet
15
the needs of a client before he or she enters a community placement,
16
then the person centered service plan must also identify and
17
authorize this training.
18
(iii) When reviewing placement options, the department must
19
consider the safety of other residents, as well as the safety of
20
staff, in a facility. An initial evaluation of each placement,
21
including any documented safety concerns, must occur within thirty
22
days of a client leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals and
23
entering one of the community placement options described in (i)(i)
24
of this subsection. At a minimum, the department must perform two
25
additional evaluations of each placement during the first year that a
26
client has lived in the facility.
27
(iv) In developing bed capacity, the department shall consider
28
the complex needs of individuals waiting for discharge from the state
29
psychiatric hospitals.
30
(l) Sufficient appropriations are provided for discharge case
31
managers stationed at the state psychiatric hospitals. Discharge case
32
managers will transition clients ready for hospital discharge into
33
less restrictive alternative community placements. The transition of
34
clients ready for discharge will free up bed capacity at the state
35
psychiatric hospitals.
36
(m)
The
annual
certification
renewal
fee
for
community
37
residential service businesses is $859 per client in fiscal year 2026
38
((and $859 per client in fiscal year 2027)). The annual certification
39
p. 134
SB 5998
renewal fee may not exceed the department's annual licensing and
1
oversight activity costs.
2
(n) $3,042,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026((, $3,115,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($2,695,000)) $1,332,000 of the general fund
5
—federal appropriation are provided for enhanced respite beds across
6
the state for children. These services are intended to provide
7
families and caregivers with a break in caregiving, the opportunity
8
for behavioral stabilization of the child, and the ability to partner
9
with the state in the development of an individualized service plan
10
that allows the child to remain in his or her home. The department
11
must provide the legislature with a respite utilization report in
12
January of each year that provides information about the number of
13
children who have used enhanced respite in the preceding year, as
14
well as the location and number of days per month that each respite
15
bed was occupied.
16
(o) $2,553,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 ((and $2,621,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
18
for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided for 13 community respite beds
19
across the state for adults. These services are intended to provide
20
families and caregivers with a break in caregiving and the
21
opportunity for stabilization of the individual in a community-based
22
setting as an alternative to using a residential habilitation center
23
to provide planned or emergent respite. The department must provide
24
the legislature with a respite utilization report by January of each
25
year that provides information about the number of individuals who
26
have used community respite in the preceding year, as well as the
27
location and number of days per month that each respite bed was
28
occupied.
29
(p) $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026((, $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($512,000)) $256,000 of the general fund—
32
federal appropriation are provided solely for a one-time bridge rate
33
for assisted living facilities, enhanced adult residential centers,
34
and adult residential centers, with high medicaid occupancy. The
35
bridge rate does not replace or substitute the capital add-on rate
36
found in RCW 74.39A.320 and the same methodology from RCW 74.39A.320
37
shall be used to determine each facility's medicaid occupancy
38
percentage for the purposes of this one-time bridge rate add-on.
39
p. 135
SB 5998
Facilities with a medicaid occupancy level 75 percent or more shall
1
receive a $20.99 add-on per resident day effective July 1, 2025.
2
(q) A nonrefundable fee of $485 shall be charged for each
3
application to increase bed capacity at an adult family home to seven
4
or eight beds.
5
(r) The appropriations in this section include sufficient funding
6
to provide access to the individual and family services waiver and
7
the basic plus waiver to those individuals on the service request
8
list as forecasted by the caseload forecast council. For subsequent
9
policy level budgets, the department shall submit a request for
10
funding associated with individuals requesting to receive the
11
individual and family services waiver and the basic plus waiver in
12
accordance with the courtesy forecasts provided by the caseload
13
forecast council.
14
(s) $332,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026((, $740,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($1,074,000)) $333,000 of the general fund—
17
federal appropriation are provided solely for supported employment
18
and
community
inclusion
services
for
those
individuals
with
19
intellectual or developmental disabilities who are transitioning from
20
high school in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and are anticipated to
21
utilize these services. Within amounts appropriated in this section,
22
the department shall, no later than September 1, 2025, and September
23
1, 2026, submit to the governor and the appropriate committees of the
24
legislature a forecast of: (i) The total caseload of individuals
25
anticipated to utilize supported employment and community inclusion
26
services; and (ii) the caseload of individuals transitioning from
27
high school anticipated to utilize supported employment and community
28
inclusion services. These forecasts shall be utilized to inform the
29
governor's operating maintenance and policy level budgets during the
30
2025-2027 fiscal biennium and shall include data that begins with
31
fiscal year 2018, incorporates actual entries and exits, and
32
delineates the community inclusion caseload from the supported
33
employment caseload for both the total supported employment and
34
community inclusion caseload forecasts and the separate caseload
35
forecasts of those individuals transitioning from high school.
36
(t) $3,345,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 ((and $3,345,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
38
for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for the department to
39
p. 136
SB 5998
provide personal care services for up to 33 clients who are not
1
United States citizens and who are ineligible for medicaid upon their
2
discharge from an acute care hospital. The department must prioritize
3
the funding provided in this subsection for such clients in acute
4
care hospitals who are also on the department's wait list for
5
services.
6
(u)(i) (($9,346,000)) $14,858,000 of the general fund—state
7
appropriation for fiscal year 2026((, $9,376,000 of the general fund—
8
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $15,292,000 of the
9
general fund—federal appropriation are)) is provided solely for the
10
department to operate a transitional facility specializing in
11
treatment
for
youth
aged
13-17
who
have
intellectual
and
12
developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder, and a severe
13
psychiatric diagnosis requiring 24/7 care under the direction of a
14
physician. Youth admitted to the facility require health services
15
wherein treatment modalities and interventions are adapted to
16
specifically provide youth with I/DD benefits from the level of care
17
provided. Services must be provided at a leased property in Burien,
18
serve no more than 12 youth at one time, and be implemented in a way
19
that prioritizes transition to less restrictive community-based
20
settings. Youth shall be voluntarily admitted to the facility by
21
their own consent or the consent of their guardian or legal
22
representative. The department shall collaborate with the department
23
of children, youth, and families to identify youth for placement in
24
this setting and regarding appropriate discharge options with a focus
25
on less restrictive community-based settings.
26
(ii)
The
department
and
the
health
care
authority
shall
27
collaborate in the identification and evaluation of strategies to
28
obtain federal matching funding opportunities, specifically focusing
29
on innovative medicaid framework adjustments and the consideration of
30
necessary state plan amendments. This collaborative effort aims not
31
only to enhance the funding available for the operation of the
32
facility but also to maintain adherence to its fundamental objective
33
of offering voluntary, transitional services. These services are
34
designed to facilitate the transition of youth to community-based
35
settings that are less restrictive, aligning with the facility's
36
commitment to supporting youth with complex needs in a manner that
37
encourages their movement toward independence.
38
p. 137
SB 5998
(v) $118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026((, $118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027,)) and (($204,000)) $102,000 of the general fund—
3
federal appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
4
Substitute House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the
5
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
6
subsection shall lapse.))
7
(w) (($486,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
8
$420,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation are provided
9
solely for a rate add-on for adult family homes in the amount
10
necessary to reimburse for the annual license renewal fee increase
11
included in (b)(i) of this subsection that is paid on medicaid beds.
12
(x) $21,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and $18,000
13
of the general fund—private/local appropriation are provided solely
14
for a rate add-on for assisted living facilities in the amount
15
necessary to reimburse for the annual license renewal fee increase
16
included in (b)(ii) of this subsection that is paid on medicaid beds.
17
(y))) $12,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 ((and $12,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for implementation of
20
Senate Bill No. 5079 (DSHS overpayments). ((If the bill is not
21
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
22
shall lapse.
23
(z))) (x) $1,326,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal
year
2026((,
$5,015,000
of
the
general
fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2027,)) and (($5,850,000)) $1,175,000
26
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for
27
implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5393 (Yakima & Rainier
28
schools). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
29
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
30
(2) INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($156,314,000))
32
$149,447,000
33
((General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . $151,860,000))
34
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($256,720,000))
35
$126,311,000
36
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($19,501,000))
37
$9,731,000
38
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($584,395,000))
39
p. 138
SB 5998
$285,489,000
1
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
2
following conditions and limitations:
3
(a) Individuals receiving services as supplemental security
4
income (SSI) state supplemental payments may not become eligible for
5
medical assistance under RCW 74.09.510 due solely to the receipt of
6
SSI state supplemental payments.
7
(b)
The
residential
habilitation
centers
may
use
funds
8
appropriated in this subsection to purchase goods, services, and
9
supplies through hospital group purchasing organizations when it is
10
cost-effective to do so.
11
(((c) Sufficient appropriations are provided for the department
12
to support the transition of individuals residing at Rainier School
13
or the three other residential habilitation centers, into appropriate
14
alternative residential settings, should those facilities be closed.
15
The department shall ensure that each affected individual is offered
16
a meaningful choice of alternative placements, including other
17
residential habilitation centers, supported living arrangements,
18
state operated living alternatives, adult family homes, skilled
19
nursing
facilities,
or
other
community-based
settings.
When
20
transitioning individuals, the department shall prioritize client
21
choice, autonomy, individual preferences, medical and behavioral
22
health care needs, and opportunities for community integration. The
23
department
shall
develop
individualized
transition
plans
in
24
collaboration with each resident, their family or legal guardian,
25
caregivers, and support providers. The department shall coordinate
26
closely with other state agencies, local entities, health care
27
providers, and community stakeholders to ensure seamless transitions.
28
The
funding
provided
shall
cover
all
costs
associated
with
29
assessments,
planning,
relocation
expenses,
necessary
housing
30
modifications, staff training, crisis support, and related transition
31
activities. Additionally, the department shall implement robust
32
oversight
and
accountability
measures,
regularly
monitoring
33
transition outcomes, individual well-being and satisfaction.))
34
(3) PROGRAM SUPPORT
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($3,714,000))
36
$3,557,000
37
((General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . $3,774,000))
38
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($4,267,000))
39
p. 139
SB 5998
$1,982,000
1
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,755,000))
2
$5,539,000
3
(4) SPECIAL PROJECTS
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . $68,000
5
((General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . $71,000))
6
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($1,094,000))
7
$547,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,233,000))
9
$615,000
10
Sec. 204. 2025 c 424 s 204 (uncodified) is amended to read as
11
follows:
12
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—AGING AND ADULT
13
SERVICES PROGRAM
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($2,688,279,000))
15
$2,738,504,000
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($2,884,087,000))
17
$4,257,536,000
18
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($6,839,614,000))
19
$8,482,861,000
20
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . (($122,541,000))
21
$125,002,000
22
Developmental Disabilities Community Services
23
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,014,000
24
Traumatic Brain Injury Account—State Appropriation. . . . $7,204,000
25
Skilled Nursing Facility Safety Net Trust Account—
26
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $133,360,000
27
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($214,874,000))
29
$230,866,000
30
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . .
(($12,889,959,000))
31
$15,978,347,000
32
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
33
conditions and limitations:
34
(1)(a) For purposes of implementing chapter 74.46 RCW, the
35
weighted average nursing facility payment rate may not exceed $376.54
36
for fiscal year 2026 and may not exceed (($394.32)) $376.54 for
37
p. 140
SB 5998
fiscal year 2027. Appropriations provided in this section are
1
sufficient to partially implement the case mix adjustment methodology
2
to adjust rates of individual facilities for case mix changes as
3
specified in RCW 74.46.485 and stay within the specific budget dials.
4
The
weighted
average
nursing
facility
payment
rates
in
this
5
subsection (1) include the following: $35,436,000 of the general fund
6
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $39,028,000 of the
7
general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for a
8
facility-specific add-on to help mitigate for the removal of one-time
9
rate increases provided in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium in an amount
10
that does not exceed the fiscal year 2026 weighted average nursing
11
facility payment rate referenced in this subsection.
12
(b) The department shall provide a medicaid rate add-on to
13
reimburse the medicaid share of the skilled nursing facility safety
14
net assessment as a medicaid allowable cost. The nursing facility
15
safety net rate add-on may not be included in the calculation of the
16
annual statewide weighted average nursing facility payment rate.
17
(2) In accordance with RCW 18.51.050, 18.20.050, 70.128.060, and
18
43.135.055,
the
department
is
authorized
to
increase
nursing
19
facility, assisted living facility, and adult family home fees as
20
necessary to fully support the actual costs of conducting the
21
licensure, inspection, and regulatory programs. The license fees may
22
not exceed the department's annual licensing and oversight activity
23
costs and shall include the department's cost of paying providers for
24
the amount of the license fee attributed to medicaid clients.
25
(a) The current annual license renewal fee for adult family homes
26
is $450 per bed. A nonrefundable processing fee of $2,750 shall be
27
charged for the initial licensing of each adult family home. In
28
addition, a processing fee of $700 shall be imposed on providers
29
submitting an application for a change of ownership.
30
(b) The current annual license renewal fee for assisted living
31
facilities is $383 per bed in fiscal year 2026 and $381 in fiscal
32
year 2027.
33
(c) The current annual license renewal fee for nursing facilities
34
is $814 per bed in fiscal year 2026 and $834 per bed in fiscal year
35
2027.
36
(3) The department is authorized to place long-term care clients
37
residing in nursing homes and paid for with state-only funds into
38
less restrictive community care settings while continuing to meet the
39
client's care needs.
40
p. 141
SB 5998
(4) $33,412,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, (($80,128,000)) $115,156,000 of the general fund—
2
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($143,047,000))
3
$187,178,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
4
solely for the rate increase for the new consumer-directed employer
5
contracted individual providers as set by the consumer-directed rate
6
setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
7
(5) $10,012,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2026, (($23,830,000)) $26,585,000 of the general fund—
9
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($42,637,000))
10
$46,107,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
11
solely for the homecare agency parity consistent with the rate set by
12
the consumer-directed employer rate setting board in accordance with
13
RCW 74.39A.530.
14
(6) $2,327,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026, (($4,259,000)) $6,121,000 of the general fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($8,297,000)) $10,643,000 of
17
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for
18
administrative costs of the consumer-directed employer as set by the
19
consumer-directed employer rate setting board in accordance with RCW
20
74.39A.530.
21
(7) $1,991,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026, (($3,637,000)) $4,057,000 of the general fund—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($7,090,000)) $7,620,000 of
24
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely to
25
increase the administrative rate for home care agencies by 30 cents
26
per hour effective July 1, 2025, and an additional 23 cents per hour
27
effective July 1, 2026.
28
(8) The department may authorize a one-time waiver of all or any
29
portion of the licensing and processing fees required under RCW
30
70.128.060 in any case in which the department determines that an
31
adult family home is being relicensed because of exceptional
32
circumstances, such as death or incapacity of a provider, and that to
33
require the full payment of the licensing and processing fees would
34
present a hardship to the applicant. In these situations the
35
department is also granted the authority to waive the required
36
residential administrator training for a period of 120 days if
37
necessary to ensure continuity of care during the relicensing
38
process.
39
p. 142
SB 5998
(9) In accordance with RCW 18.390.030, the biennial registration
1
fee for continuing care retirement communities shall be $900 for each
2
facility.
3
(10) Appropriations in this section are sufficient to fund
4
discharge case managers stationed at the state psychiatric hospitals.
5
Discharge case managers will transition clients ready for hospital
6
discharge into less restrictive alternative community placements. The
7
transition of clients ready for discharge will free up bed capacity
8
at the state psychiatric hospitals.
9
(11) Appropriations in this section are sufficient to fund
10
financial service specialists stationed at the state psychiatric
11
hospitals. Financial service specialists will help to transition
12
clients ready for hospital discharge into alternative community
13
placements. The transition of clients ready for discharge will free
14
up bed capacity at the state hospitals.
15
(12) The department shall continue to administer tailored support
16
for older adults, medicaid alternative care, presumptive eligibility,
17
and housing supports, as described in initiative 2 of the 1115
18
demonstration waiver. This initiative will be funded by the health
19
care authority through the medicaid quality improvement program. The
20
secretary in collaboration with the director of the health care
21
authority shall report to the office of financial management all
22
expenditures of this subsection and shall provide such fiscal data in
23
the time, manner, and form requested. The department shall not
24
increase general fund—state expenditures on this initiative.
25
(13) $54,119,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2026, (($64,390,000)) $72,205,000 of the general fund—
27
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($147,644,000))
28
$157,283,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
29
solely for the implementation of an agreement reached between the
30
governor and the adult family home council under the provisions of
31
chapter 41.56 RCW for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, as provided in
32
section 908 of this act.
33
(14) Appropriations provided in this section are sufficient to
34
continue community alternative placement beds that prioritize the
35
transition of clients who are ready for discharge from the state
36
psychiatric hospitals, but who have additional long-term care or
37
developmental disability needs.
38
p. 143
SB 5998
(a) Community alternative placement beds include enhanced service
1
facility beds, adult family home beds, skilled nursing facility beds,
2
shared supportive housing beds, state operated living alternative
3
beds, assisted living facility beds, adult residential care beds, and
4
specialized dementia beds.
5
(b) Each client must receive an individualized assessment prior
6
to leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals. The individualized
7
assessment must identify and authorize personal care, nursing care,
8
behavioral health stabilization, physical therapy, or other necessary
9
services to meet the unique needs of each client. It is the
10
expectation that, in most cases, staffing ratios in all community
11
alternative placement options described in (a) of this subsection
12
will need to increase to meet the needs of clients leaving the state
13
psychiatric hospitals. If specialized training is necessary to meet
14
the needs of a client before he or she enters a community placement,
15
then the person centered service plan must also identify and
16
authorize this training.
17
(c) When reviewing placement options, the department must
18
consider the safety of other residents, as well as the safety of
19
staff, in a facility. An initial evaluation of each placement,
20
including any documented safety concerns, must occur within thirty
21
days of a client leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals and
22
entering one of the community placement options described in (a) of
23
this subsection. At a minimum, the department must perform two
24
additional evaluations of each placement during the first year that a
25
client has lived in the facility.
26
(d) In developing bed capacity, the department shall consider the
27
complex needs of individuals waiting for discharge from the state
28
psychiatric hospitals.
29
(15)
The
annual
certification
renewal
fee
for
community
30
residential service businesses is $859 per client in fiscal year 2026
31
and $859 per client in fiscal year 2027. The annual certification
32
renewal fee may not exceed the department's annual licensing and
33
oversight activity costs.
34
(16)
(($5,245,000))
$4,206,000
of
the
general
fund—state
35
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($5,245,000)) $4,263,000 of
36
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
37
provided solely for services and support to individuals who are deaf,
38
hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.
39
p. 144
SB 5998
(17) $8,747,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, (($8,747,000)) $8,951,000 of the general fund—state
2
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($19,878,000)) $20,134,000
3
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for a
4
one-time bridge rate for assisted living facilities, enhanced adult
5
residential centers, and adult residential centers, with high
6
medicaid occupancy. The bridge rate does not replace or substitute
7
the capital add-on rate found in RCW 74.39A.320 and the same
8
methodology from RCW 74.39A.320 shall be used to determine each
9
facility's medicaid occupancy percentage for the purposes of this
10
one-time bridge rate add-on. Facilities with a medicaid occupancy
11
level 75 percent or more shall receive a $20.99 add-on per resident
12
day effective July 1, 2025.
13
(18) A nonrefundable fee of $485 shall be charged for each
14
application to increase bed capacity at an adult family home to seven
15
or eight beds.
16
(19) $1,858,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,857,000
of
the
general
fund—state
18
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for operation
19
of the volunteer services program. Funding must be prioritized
20
towards serving populations traditionally served by long-term care
21
services to include senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
22
(20) $989,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $989,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the kinship navigator
25
program in the Colville Indian reservation, Yakama Nation, and other
26
tribal areas.
27
(21) The traumatic brain injury council shall collaborate with
28
other state agencies in their efforts to address traumatic brain
29
injuries to ensure that efforts are ((complimentary)) complementary
30
and continue to support the state's broader efforts to address this
31
issue.
32
(22)
(($2,807,000))
$3,436,000
of
the
general
fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($2,811,000)) $3,440,000 of the
34
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
35
(($70,000)) $66,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
36
provided solely for the kinship care support program. Of the amounts
37
provided in this subsection:
38
p. 145
SB 5998
(a)
(($863,000))
$1,944,000
of
the
general
fund—state
1
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($867,000)) $1,944,000 of the
2
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided
3
solely for the kinship care support program.
4
(b)
(($1,726,000))
$1,492,000
of
the
general
fund—state
5
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($1,734,000)) $1,496,000 of the
6
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
7
(($70,000)) $66,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
8
provided solely for kinship navigators, including an increase in the
9
number of kinship navigators so that each area agency on aging has
10
one kinship navigator and King county has two kinship navigators.
11
(23) $2,574,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2026 and (($2,567,000)) $5,912,000 of the general fund—
13
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
14
department to provide personal care services for up to ((40)) 73
15
clients who are not United States citizens and who are ineligible for
16
medicaid upon their discharge from an acute care hospital. The
17
department must prioritize the funding provided in this subsection
18
for such clients in acute care hospitals who are also on the
19
department's wait list for services.
20
(24) (($24,848,000)) $18,047,000 of the long-term services and
21
supports trust account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
22
information technology project for the long-term services and
23
supports
trust
program,
and
is
subject
to
the
conditions,
24
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
25
(25) $13,982,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal
year
2026
and
$13,982,000
of
the
general
fund—state
27
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the area
28
agencies on aging to maintain senior nutrition services. This
29
includes, but is not limited to, meals at sites, through pantries,
30
and home-delivery.
31
(26) $3,831,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2026, $7,859,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
33
for fiscal year 2027, and $7,187,000 of the general fund—federal
34
appropriation are provided solely for the nursing home to community
35
program to increase the rental subsidy base to $1,400 and expand the
36
program by 200 slots.
37
(((28))) (27) $750,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
38
for fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 of the general fund—state
39
p. 146
SB 5998
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for community-
1
based dementia education and support activities in three areas of the
2
state, including dementia resource catalyst staff and direct services
3
for people with dementia and their caregivers.
4
(((29)))
(28)(a)
$20,662,000
of
the
general
fund—state
5
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, $22,745,000 of the general fund—
6
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $43,416,000 of the
7
general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
8
operating costs associated with enhanced service facilities.
9
(b) The department shall broaden the current discharge and
10
referral case management practices for difficult to discharge
11
hospital patients waiting in acute care hospitals to include
12
referrals to all long-term care behavioral health settings, including
13
enhanced services facilities, enhanced adult residential care, and
14
enhanced adult residential care with community stability supports
15
contracts or community behavioral health support services, including
16
supportive supervision and oversight and skills development and
17
restoration. These home and community-based providers are contracted
18
to provide various levels of personal care, nursing, and behavior
19
supports
for
difficult
to
discharge
hospital
patients
with
20
significant behavior support needs.
21
(c) Patients ready to discharge from acute care hospitals with
22
diagnosed behaviors or behavior history, and a likelihood of
23
unsuccessful placement in other licensed long-term care facilities, a
24
history of rejected applications for admissions, or a history of
25
unsuccessful placements shall be fully eligible for referral to
26
available beds in enhanced services facilities or enhanced adult
27
residential care with contracts that adequately meet the patient's
28
long-term care needs.
29
(d)
Previous
or
current
detainment
under
the
involuntary
30
treatment act shall not be a requirement for individuals in acute
31
care hospitals to be eligible for these specialized settings. The
32
department shall develop a standard process for acute care hospitals
33
to refer patients to the department for placement in enhanced
34
services
facilities
and
enhanced
adult
residential
care
with
35
contracts to provide behavior support.
36
(((30))) (29) $1,761,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
37
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$1,761,000
of
the
general
fund—state
38
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $4,162,000 of the general
39
p. 147
SB 5998
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for case managers at
1
the area agencies on aging to coordinate care for medicaid clients
2
with mental illness who are living in their own homes. Work shall be
3
accomplished within existing standards for case management and no
4
requirements will be added or modified unless by mutual agreement
5
between the department of social and health services and area
6
agencies on aging.
7
(((31) $14,447,000)) (30) $13,021,000 of the general fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($14,510,000)) $13,084,000 of
9
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
10
(($28,959,000)) $26,107,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
11
are provided solely for nursing home services and emergent building
12
costs at the transitional care center of Seattle.
13
(((32))) (31) $3,800,000 of the traumatic brain injury account—
14
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
15
Substitute House Bill No. 1848 (traumatic brain injuries). ((If the
16
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
17
subsection shall lapse.
18
(33) $3,681,000)) (32) $4,167,000 of the general fund—federal
19
appropriation and (($3,179,000)) $3,599,000 of the general fund—
20
private/local appropriation are provided solely for a rate add-on for
21
adult family homes in the amount necessary to reimburse for the
22
annual license renewal fee increase included in subsection (2)(a) of
23
this section that is paid on medicaid beds.
24
(((34) $2,216,000)) (33) $2,237,000 of the general fund—federal
25
appropriation and (($1,974,000)) $1,992,000 of the general fund—
26
private/local appropriation are provided solely for a rate add-on for
27
assisted living facilities in the amount necessary to reimburse for
28
the annual license renewal fee increase included in subsection (2)(b)
29
of this section that is paid on medicaid beds.
30
(((35)))
(34)
$3,944,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
31
appropriation and $3,580,000 of the general fund—private/local
32
appropriation are provided solely for a rate add-on for nursing
33
facilities in the amount necessary to reimburse for the annual
34
license renewal fee increase included in subsection (2)(c) of this
35
section that is paid on medicaid beds.
36
(((36)))
(35)
$438,000
of
the
general
fund—private/local
37
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
38
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5337 (memory care services). ((If
39
p. 148
SB 5998
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
1
subsection shall lapse.
2
(37))) (36) $4,722,000 of the long-term services and supports
3
trust
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
4
implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-
5
term services trust). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025,
6
the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
7
(38))) (37) $38,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2026 and (($38,000)) $50,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
10
implementation of Senate Bill No. 5079 (DSHS overpayments). ((If the
11
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
12
subsection shall lapse.))
13
(38) $22,793,000 of the long-term services and supports trust
14
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
ongoing
15
maintenance of the information technology platform for the long-term
16
services and supports trust program.
17
(39) Individuals who receive supplemental security income (SSI)
18
state supplemental payments shall not become eligible for medical
19
assistance under RCW 74.09.510 solely on the basis of receiving those
20
payments.
21
(40)(a) $10,722,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027 and $10,595,000 of the general fund—federal
23
appropriation are provided solely to increase rates by two percent,
24
effective July 1, 2025, for community residential service providers.
25
This includes supported living, group home, group training home,
26
licensed staff residential services, community protection, and
27
children's out-of-home services to individuals with developmental
28
disabilities. The full amount must be used for compensation increases
29
for direct support professionals and other direct care workers in
30
these settings.
31
(b) Contracted agency providers must include staffing information
32
in their community residential cost reports. This includes wages,
33
health insurance, number of positions, and turnover. The data must be
34
broken
out
specifically
for
direct
support
professionals
and
35
published on the department's residential programs reimbursement
36
website.
37
(41) Community residential cost reports that are submitted by or
38
on behalf of contracted agency providers are required to include
39
p. 149
SB 5998
information about agency staffing including health insurance, wages,
1
number of positions, and turnover.
2
(42) $3,115,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2027 and $1,363,000 of the general fund—federal
4
appropriation are provided for enhanced respite beds across the state
5
for children. These services are intended to provide families and
6
caregivers with a break in caregiving, the opportunity for behavioral
7
stabilization of the child, and the ability to partner with the state
8
in the development of an individualized service plan that allows the
9
child to remain in his or her home. The department must provide the
10
legislature with a respite utilization report in January of each year
11
that provides information about the number of children who have used
12
enhanced respite in the preceding year, as well as the location and
13
number of days per month that each respite bed was occupied.
14
(43) $2,621,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2027 is provided for 13 community respite beds across the
16
state for adults. These services are intended to provide families and
17
caregivers with a break in caregiving and the opportunity for
18
stabilization of the individual in a community-based setting as an
19
alternative to using a residential habilitation center to provide
20
planned or emergent respite. The department must provide the
21
legislature with a respite utilization report by January of each year
22
that provides information about the number of individuals who have
23
used community respite in the preceding year, as well as the location
24
and number of days per month that each respite bed was occupied.
25
(44) $740,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2027 and $741,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
27
provided solely for supported employment and community inclusion
28
services for those individuals with intellectual or developmental
29
disabilities who are transitioning from high school in the 2025-2027
30
fiscal biennium and are anticipated to utilize these services. Within
31
amounts appropriated in this section, the department shall, no later
32
than September 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026, submit to the governor
33
and the appropriate committees of the legislature a forecast of: (i)
34
The total caseload of individuals anticipated to utilize supported
35
employment and community inclusion services; and (ii) the caseload of
36
individuals transitioning from high school anticipated to utilize
37
supported
employment
and
community
inclusion
services.
These
38
forecasts shall be utilized to inform the governor's operating
39
p. 150
SB 5998
maintenance and policy level budgets during the 2025-2027 fiscal
1
biennium and shall include data that begins with fiscal year 2018,
2
incorporates actual entries and exits, and delineates the community
3
inclusion caseload from the supported employment caseload for both
4
the total supported employment and community inclusion caseload
5
forecasts and the separate caseload forecasts of those individuals
6
transitioning from high school.
7
(45) $118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2027 and $102,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
9
provided solely for implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 1272
10
(children in crisis program).
11
Sec. 205. 2025 c 424 s 205 (uncodified) is amended to read as
12
follows:
13
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—ECONOMIC SERVICES
14
PROGRAM
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($761,681,000))
16
$745,245,000
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($710,910,000))
18
$797,604,000
19
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($1,910,479,000))
20
$1,884,636,000
21
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $5,002,000
22
Administrative Contingency Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,000,000))
24
$18,000,000
25
Domestic Violence Prevention Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,404,000
27
Employment Service Administrative Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000,000
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,394,476,000))
30
$3,454,891,000
31
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
32
conditions and limitations:
33
(1)(a) (($201,111,000)) $166,718,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($183,932,000)) $149,982,000 of
35
the
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
36
(($868,255,000))
$867,641,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
37
appropriation, and (($4,000,000)) $18,000,000 of the administrative
38
p. 151
SB 5998
contingency account—state appropriation are provided solely for all
1
components of the WorkFirst program. Within the amounts provided for
2
the WorkFirst program, the department may provide assistance using
3
state-only funds for families eligible for temporary assistance for
4
needy families. The budget structure must include budget units for
5
the following: Cash assistance, child care, WorkFirst activities, and
6
administration of the program. Within these budget units, the
7
department must develop program index codes for specific activities
8
and develop allotments and track expenditures using these codes. The
9
department shall report to the office of financial management and the
10
relevant fiscal and policy committees of the legislature prior to
11
adopting a structure change.
12
(b) (($530,530,000)) $486,728,000 of the amounts in (a) of this
13
subsection is for assistance to clients, including grants, diversion
14
cash assistance, and additional diversion emergency assistance
15
including but not limited to assistance authorized under RCW
16
74.08A.210. The department may use state funds to provide support to
17
working families that are eligible for temporary assistance for needy
18
families but otherwise not receiving cash assistance.
19
(c)(i) (($167,934,000)) $162,325,000 of the amounts in (a) of
20
this subsection is for WorkFirst job search, education and training
21
activities, barrier removal services, limited English proficiency
22
services, and tribal assistance under RCW 74.08A.040. The department
23
must allocate this funding based on client outcomes and cost
24
effectiveness measures. Within amounts provided in this subsection
25
(1)(c), the department shall implement the working family support
26
program.
27
(ii) $2,474,000 of the amounts provided in (c)(i) of this
28
subsection is for enhanced transportation assistance. The department
29
must prioritize the use of these funds for the recipients most in
30
need of financial assistance to facilitate their return to work. The
31
department must not utilize these funds to supplant repayment
32
arrangements
that
are
currently
in
place
to
facilitate
the
33
reinstatement of drivers' licenses.
34
(d) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, $353,402,000 of the
35
general fund—federal appropriation is for the working connections
36
child care program under RCW 43.216.020 within the department of
37
children, youth, and families. The department is the lead agency for
38
and recipient of the federal temporary assistance for needy families
39
grant. A portion of this grant must be used to fund child care
40
p. 152
SB 5998
subsidies expenditures at the department of children, youth, and
1
families.
2
(i) The department of social and health services shall work in
3
collaboration with the department of children, youth, and families to
4
determine the appropriate amount of state expenditures for the
5
working connections child care program to claim towards the state's
6
maintenance of effort for the temporary assistance for needy families
7
program. The departments will also collaborate to track the average
8
monthly child care subsidy caseload and expenditures by fund type,
9
including
child
care
development
fund,
general
fund—state
10
appropriation, and temporary assistance for needy families for the
11
purpose of estimating the annual temporary assistance for needy
12
families reimbursement from the department of social and health
13
services to the department of children, youth, and families.
14
(ii) On December 1st of each year of the biennium the department
15
of children, youth, and families must report to the governor and the
16
appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the legislature the total
17
state contribution for the working connections child care program
18
claimed the previous fiscal year towards the state's maintenance of
19
effort for the temporary assistance for needy families program and
20
the total temporary assistance for needy families reimbursement from
21
the department of social and health services for the previous fiscal
22
year.
23
(e) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, $68,496,000 of the
24
general fund—federal appropriation is for child welfare services
25
within the department of children, youth, and families.
26
(f)(i) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, (($136,939,000))
27
$131,391,000 is for WorkFirst administration and overhead.
28
(ii) Within existing resources, the department must complete
29
system enhancements necessary to implement strategies to achieve the
30
federal temporary assistance for needy families program's work
31
participation rate.
32
(g)(i) The department shall submit quarterly expenditure reports
33
to the governor, the fiscal committees of the legislature, and the
34
legislative WorkFirst poverty reduction oversight task force under
35
RCW 74.08A.341. In addition to these requirements, the department
36
must detail any fund transfers across budget units identified in (a)
37
through (e) of this subsection. The department shall not initiate any
38
services that require expenditure of state general fund moneys that
39
are not consistent with policies established by the legislature.
40
p. 153
SB 5998
(ii) The department may transfer up to 10 percent of funding
1
between budget units identified in (b) through (f) of this
2
subsection. The department shall provide notification prior to any
3
transfer to the office of financial management and to the appropriate
4
legislative
committees
and
the
legislative-executive
WorkFirst
5
poverty reduction oversight task force. The approval of the director
6
of financial management is required prior to any transfer under this
7
subsection.
8
(h) On January 2nd and July 1st of each year, the department
9
shall provide a maintenance of effort and participation rate tracking
10
report for temporary assistance for needy families to the office of
11
financial management, the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of
12
the legislature, and the legislative-executive WorkFirst poverty
13
reduction oversight task force. The report must detail the following
14
information for temporary assistance for needy families:
15
(i) An overview of federal rules related to maintenance of
16
effort, excess maintenance of effort, participation rates for
17
temporary
assistance
for
needy
families,
and
the
child
care
18
development fund as it pertains to maintenance of effort and
19
participation rates;
20
(ii) Countable maintenance of effort and excess maintenance of
21
effort, by source, provided for the previous federal fiscal year;
22
(iii) Countable maintenance of effort and excess maintenance of
23
effort, by source, for the current fiscal year, including changes in
24
countable maintenance of effort from the previous year;
25
(iv)
The
status
of
reportable
federal
participation
rate
26
requirements, including any impact of excess maintenance of effort on
27
participation targets;
28
(v) Potential new sources of maintenance of effort and progress
29
to obtain additional maintenance of effort;
30
(vi) A two-year projection for meeting federal block grant and
31
contingency fund maintenance of effort, participation targets, and
32
future reportable federal participation rate requirements; and
33
(vii)
Proposed
and
enacted
federal
law
changes
affecting
34
maintenance of effort or the participation rate, what impact these
35
changes have on Washington's temporary assistance for needy families
36
program, and the department's plan to comply with these changes.
37
(i) In the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, it is the intent of the
38
legislature to provide appropriations from the state general fund for
39
the purposes of (a) of this subsection if the department does not
40
p. 154
SB 5998
receive additional federal temporary assistance for needy families
1
contingency funds in each fiscal year as assumed in the budget
2
outlook.
3
(2) $3,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $3,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for naturalization services.
6
(3) $2,366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 is provided solely for employment services for refugees and
8
immigrants, of which $1,774,000 is provided solely for the department
9
to pass through to statewide refugee and immigrant assistance
10
organizations for limited English proficiency pathway services; and
11
$2,366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year
12
2027 is provided solely for employment services for refugees and
13
immigrants, of which $1,774,000 is provided solely for the department
14
to pass through to statewide refugee and immigrant assistance
15
organizations for limited English proficiency pathway services.
16
(4) On January 1st of each year, the department must report to
17
the governor and the legislature on all sources of funding available
18
for both refugee and immigrant services and naturalization services
19
during the current fiscal year and the amounts expended to date by
20
service type and funding source. The report must also include the
21
number of clients served and outcome data for the clients.
22
(5)
To
ensure
expenditures
remain
within
available
funds
23
appropriated in this section, the legislature establishes the benefit
24
under the state food assistance program, pursuant to RCW 74.08A.120,
25
to be 100 percent of the federal supplemental nutrition assistance
26
program benefit amount.
27
(6) The department shall review clients receiving services
28
through the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program, to determine
29
whether they would benefit from assistance in becoming naturalized
30
citizens, and thus be eligible to receive federal supplemental
31
security income benefits. Those cases shall be given high priority
32
for naturalization funding through the department.
33
(7) The department shall continue the interagency agreement with
34
the department of veterans' affairs to establish a process for
35
referral of veterans who may be eligible for veterans' services. This
36
agreement must include out-stationing department of veterans' affairs
37
staff in selected community service office locations in King and
38
Pierce counties to facilitate applications for veterans' services.
39
p. 155
SB 5998
(8) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for operational support of the
3
Washington information network 211 organization.
4
(9) $560,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $560,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a state-funded employment
7
and training program for recipients of the state's food assistance
8
program.
9
(10)
(($4,984,000))
$3,489,000
of
the
general
fund—state
10
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($4,406,000)) $5,948,000 of the
11
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
12
(($17,548,000)) $17,501,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
13
are provided solely for the alignment of eligibility rules in
14
accordance with federal center for medicare and medicaid services'
15
regulations in 42 C.F.R. Sec. 433.112(b) and in coordination with the
16
health benefit exchange. Funding is subject to the conditions,
17
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
18
(11) Within existing resources, a revised integrated eligibility
19
and enrollment roadmap and schedule will be created to accommodate
20
eligibility rule updates that are necessary to meet the federal
21
center for medicare and medicaid services' regulations.
22
(12) (($1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2026, $1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
24
for fiscal year 2027, and $4,980,000 of the general fund—federal
25
appropriation are provided solely for the integrated eligibility and
26
enrollment modernization project office.
27
(13)))(a) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and $500,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
30
sponsorship stabilization funds for eligible unaccompanied children
31
and their sponsors.
32
(b) Of the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, $350,000
33
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((is))
34
and $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year
35
2027 are provided solely for sponsorship stabilization funds for
36
eligible unaccompanied children and their sponsors in order to
37
address
financial
hardship
and
support
household
well-being.
38
Stabilization funds can be used to support the sponsorship household
39
p. 156
SB 5998
with costs of housing, childcare, transportation, internet and data
1
services, household goods, legal services, and other unmet needs. The
2
funds may be provided on behalf of an unaccompanied child when the
3
following eligibility criteria are met:
4
(i) The unaccompanied child is between the ages of 0-17, has been
5
placed in Washington under the care of a nonparental sponsor
6
following
release
from
the
United
States
office
of
refugee
7
resettlement custody, and has not been reunified with a parent; and
8
(ii) The sponsorship household demonstrates financial need and
9
has an income below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. A
10
sponsorship household receiving stabilization funds on behalf of a
11
child who turns 18 may continue to receive funds for an additional 60
12
days after the child reaches 18 years of age.
13
(c) The department may work with community-based organizations to
14
administer sponsorship stabilization supports. Up to 10 percent of
15
the amounts provided in (b) of this subsection may be used by the
16
community-based
organizations
to
cover
administrative
expenses
17
associated with the distribution of these supports.
18
(d) Of the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, up to
19
$150,000 ((is)) in fiscal year 2026 and up to $150,000 in fiscal year
20
2027 are provided solely to cover the administrative resources
21
necessary
for
the
department
to
administer
the
sponsorship
22
stabilization program.
23
(((14))) (13) $185,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
24
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the department to meet
25
the terms of its settlement agreement with the United States
26
department of agriculture (USDA), specifically to fund employment and
27
training program services and activities targeted to able-bodied
28
adults without dependents receiving food benefits from the USDA
29
supplemental nutrition assistance program, but open to all basic food
30
employment and training participants including participants who are
31
not able-bodied adults without dependents.
32
(((15)))
(14)(a)
$1,140,000
of
the
general
fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $1,141,000 of the general fund
34
—federal appropriation are provided solely to fully integrate the
35
asset verification system into the automated client eligibility
36
system (ACES).
37
(b) $716,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2027 and $265,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
39
p. 157
SB 5998
provided solely for the maintenance and operation costs for the fully
1
integrated asset verification system.
2
(((16)))
(15)(a)
$6,911,000
of
the
general
fund—state
3
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($4,924,000)) $7,062,000 of the
4
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
5
(($11,837,000)) $13,974,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
6
are provided solely for the implementation of the summer electronic
7
benefit transfer program for the summer break months following the
8
2024-25 ((and)), 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years. The program
9
implementation must align with the federal summer electronic benefit
10
program requirements defined in the consolidated appropriations act,
11
2023 (136 Stat. 4459). ((The department may use a third-party entity
12
to administer the program through March of 2027.))
13
(b) Within existing resources, the department must submit a
14
report by September 12, 2025, to the appropriate policy and fiscal
15
committees of the legislature and the governor that includes detailed
16
estimates of the cost and timeline to administer the summer
17
electronic benefit transfer program within the community services
18
division. The report shall also include a comparison of the potential
19
benefits and risks of administering the program within the division
20
or through using a vendor and any recommendations the department may
21
have.
22
(c) Within existing resources, the agency must complete a
23
competitive request for proposal for a third-party contractor to
24
administer the summer electronic benefit program.
25
(((17)))
(16)(a)
$25,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
26
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and $25,000,000 of the
27
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided
28
solely to the office of refugee and immigrant assistance to expand
29
support services for individuals newly arriving to the United States
30
and Washington who do not qualify for federal refugee resettlement
31
program services. Support services include, but are not limited to,
32
housing
assistance,
food,
transportation,
childhood
education
33
services, education and employment supports, connection to legal
34
services, language translation or interpretation services, and social
35
services navigation.
36
(b) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, up to $810,000 for
37
fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and up to $810,000 in fiscal year 2027 are
38
provided solely for staffing at the office of refugee and immigrant
39
p. 158
SB 5998
assistance to cover the administrative expenses of implementing this
1
subsection.
2
(c) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, up to $750,000 of
3
the fiscal year 2026 appropriation is provided solely to support
4
health-related information and referral services for Washington
5
residents impacted by data sharing of health and health care
6
information in the apple health program.
7
(d) Following consultation with the governor's office, the
8
amounts provided in (a) of this subsection may be used for
9
individuals in Washington who have arrived in the United States and
10
are affected by recent changes in federal immigration policies and
11
procedures.
12
(((18))) (17) By June 30th of each fiscal year, the department
13
must submit a report to the governor and the legislature that shows
14
the prior fiscal year's call and lobby wait times by month and queue,
15
number of customer contacts by month and queue, processing times for
16
the various queues for the three most recent fiscal years along with
17
an explanation for any changes to the most recent year's processing
18
times, number of filled public benefit specialists 3 positions and
19
vacancies by month, any available wait time impacts associated with
20
the individual technology solution enhancements, any telephonic
21
savings experienced due to fewer customers waiting on hold, and
22
recommendations to continue reducing customer wait times.
23
(((19))) (18) Within existing resources, the department shall
24
assess the ongoing feasibility of continuing services with a third-
25
party employment verification vendor. A report shall be submitted to
26
the legislature and governor by September 12, 2025, that includes the
27
following:
28
(a) A detailed overview of the current employment verification
29
process,
including
the
general
instances
in
which
employment
30
verification is deemed necessary, when the third-party vendor is used
31
to complete this task and who completes the verification;
32
(b) Current cost of the third-party vendor along with projected
33
rate increases;
34
(c) Available options to reduce the ongoing cost of using a
35
third-party vendor for employment verification services, including
36
but not limited to an inventory of available vendors and their rates
37
and ways to streamline employment verification costs by reducing
38
duplicative or unnecessary searches;
39
p. 159
SB 5998
(d) Costs and risks associated with using in-house services to
1
verify employment instead of using a third-party vendor; and
2
(e) Recommendations of cost-effective and sustainable employment
3
verification options.
4
(((20))) (19) $154,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2026 and $154,000 of the general fund—state
6
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
7
implementation of Senate Bill No. 5079 (DSHS overpayments). ((If this
8
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
9
subsection shall lapse.
10
(21))) (20) $192,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2026, $163,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
12
for fiscal year 2027, and $465,000 of the general fund—federal
13
appropriation are provided solely to support the expansion of the
14
federal supplemental nutrition assistance program tribal eligibility
15
determination project to an additional five tribes.
16
(21) $464,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026, $354,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$818,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
19
appropriation are provided solely for system enhancements and
20
staffing necessary to implement the federally mandated interstate
21
data matching system for the supplemental nutrition assistance
22
program.
23
(22) $85,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2027 and $166,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
25
provided solely for implementation of House Bill No. 1297 (reporting
26
self-employed workers to the division of child support). If this bill
27
is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this
28
subsection shall lapse.
29
(23)(a) $4,651,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2026, $9,259,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
31
for fiscal year 2027, and $10,859,000 of the general fund—federal
32
appropriation are provided solely for the staffing necessary to
33
address the increased workload associated with changes made to work
34
requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents through H.R. 1
35
(P.L. 119-21), and the corresponding impacts to the state food
36
assistance program.
37
p. 160
SB 5998
(b) $2,000,000 of the employment services administrative account—
1
state appropriation are provided solely for the expansion of the
2
basic food employment and training program.
3
(24) $106,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026, $582,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$370,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
6
appropriation are provided solely for the increased staff necessary
7
to conduct quality control reviews for the supplemental nutrition
8
assistance program and to focus on reducing the state's payment error
9
rate associated with changes made through H.R. 1 (P.L. 119-21).
10
(25) $6,926,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2026, $4,366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
12
for fiscal year 2027, and $8,748,000 of the general fund—federal
13
appropriation are provided solely for a 12-month increase in
14
contractor support for the automated client eligibility system to
15
implement necessary system enhancements and expand system capacity.
16
(26) $813,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026, $2,465,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027, and $5,752,000 of the general fund—federal
19
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of a work
20
requirement verification hub. The administration must collaborate on
21
the implementation of the work verification hub with the health care
22
authority, health benefit exchange, workforce training and education
23
coordinating board, and other workforce development partners. Funding
24
is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
25
section 701 of this act.
26
Sec. 206. 2025 c 424 s 206 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—VOCATIONAL
29
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($25,410,000))
31
$25,276,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($25,958,000))
33
$24,511,000
34
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($121,507,000))
35
$121,403,000
36
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($172,875,000))
37
$171,190,000
38
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SB 5998
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1) $550,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $550,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for grants to federally
5
recognized tribes of Washington to support culturally appropriate
6
vocational rehabilitation services and adaptive technologies for
7
tribal members with disabilities who are seeking employment.
8
(((3))) (2) $3,208,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
9
is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No.
10
5253 (special education services) to extend client services to
11
students through the school year students turn 22. ((If the bill is
12
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
13
shall lapse.))
14
Sec. 207. 2025 c 424 s 207 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—SPECIAL COMMITMENT
17
PROGRAM
18
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($80,354,000))
19
$81,028,000
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($80,835,000))
21
$78,654,000
22
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($161,189,000))
23
$159,682,000
24
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
25
conditions and limitations:
26
(1) The special commitment center may use funds appropriated in
27
this subsection to purchase goods, services, and supplies through
28
hospital group purchasing organizations when it is cost-effective to
29
do so.
30
(2) $8,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $57,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to ensure
33
effective communication with patients with hearing disabilities in
34
the department's custody and comply with the terms of the settlement
35
agreement with the United States department of justice.
36
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SB 5998
Sec. 208. 2025 c 424 s 208 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—ADMINISTRATION AND
3
SUPPORTING SERVICES PROGRAM
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($124,811,000))
5
$129,813,000
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($125,044,000))
7
$190,129,000
8
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($152,146,000))
9
$172,527,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($402,001,000))
11
$492,469,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations:
14
(1) Within amounts appropriated in this section, the department
15
shall provide to the department of health, where available, the
16
following data for all nutrition assistance programs funded by the
17
United States department of agriculture and administered by the
18
department. The department must provide the report for the preceding
19
federal fiscal year by February 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027. The
20
report must provide:
21
(a) The number of people in Washington who are eligible for the
22
program;
23
(b) The number of people in Washington who participated in the
24
program;
25
(c) The average annual participation rate in the program;
26
(d) Participation rates by geographic distribution; and
27
(e) The annual federal funding of the program in Washington.
28
(2) $399,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026, $467,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$508,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
31
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of an
32
agreement reached between the governor and the Washington federation
33
of state employees for the language access providers under the
34
provisions of chapter 41.56 RCW for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium as
35
provided in section 907 of this act.
36
(3) $138,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026, $138,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$161,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
39
p. 163
SB 5998
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
1
House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the bill is
2
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
3
shall lapse.))
4
(4)(a)
(($931,000))
$621,000
of
the
general
fund—state
5
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($9,839,000)) $2,864,000 of
6
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
7
statewide electronic health records solution and is subject to the
8
conditions, limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of
9
this act.
10
(b) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
11
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
12
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
13
of two-week sprints.
14
(c) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
15
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
16
(d)(i) The department must collaborate with the department of
17
corrections and the health care authority and, as a team, must work
18
to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule for the statewide
19
electronic health records solution.
20
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2025, the department of social and health
21
services agency project team shall provide necessary updates to the
22
health care authority foundational project team for the statewide
23
electronic health records solution within 15 calendar days of the end
24
of each fiscal quarter.
25
(iii) The information provided to the authority shall include how
26
funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan for the prior
27
quarter by fiscal month and what the next quarter budget will be by
28
fiscal month.
29
(iv) The requirements of the quarterly report are provided in
30
section 211(58) of this act.
31
(5) $1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026, $1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027, and $4,980,000 of the general fund—federal
34
appropriation are provided solely for the integrated eligibility and
35
enrollment modernization project office.
36
(6) $229,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $11,798,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the statewide electronic
39
p. 164
SB 5998
health
records
solution
and
is
subject
to
the
conditions,
1
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
2
(a) The department must ensure the development of the statewide
3
electronic health records solution includes consideration of national
4
interoperability standards, such as United States core data for
5
interoperability or the trusted exchange framework and common
6
agreement.
7
(b) The department must work collaboratively with the University
8
of Washington and the department of corrections, who are the state
9
agencies included in the statewide electronic health records solution
10
project and, as a team, must work to successfully meet budget, scope,
11
and schedule for this project.
12
Sec. 209. 2025 c 424 s 209 (uncodified) is amended to read as
13
follows:
14
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—PAYMENTS TO OTHER
15
AGENCIES PROGRAM
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($82,964,000))
17
$106,947,000
18
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($68,511,000))
19
$122,149,000
20
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($67,585,000))
21
$83,243,000
22
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($219,060,000))
23
$312,339,000
24
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
25
conditions and limitations: Within the amounts appropriated in this
26
section, the department must extend master property insurance to all
27
buildings owned by the department valued over $250,000 and to all
28
locations leased by the department with contents valued over
29
$250,000.
30
Sec. 210. 2025 c 424 s 210 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
33
(1)(a) During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the health care
34
authority shall provide support and data as required by the office of
35
the state actuary in providing the legislature with health care
36
actuarial analysis, including providing any information in the
37
p. 165
SB 5998
possession of the health care authority or available to the health
1
care authority through contracts with providers, plans, insurers,
2
consultants, or any other entities contracting with the health care
3
authority.
4
(b) Information technology projects or investments and proposed
5
projects or investments impacting time capture, payroll and payment
6
processes
and
systems,
eligibility,
case
management,
and
7
authorization systems within the health care authority are subject to
8
technical oversight by Washington technology solutions.
9
(2) The health care authority shall not initiate any services
10
that require expenditure of state general fund moneys unless
11
expressly authorized in this act or other law. The health care
12
authority may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260 through
13
43.79.282, federal moneys not anticipated in this act as long as the
14
federal funding does not require expenditure of state moneys for the
15
program in excess of amounts anticipated in this act. If the health
16
care authority receives unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys,
17
those moneys shall be spent for services authorized in this act or in
18
any other legislation providing appropriation authority, and an equal
19
amount of appropriated state general fund moneys shall lapse. Upon
20
the lapsing of any moneys under this subsection, the office of
21
financial management shall notify the legislative fiscal committees.
22
As used in this subsection, "unrestricted federal moneys" includes
23
block grants and other funds that federal law does not require to be
24
spent on specifically defined projects or matched on a formula basis
25
by state funds.
26
(3)(a) The health care authority, the health benefit exchange,
27
the department of social and health services, the department of
28
health, the department of corrections, and the department of
29
children, youth, and families shall work together within existing
30
resources to establish the health and human services enterprise
31
coalition (the coalition). The coalition, led by the health care
32
authority, must be a multi-organization collaborative that provides
33
strategic direction and federal funding guidance for projects that
34
have cross-organizational or enterprise impact, including information
35
technology projects that affect organizations within the coalition.
36
Washington
technology
solutions
shall
maintain
a
statewide
37
perspective when collaborating with the coalition to ensure that
38
projects are planned for in a manner that ensures the efficient use
39
of state resources, supports the adoption of a cohesive technology
40
p. 166
SB 5998
and data architecture, and maximizes federal financial participation.
1
The work of the coalition and any project identified as a coalition
2
project is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review
3
provided in section 701 of this act.
4
(b) The health care authority must submit a report on November
5
1st of each fiscal year to the fiscal committees of the legislature.
6
The report must include, at a minimum:
7
(i) A list of active coalition projects as of July 1st of the
8
fiscal year. This must include all current and ongoing coalition
9
projects, which coalition agencies are involved in these projects,
10
and the funding being expended on each project, including in-kind
11
funding. For each project, the report must include which federal
12
requirements each coalition project is working to satisfy, and when
13
each project is anticipated to satisfy those requirements; and
14
(ii) A list of coalition projects that are planned in the current
15
and following fiscal year. This must include which coalition agencies
16
are involved in these projects, including the anticipated in-kind
17
funding by agency, and if a budget request will be submitted for
18
funding. This must reflect all funding required by fiscal year and by
19
fund source and include the budget outlook period.
20
(4) The health care authority shall promptly notify the office of
21
the attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf
22
of a federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
23
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
24
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
25
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
26
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
27
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
28
impact expenditures for such services. The authority shall require
29
contracted entities to notify the authority promptly upon receipt of
30
a request from a federal agency or law enforcement authority as
31
described in this subsection.
32
(5) The appropriations to the health care authority in this act
33
shall be extended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
34
this act. However, after May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act,
35
the authority may transfer general fund—state appropriations for
36
fiscal year 2026 among programs after approval by the director of the
37
office of financial management. To the extent that appropriations in
38
this section are insufficient to fund actual expenditures in excess
39
of caseload forecast and utilization assumptions, the authority may
40
p. 167
SB 5998
transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal year 2026 that
1
are provided solely for a specified purpose. The authority may not
2
transfer funds, and the director of the office of financial
3
management shall not approve the transfer, unless the transfer is
4
consistent with the objective of conserving, to the maximum extent
5
possible, the expenditure of state funds. The director of the office
6
of
financial
management
shall
notify
the
appropriate
fiscal
7
committees of the legislature in writing seven days prior to
8
approving any allotment modifications or transfers under this
9
subsection. The written notification must include a narrative
10
explanation and justification of changes, along with expenditures and
11
allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both before and after
12
any allotment modifications and transfers.
13
Sec. 211. 2025 c 424 s 211 (uncodified) is amended to read as
14
follows:
15
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($3,297,488,000))
17
$3,514,946,000
18
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($3,238,506,000))
19
$3,324,217,000
20
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($20,698,162,000))
21
$20,851,968,000
22
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . (($1,799,623,000))
23
$1,476,589,000
24
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
25
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($19,780,000))
26
$14,965,000
27
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
28
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($20,850,000))
29
$15,515,000
30
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems
31
Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $15,086,000
32
Hospital Safety Net Assessment Account—State
33
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,811,036,000))
34
$1,832,346,000
35
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,142,000
37
((Medicaid Access Program Account—State
38
p. 168
SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$35,000,000))
1
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $540,000
2
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
3
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,610,000
4
Telebehavioral Health Access Account—State
5
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($7,608,000))
6
$9,032,000
7
Ambulance Transport Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . (($12,368,000))
8
$12,498,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . .
(($30,967,799,000))
10
$31,079,454,000
11
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
12
conditions and limitations:
13
(1) The authority may not accept or expend any federal funds
14
received under an 1115 demonstration waiver except as described in
15
this section unless the legislature has appropriated the federal
16
funding. To ensure compliance with legislative requirements and terms
17
and conditions of the waiver, the authority shall implement the
18
renewal of the 1115 demonstration waiver and reporting requirements
19
with
oversight
from
the
office
of
financial
management.
The
20
legislature finds that appropriate management of the renewal of the
21
1115 demonstration waiver as set forth in subsections (2), (3), and
22
(4)
of
this
section
requires
sound,
consistent,
timely,
and
23
transparent oversight and analytic review in addition to lack of
24
redundancy with other established measures. The patient must be
25
considered first and foremost in the implementation and execution of
26
the demonstration waiver. To accomplish these goals, the authority
27
shall
develop
consistent
performance
measures
that
focus
on
28
population health and health outcomes. The authority shall limit the
29
number of projects that accountable communities of health may
30
participate in under initiative 1 to a maximum of six and shall seek
31
to develop common performance measures when possible. The joint
32
select committee on health care oversight will evaluate the measures
33
chosen: (a) For effectiveness and appropriateness; and (b) to provide
34
patients and health care providers with significant input into the
35
implementation of the demonstration waiver to promote improved
36
population health and patient health outcomes. In cooperation with
37
the department of social and health services, the authority shall
38
consult with and provide notification of work on applications for
39
p. 169
SB 5998
federal waivers, including details on waiver duration, financial
1
implications, and potential future impacts on the state budget to the
2
joint select committee on health care oversight prior to submitting
3
these waivers for federal approval. Prior to final approval or
4
acceptance of funds by the authority, the authority shall submit the
5
special terms and conditions as submitted to the centers for medicare
6
and medicaid services and the anticipated budget for the duration of
7
the renewed waiver to the governor, the joint select committee on
8
health care, and the fiscal committees of the legislature. By federal
9
standard any programs created or funded by this waiver do not create
10
an entitlement. The demonstration period for the waiver as described
11
in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section began July 1, 2023.
12
(2)(a) (($657,598,000)) $608,495,000 of the general fund—federal
13
appropriation and (($207,273,000)) $273,495,000 of the general fund—
14
local appropriation are provided solely for accountable communities
15
of health described in initiative 1 of the 1115 demonstration waiver
16
and this is the maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose.
17
In renewing this initiative, the authority shall consider local input
18
regarding community needs and shall limit total local projects to no
19
more than six. To provide transparency to the appropriate fiscal
20
committees of the legislature, the authority shall provide fiscal
21
staff of the legislature query ability into any database of the
22
fiscal intermediary that authority staff would be authorized to
23
access. The authority shall not supplement the amounts provided in
24
this subsection with any general fund—state moneys appropriated in
25
this section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to
26
subsection (1) of this section. The director shall report to the
27
fiscal committees of the legislature all expenditures under this
28
subsection and provide such fiscal data in the time, manner, and form
29
requested by the legislative fiscal committees.
30
(b) (($557,333,000)) $618,440,000 of the general fund—federal
31
appropriation and (($227,643,000)) $252,603,000 of the general fund—
32
private/local appropriation are provided solely for the medicaid
33
quality improvement program and this is the maximum amount that may
34
be expended for this purpose. Medicaid quality improvement program
35
payments do not count against the 1115 demonstration waiver spending
36
limits
and
are
excluded
from
the
waiver's
budget
neutrality
37
calculation. The authority may provide medicaid quality improvement
38
program payments to apple health managed care organizations and their
39
p. 170
SB 5998
partnering providers as they meet designated milestones. Partnering
1
providers and apple health managed care organizations must work
2
together to achieve medicaid quality improvement program goals
3
according to the performance period timelines and reporting deadlines
4
as set forth by the authority. The authority may only use the
5
medicaid quality improvement program to support initiatives 1, 2, and
6
3 as described in the 1115 demonstration waiver and may not pursue
7
its use for other purposes. Any programs created or funded by the
8
medicaid quality improvement program do not constitute an entitlement
9
for clients or providers. The authority shall not supplement the
10
amounts provided in this subsection with any general fund—state,
11
general fund—federal, or general fund—local moneys appropriated in
12
this section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to
13
subsection (1) of this section. The director shall report to the
14
joint select committee on health care oversight not less than
15
quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The director shall report
16
to the fiscal committees of the legislature all expenditures under
17
this subsection and shall provide such fiscal data in the time,
18
manner, and form requested by the legislative fiscal committees.
19
(c) In collaboration with the accountable communities of health,
20
the authority will submit a report to the governor and the joint
21
select committee on health care oversight describing how each of the
22
accountable community of health's work aligns with the community
23
needs assessment no later than December 1, 2026.
24
(d) Performance measures and payments for accountable communities
25
of health shall reflect accountability measures that demonstrate
26
progress toward transparent, measurable, and meaningful goals that
27
have an impact on improved population health and improved health
28
outcomes, including a path to financial sustainability. While these
29
goals
may
have
variation
to
account
for
unique
community
30
demographics, measures should be standardized when possible.
31
(3) (($146,275,000)) $133,418,000 of the general fund—federal
32
appropriation and (($146,290,000)) $133,441,000 of the general fund—
33
local appropriation are provided solely for long-term support
34
services as described in initiative 2 of the 1115 demonstration
35
waiver as well as administrative expenses for initiative 3 and this
36
is the maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose. The
37
authority shall contract with and provide funding to the department
38
of social and health services to administer initiative 2. The
39
p. 171
SB 5998
director in cooperation with the secretary of the department of
1
social and health services shall report to the office of financial
2
management all of the expenditures of this section and shall provide
3
such fiscal data in the time, manner, and form requested. The
4
authority
shall
not
supplement
the
amounts
provided
in
this
5
subsection with any general fund—state moneys appropriated in this
6
section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to subsection
7
(1) of this section.
8
(4)(a) $131,704,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
9
$58,916,000 of the general fund—local appropriation are provided
10
solely for supported housing and employment services described in
11
initiative 3a and 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver and this is the
12
maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose. Under this
13
initiative, the authority and the department of social and health
14
services shall ensure that allowable and necessary services are
15
provided to eligible clients as identified by the department or its
16
third-party administrator. The authority and the department, in
17
consultation with the medical assistance expenditure forecast work
18
group, shall ensure that reasonable reimbursements are established
19
for services deemed necessary within an identified limit per
20
individual. The authority shall not supplement the amounts provided
21
in this subsection with any general fund—state moneys appropriated in
22
this section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to
23
subsection (1) of this section. The director shall report to the
24
joint select committee on health care oversight no less than
25
quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The director shall also
26
report to the fiscal committees of the legislature all of the
27
expenditures of this subsection and shall provide such fiscal data in
28
the time, manner, and form requested by the legislative fiscal
29
committees.
30
(b) $62,475,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
31
$44,275,000 of the general fund—local appropriation are provided
32
solely for additional housing supports described in the 1115
33
demonstration waiver and this is the maximum amount that may be
34
expended for this purpose. The authority shall not supplement the
35
amounts provided in this subsection with any general fund—state
36
moneys appropriated in this section or any moneys that may be
37
transferred pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The director
38
shall report to the joint select committee on health care oversight
39
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SB 5998
no less than quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The director
1
shall also report to the fiscal committees of the legislature all of
2
the expenditures of this subsection and shall provide such fiscal
3
data in the time, manner, and form requested by the legislative
4
fiscal committees.
5
(c) The director shall report to the joint select committee on
6
health care oversight no less than quarterly on utilization and
7
caseload statistics for both supportive housing and employment
8
services and its progress toward increasing uptake and availability
9
for these services.
10
(5)(a) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
12
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for supported
13
employment services and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state
14
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund
15
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
16
supported housing services, similar to the services described in
17
initiatives 3a and 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver to individuals
18
who are ineligible for medicaid. Under these initiatives, the
19
authority and the department of social and health services shall
20
ensure that allowable and necessary services are provided to eligible
21
clients
as
identified
by
the
authority
or
its
third-party
22
administrator.
Before
authorizing
services,
eligibility
for
23
initiative 3a or 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver must first be
24
determined.
25
(b) The director shall report to the fiscal committees of the
26
legislature no less than quarterly on expenditures and utilization
27
data for both supportive housing and employment services under this
28
subsection.
29
(6)(a) (($4,534,000)) $4,005,000 of the general fund—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($6,370,000)) $6,192,000 of the
31
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
32
(($157,866,000))
$135,624,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
33
appropriation, and (($91,178,000)) $73,433,000 of the general fund—
34
private/local appropriation are provided solely for prerelease
35
services including, but not limited to, case management, clinical
36
consultations, medication assisted therapy, community health worker
37
services, 30-day supply of medications, durable medical equipment,
38
medications, laboratory services, and radiology services.
39
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SB 5998
(b) The authority shall coordinate with the department of
1
corrections for prison reentry implementation pursuant to the waiver
2
terms. The authority will coordinate with tribes, other state
3
agencies, and jail administrations as necessary to achieve the terms
4
of the section 1115 medicaid transformation waiver. The authority
5
shall use its statutory reentry advisory work group and subgroups as
6
necessary to coordinate with partners to achieve these goals.
7
(7) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this subsection to
8
implement the medicaid expansion as defined in the social security
9
act, section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII).
10
(8) The legislature finds that medicaid payment rates, as
11
calculated
by
the
health
care
authority
pursuant
to
the
12
appropriations in this act, bear a reasonable relationship to the
13
costs incurred by efficiently and economically operated facilities
14
for providing quality services and will be sufficient to enlist
15
enough providers so that care and services are available to the
16
extent that such care and services are available to the general
17
population in the geographic area. The legislature finds that the
18
cost reports, payment data from the federal government, historical
19
utilization, economic data, and clinical input constitute reliable
20
data upon which to determine the payment rates.
21
(9)
Based
on
quarterly
expenditure
reports
and
caseload
22
forecasts, if the health care authority estimates that expenditures
23
for the medical assistance program will exceed the appropriations,
24
the health care authority shall take steps including but not limited
25
to reduction of rates or elimination of optional services to reduce
26
expenditures so that total program costs do not exceed the annual
27
appropriation authority.
28
(10) In determining financial eligibility for medicaid-funded
29
services, the health care authority is authorized to disregard
30
recoveries by Holocaust survivors of insurance proceeds or other
31
assets, as defined in RCW 48.104.030.
32
(11) The legislature affirms that it is in the state's interest
33
for Harborview medical center to remain an economically viable
34
component of the state's health care system.
35
(12) When a person is ineligible for medicaid solely by reason of
36
residence in an institution for mental diseases, the health care
37
authority shall provide the person with the same benefits as he or
38
she would receive if eligible for medicaid, using state-only funds to
39
the extent necessary.
40
p. 174
SB 5998
(13) $4,261,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $4,261,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $8,522,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation are provided solely for low-income disproportionate
4
share hospital payments.
5
(14) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the health
6
care authority shall provide disproportionate share hospital payments
7
to hospitals that provide services to children in the children's
8
health program who are not eligible for services under Title XIX or
9
XXI of the federal social security act due to their citizenship
10
status.
11
(15) $7,000,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation is
12
provided solely for supplemental payments to nursing homes operated
13
by public hospital districts. The public hospital district shall be
14
responsible for providing the required nonfederal match for the
15
supplemental payment, and the payments shall not exceed the maximum
16
allowable under federal rules. It is the legislature's intent that
17
the payments shall be supplemental to and shall not in any way offset
18
or reduce the payments calculated and provided in accordance with
19
part E of chapter 74.46 RCW. It is the legislature's further intent
20
that costs otherwise allowable for rate-setting and settlement
21
against payments under chapter 74.46 RCW shall not be disallowed
22
solely because such costs have been paid by revenues retained by the
23
nursing home from these supplemental payments. The supplemental
24
payments are subject to retrospective interim and final cost
25
settlements based on the nursing homes' as-filed and final medicare
26
cost reports. The timing of the interim and final cost settlements
27
shall be at the health care authority's discretion. During either the
28
interim cost settlement or the final cost settlement, the health care
29
authority shall recoup from the public hospital districts the
30
supplemental payments that exceed the medicaid cost limit and/or the
31
medicare upper payment limit. The health care authority shall apply
32
federal rules for identifying the eligible incurred medicaid costs
33
and the medicare upper payment limit.
34
(16) The health care authority shall continue the inpatient
35
hospital certified public expenditures program for the 2025-2027
36
fiscal biennium. The program shall apply to all public hospitals,
37
including those owned or operated by the state, except those
38
classified
as
critical
access
hospitals
or
state
psychiatric
39
p. 175
SB 5998
institutions. ((The health care authority shall submit reports to the
1
governor and legislature by November 1st of each fiscal year that
2
evaluate whether savings continue to exceed costs for this program.
3
If the certified public expenditures (CPE) program in its current
4
form is no longer cost-effective to maintain, the health care
5
authority shall submit a report to the governor and legislature
6
detailing cost-effective alternative uses of local, state, and
7
federal resources as a replacement for this program.)) During fiscal
8
year 2026 and fiscal year 2027, hospitals in the program shall be
9
paid and shall retain 100 percent of the federal portion of the
10
allowable hospital cost for each medicaid inpatient fee-for-service
11
claim payable by medical assistance and 100 percent of the federal
12
portion of the maximum disproportionate share hospital payment
13
allowable under federal regulations. For the purpose of determining
14
the amount of any state grant under this subsection, payments will
15
include the federal portion of medicaid program supplemental payments
16
received by the hospitals. Inpatient medicaid payments shall be
17
established using an allowable methodology that approximates the cost
18
of claims submitted by the hospitals. Payments made to each hospital
19
in the program in each fiscal year of the biennium shall be compared
20
to a baseline amount. The baseline amount will be determined by the
21
total of (a) the inpatient claim payment amounts that would have been
22
paid during the fiscal year had the hospital not been in the CPE
23
program based on the reimbursement rates developed, implemented, and
24
consistent with policies approved in the 2025-2027 biennial operating
25
appropriations act and in effect on July 1, 2015, (b) one-half of the
26
indigent assistance disproportionate share hospital payment amounts
27
paid to and retained by each hospital during fiscal year 2005, and
28
(c) all of the other disproportionate share hospital payment amounts
29
paid to and retained by each hospital during fiscal year 2005 to the
30
extent the same disproportionate share hospital programs exist in the
31
2019-2021 fiscal biennium. If payments during the fiscal year exceed
32
the hospital's baseline amount, no additional payments will be made
33
to
the
hospital
except
the
federal
portion
of
allowable
34
disproportionate share hospital payments for which the hospital can
35
certify allowable match. If payments during the fiscal year are less
36
than the baseline amount, the hospital will be paid a state grant
37
equal to the difference between payments during the fiscal year and
38
the applicable baseline amount. Payment of the state grant shall be
39
made in the applicable fiscal year and distributed in monthly
40
p. 176
SB 5998
payments. The grants will be recalculated and redistributed as the
1
baseline is updated during the fiscal year. The grant payments are
2
subject to an interim settlement within 11 months after the end of
3
the fiscal year. A final settlement shall be performed. To the extent
4
that either settlement determines that a hospital has received funds
5
in excess of what it would have received as described in this
6
subsection, the hospital must repay the excess amounts to the state
7
when requested.
8
(17)
The
health
care
authority
shall
seek
public-private
9
partnerships and federal funds that are or may become available to
10
provide ongoing support for outreach and education efforts under the
11
federal children's health insurance program reauthorization act of
12
2009.
13
(18) The health care authority shall target funding for maternity
14
support services towards pregnant women with factors that lead to
15
higher rates of poor birth outcomes, including hypertension, a
16
preterm or low birth weight birth in the most recent previous birth,
17
a cognitive deficit or developmental disability, substance abuse,
18
severe mental illness, unhealthy weight or failure to gain weight,
19
tobacco use, or African American or Native American race. The health
20
care authority shall prioritize evidence-based practices for delivery
21
of maternity support services. To the extent practicable, the health
22
care authority shall develop a mechanism to increase federal funding
23
for maternity support services by leveraging local public funding for
24
those services.
25
(19) The authority shall submit a report to the governor and the
26
legislature by September 15, 2026, that delineates the number of
27
individuals in medicaid managed care, by carrier, age, gender, and
28
eligibility
category,
receiving
preventative
services
and
29
vaccinations. The report should include baseline and benchmark
30
information from the previous two fiscal years and should be
31
inclusive of, but not limited to, services recommended under the
32
United States preventative services task force, advisory committee on
33
immunization practices, early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and
34
treatment (EPSDT) guidelines, and other relevant preventative and
35
vaccination medicaid guidelines and requirements.
36
(20) Managed care contracts must incorporate accountability
37
measures that monitor patient health and improved health outcomes,
38
and shall include an expectation that each patient receive a wellness
39
p. 177
SB 5998
examination that documents the baseline health status and allows for
1
monitoring of health improvements and outcome measures.
2
(21) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section for the
3
authority to provide an adult dental benefit.
4
(22) The health care authority shall coordinate with the
5
department of social and health services to provide referrals to the
6
Washington
health
benefit
exchange
for
clients
that
will
be
7
ineligible for medicaid.
8
(23) To facilitate a single point of entry across public and
9
medical assistance programs, and to maximize the use of federal
10
funding, the health care authority, the department of social and
11
health services, and the health benefit exchange will coordinate
12
efforts to expand HealthPlanfinder access to public assistance and
13
medical eligibility staff. The health care authority shall complete
14
medicaid
applications
in
the
HealthPlanfinder
for
households
15
receiving or applying for medical assistance benefits.
16
(24) $90,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026, $90,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2027, and $180,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
19
provided solely to continue operation by a nonprofit organization of
20
a toll-free hotline that assists families to learn about and enroll
21
in the apple health for kids program.
22
(25) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
23
authority shall reimburse for primary care services provided by
24
naturopathic physicians.
25
(26) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
26
authority shall continue to provide coverage for pregnant teens that
27
qualify
under
existing
pregnancy
medical
programs,
but
whose
28
eligibility for pregnancy related services would otherwise end due to
29
the application of the new modified adjusted gross income eligibility
30
standard.
31
(27) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section to
32
remove the mental health visit limit and to provide the shingles
33
vaccine and screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment
34
benefits that are available in the medicaid alternative benefit plan
35
in the classic medicaid benefit plan.
36
(28) The authority shall use revenue appropriated from the
37
dedicated cannabis account for contracts with community health
38
centers under RCW 69.50.540 in lieu of general fund—state payments to
39
p. 178
SB 5998
community health centers for services provided to medical assistance
1
clients, and it is the intent of the legislature that this policy
2
will be continued in subsequent fiscal biennia.
3
(29) For any service eligible under the medicaid state plan for
4
encounter payments, managed care organizations at the request of a
5
rural health clinic shall pay the full published encounter rate
6
directly to the clinic. At no time will a managed care organization
7
be at risk for or have any right to the supplemental portion of the
8
claim. Payments will be reconciled on at least an annual basis
9
between the managed care organization and the authority, with final
10
review and approval by the authority.
11
(30) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section for the
12
authority to provide a medicaid equivalent adult dental benefit to
13
clients enrolled in the medical care service program.
14
(31) Sufficient amounts are provided in this section for the
15
authority to provide services identical to those services covered by
16
the Washington state family planning waiver program as of August 2018
17
to individuals who:
18
(a) Are 19 years of age;
19
(b) Are at or below 260 percent of the federal poverty level as
20
established in WAC 182-505-0100;
21
(c) Are not covered by other public or private insurance; and
22
(d) Need family planning services and are not currently covered
23
by or eligible for another medical assistance program for family
24
planning.
25
(32) The authority shall ensure that appropriate resources are
26
dedicated to implementing the recommendations of the centers for
27
medicare and medicaid services center for program integrity as
28
provided to the authority in the January 2019 Washington focused
29
program integrity review final report. Additionally, the authority
30
shall:
31
(a) Work to ensure the efficient operations of the managed care
32
plans, including but not limited to, a deconflicting process for
33
audits with and among the managed care plans and the medicaid fraud
34
division at the attorney general's office, to ensure the authority
35
staff perform central audits of cases that appear across multiple
36
managed care plans, versus the audits performed by the individual
37
managed care plans or the fraud division;
38
(b) Remain accountable for operating in an effective and
39
efficient manner, including performing program integrity activities
40
p. 179
SB 5998
that ensure high value in the medical assistance program in general
1
and in medicaid managed care specifically;
2
(c) Work with its contracted actuary and the medical assistance
3
expenditure forecast work group to develop methods and metrics
4
related to managed care program integrity activity that shall be
5
incorporated into annual rate setting; and
6
(d) Work with the medical assistance expenditure forecast work
7
group to ensure the results of program integrity activity are
8
incorporated into the rate setting process in a transparent, timely,
9
measurable, quantifiable manner.
10
(33)(a) The authority shall not enter into any future value-based
11
arrangements with federally qualified health centers or rural health
12
clinics prior to receiving approval from the office of financial
13
management and the appropriate committees of the legislature.
14
(b) The authority shall not modify the reconciliation process
15
with federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics
16
without notification to and the opportunity to comment from the
17
office of financial management.
18
(c) The authority shall require all managed care organizations to
19
provide information to the authority to account for all payments to
20
rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to
21
include how payments are made, including any additional payments and
22
whether
there
is
a
sub-capitation
arrangement
or
value-based
23
purchasing arrangement.
24
(d) For each fiscal year, the authority shall reconcile on an
25
annual basis with rural health clinics and federally qualified health
26
centers.
27
(e) For each fiscal year, the authority shall properly accrue for
28
any anticipated reconciliations with rural health clinics and
29
federally qualified health centers during the fiscal year close
30
process following generally accepted accounting practices.
31
(34) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
32
authority is to include allergen control bed and pillow covers as
33
part of the durable medical equipment benefit for children with an
34
asthma diagnosis enrolled in medical assistance programs.
35
(35)(a) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for the
36
authority for the reimbursement of services provided by doulas for
37
apple health clients.
38
(b) The authority shall continue to collaborate with an external
39
organization for participatory and equity-focused engagement with
40
p. 180
SB 5998
doulas and doula partners across the state of Washington. This
1
organization must work in collaboration with community partners who
2
advance equitable access to improve perinatal outcomes and care
3
through holistic services for multiracial communities.
4
(c)
The
external
organization
will
be
responsible
for
5
implementing a statewide doula hub and referral system consistent
6
with the recommendations for the design of a statewide doula hub and
7
referral system report done in partnership with the authority.
8
(d) The authority and the external organization will continue to
9
collaborate on how to:
10
(i) Provide statewide professional and workforce development and
11
sustainability support for birth doulas;
12
(ii) Increase statewide access to doula services for apple health
13
birthing people;
14
(iii) Assist doulas with department of health credentialing
15
requirements;
16
(iv) Assist doulas with the medicaid provider enrollment process
17
including, but not limited to, support with:
18
(A) Provider enrollment with the authority;
19
(B) Contracting with medicaid managed care organizations;
20
(C) Provider billing and claims submission processes;
21
(D) Provider payment requirements; and
22
(E) Eligibility within ProviderOne; and
23
(v) Establish communications with birthing people, families,
24
birth workers, and health care providers who are seeking to connect
25
with state-certified and medicaid-enrolled birth doulas through a
26
statewide directory or referral system.
27
(36) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for the
28
authority to extend continuous eligibility for apple health to
29
children ages zero to six with income at or below 215 percent of the
30
federal poverty level. The centers for medicare and medicaid services
31
must approve the 1115 medicaid waiver prior to the implementation of
32
this policy.
33
(37) Sufficient funds are provided to continue reimbursing dental
34
health aid therapists for services performed in tribal facilities for
35
medicaid clients. The authority must leverage any federal funding
36
that may become available as a result of appeal decisions from the
37
centers for medicare and medicaid services or the United States court
38
of appeals for the ninth circuit.
39
p. 181
SB 5998
(38) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the perinatal support warm
3
line to provide peer support, resources, and referrals to new and
4
expectant
parents
and
people
in
the
emotional
transition
to
5
parenthood experiencing, or at risk of, postpartum depression or
6
other mental health issues.
7
(39) Sufficient funding is provided to remove the asset test from
8
the medicare savings program review process.
9
(40) Sufficient funding is provided to eliminate the mid-
10
certification review process for the aged, blind, or disabled and
11
housing and essential needs referral programs.
12
(41) $2,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2026, $2,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
14
for fiscal year 2027, and $9,280,000 of the general fund—federal
15
appropriation are provided solely for reimbursement for community
16
health worker services.
17
(42) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section for the
18
authority to provide coverage for all federal food and drug
19
administration-approved
HIV
antiviral
drugs
without
prior
20
authorization. This coverage must be provided to apple health clients
21
enrolled in both fee-for-service and managed care programs.
22
(43) Sufficient funds are provided in this section to maintain
23
access for primary care services for medicaid-enrolled patients
24
through increased provider rates.
25
(44) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for work
26
required of the authority as specified in RCW 41.05.840.
27
(45)(a) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for an
28
outpatient directed payment program.
29
(b) The authority shall:
30
(i) Maintain the program to support the state's access and other
31
quality of care goals and to not increase general fund—state
32
expenditures;
33
(ii) Direct managed care organizations to make payments to
34
eligible providers at levels required to ensure enrollees have timely
35
access to critical high-quality care as allowed under 42 C.F.R.
36
438.6(c); and
37
(iii) Increase medicaid payments for hospital outpatient services
38
provided by UW Medicine hospitals and, at their option, UW Medicine
39
p. 182
SB 5998
affiliated hospitals to the average payment received from commercial
1
payers.
2
(c) Any incremental costs incurred by the authority in the
3
development, implementation, and maintenance of this program shall be
4
the responsibility of the participating hospitals.
5
(d) Participating hospitals shall retain the full amount of
6
payments provided under this program.
7
(46)(a) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for an
8
inpatient directed payment program.
9
(b) The authority shall:
10
(i) Design the program to support the state's access and other
11
quality of care goals and to not increase general fund—state
12
expenditures;
13
(ii) Upon approval, direct managed care organizations to make
14
payments to eligible providers at levels required to ensure enrollees
15
have timely access to critical high-quality care as allowed under 42
16
C.F.R. 438.6(c); and
17
(iii) Increase medicaid payments for hospital inpatient services
18
provided by UW Medicine and, at their option, UW Medicine affiliated
19
hospitals to the average payment received from commercial payers.
20
(c) Any incremental costs incurred by the authority in the
21
development, implementation, and maintenance of this program shall be
22
the responsibility of the participating hospitals.
23
(d) Participating hospitals shall retain the full amount of
24
payments provided under this program.
25
(e) Participating hospitals will provide the local funds to fund
26
the required nonfederal contribution.
27
(f) This program shall be effective as soon as administratively
28
possible.
29
(47) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
30
authority shall maintain and increase access for family planning
31
services for patients seeking services through department of health
32
sexual and reproductive health program family planning providers
33
based on the rates in effect as of July 1, 2022.
34
(48)(a) $11,838,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
35
$11,838,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation are
36
provided solely for the authority, in consultation with the health
37
and
human
services
enterprise
coalition,
community-based
38
organizations, health plans, accountable communities of health, and
39
p. 183
SB 5998
safety net providers, shall determine the cost and implementation
1
impacts of a statewide community information exchange (CIE). A CIE
2
platform must serve as a tool for addressing the social determinants
3
of health, defined as nonclinical community and social factors such
4
as housing, food security, transportation, financial strain, and
5
interpersonal safety, that affect health, functioning, and quality-
6
of-life outcomes.
7
(b) Prior to issuing a request for proposals or beginning this
8
project, the authority must work with stakeholders in (a) of this
9
subsection to determine which platforms already exist within the
10
Washington public and private health care system to determine
11
interoperability needs and fiscal impacts to both the state and
12
impacted providers and organizations that will be using a single
13
statewide community information exchange platform.
14
(c)
The
authority
shall
provide
the
office
of
financial
15
management and fiscal committees of the legislature a proposal to
16
leverage medicaid enterprise financing or other federal funds prior
17
to beginning this project and shall not expend funds under a 1115
18
waiver or any other waiver without legislative authorization.
19
(d) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for the
20
authority to implement the community information exchange program.
21
The technology solution chosen by the health care authority should be
22
capable of interoperating with other state funded systems in
23
Washington and should be able to electronically refer individuals to
24
services using a closed-loop referral process. Funding for the
25
community information exchange program is subject to the conditions,
26
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
27
(49) Sufficient funds in this section are provided for staff
28
dedicated to data review, analysis, and management, and policy
29
analysis in support of the health care cost transparency board as
30
described in chapter 70.390 RCW.
31
(50)(((a) $1,610,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
32
crisis response line account—state appropriation and $1,572,000 of
33
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
34
planning phase of the 988 technology platform implementation project.
35
(b) The authority must actively collaborate with Washington
36
technology solutions and the department of health so that the
37
statewide
988
technology
solutions
will
be
coordinated
and
38
interoperable.
39
p. 184
SB 5998
(c) By October 1, 2025, the authority must provide an update to
1
legislative fiscal committees with the following details:
2
(i)
An
identified
technology
solution,
with
a
list
of
3
functionalities
and
the
statutory
requirement
met
by
each
4
functionality;
5
(ii) Software, processes, and methods currently used by call
6
centers and designated 988 contact hubs that the proposed technology
7
platform would replace;
8
(iii) The number of call centers and designated 988 contact hubs
9
planning to transition all work processes to the proposed technology
10
platform; and
11
(iv) Identified risks and changes to the schedule and scope of
12
the project.
13
(d) The amounts in (a) of this subsection are subject to the
14
conditions, limitations, and review requirements provided in section
15
701 of this act.
16
(52)(a) $71,376,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal
year
2026
and
$70,976,000
of
the
general
fund—state
18
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
19
authority to implement a program with coverage comparable to the
20
amount, duration, and scope of care provided in the categorically
21
needy medicaid program for adult individuals who:
22
(i) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
23
medicaid or federal subsidies through the health benefit exchange;
24
(ii) Are age 19 and older, including over age 65, and have
25
countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level;
26
and
27
(iii) Are not eligible for another full scope federally funded
28
medical assistance program, including any expansion of medicaid
29
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
30
(b) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the authority
31
shall use the same eligibility, enrollment, redetermination and
32
renewal, and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid,
33
except where flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy or minimize
34
burden to applicants or enrollees.
35
(c) The authority in collaboration with the health benefit
36
exchange, the department of social and health services, and community
37
organizations must develop and implement an outreach and education
38
campaign.
39
p. 185
SB 5998
(d) The authority must provide the following information to the
1
governor's office and appropriate committees of the legislature by
2
February 1st and November 1st of each year:
3
(i) Actual and forecasted expenditures;
4
(ii) Actual and forecasted data from the caseload forecast
5
council; and
6
(iii) The availability and impact of any federal program or
7
proposed rule that expands access to health care for the population
8
described in this subsection, such as the expansion of medicaid
9
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
10
(e) The amount provided in this subsection is the maximum amount
11
allowable for the purposes of this program.
12
(53))) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
13
authority
shall
make
administrative
and
system
changes
in
14
anticipation of receiving federal authority to provide continuous
15
eligibility for children ages zero to six covered though the apple
16
health children's health insurance program. The centers for medicare
17
and medicaid services must approve the section 1115 medicaid waiver
18
prior to the implementation of this policy.
19
(((54))) (51) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2026 and $300,000 of the general fund—state
21
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Bree
22
collaborative
to
support
collaborative
learning
and
targeted
23
technical assistance for quality improvement initiatives.
24
(((55))) (52)(a) The authority shall collaborate with the
25
University of Washington on a supplemental payment program for the
26
family medicine residency network as a supplement to the family
27
medical education funding with additional federal funding.
28
(b) The authority shall provide a recommendation and report to
29
the governor's office and fiscal committees of the legislature no
30
later than September 30, 2025. The recommendation shall include how
31
the supplemental payment program can improve the following:
32
(i) Fiscal support for graduate medical education training;
33
(ii) Access to quality health care services;
34
(iii) The state's ability to ensure that medicaid graduate
35
medical education funding supports the state's workforce development
36
goals; and
37
(iv) Health care access for underserved populations and regions.
38
p. 186
SB 5998
(((56))) (53)(a) $165,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
1
for fiscal year 2026 and $165,000 of the general fund—federal
2
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, in consultation
3
with tribes, as required under 42 C.F.R. Sec. 431.408(b), to apply
4
for a section 1115 waiver ((no later than December 31, 2025,)) to
5
provide coverage of traditional health care practices.
6
(b) Following consultation with tribes as described in (a) of
7
this
subsection,
the
authority
shall
provide
a
financing
8
recommendation to the governor's office and the fiscal committees of
9
the legislature no later than September 30, 2026.
10
(((57) $7,407,000)) (54) $5,555,000 of the general fund—state
11
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($7,628,000)) $12,692,000 of the
12
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
13
(($26,468,000)) $35,479,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
14
are provided solely for the authority to continue the health homes
15
program ((from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026)).
16
(((58))) (55)(a) (($25,158,000)) $16,835,000 of the general fund—
17
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($101,647,000))
18
$43,558,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
19
solely for the statewide electronic health records solution and is
20
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
21
section 701 of this act.
22
(b) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
23
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
24
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
25
of two-week sprints.
26
(c) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
27
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
28
(d) The authority must ensure the development of the statewide
29
electronic health records solution includes consideration of national
30
interoperability standards, such as United States core data for
31
interoperability or the trusted exchange framework and common
32
agreement.
33
(e) The authority must work collaboratively with the department
34
of corrections agency project team, the department of social and
35
health services agency project team, and the health care authority
36
agency project team who are the state agencies included in the
37
statewide electronic health records solution project and, as a team,
38
p. 187
SB 5998
must work to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule for this
1
project.
2
(((f) Beginning July 1, 2025, the authority shall provide written
3
quarterly reports, within 30 calendar days of the end of each fiscal
4
quarter, to legislative fiscal committees to include how funding was
5
spent compared to the budget spending plan for the prior quarter by
6
fiscal month and what the ensuing quarter budget will be by fiscal
7
month. The written report must also include detail summarized for the
8
entire statewide electronic health records solution, and also
9
delineated by each separate component technology budget, which are:
10
Enterprise foundational system, department of corrections, department
11
of social and health services, and the health care authority. The
12
written report must also include:
13
(i) A list of quantifiable deliverables scheduled for that
14
quarter, including those accomplished and the amount spent associated
15
with each deliverable, by fiscal month and fund source;
16
(ii) The contract full-time equivalent charged compared to the
17
budget spending plan by month for each contracted vendor, to include
18
interagency agreements with other state agencies, and what the next
19
contract equivalent budget spending plan assumes by fiscal month and
20
fund source;
21
(iii) The budget spending plan compared to actual spending by
22
fiscal month and fund source, and the projected spending plan by
23
fiscal month and fund source for the next quarter; and
24
(iv) An accounting of any deliverables that were changed in the
25
last quarter, and any plans to change future deliverables, to include
26
what the deliverable was, what the new deliverable is, why it was or
27
will be missed, and what the revised deliverable date is.
28
(59))) (56)(a) (($379,000)) $128,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($1,258,000)) $287,000 of the
30
general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
31
statewide electronic health records solution and is subject to the
32
conditions, limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of
33
this act.
34
(b) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
35
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
36
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
37
of two-week sprints.
38
(c) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
39
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
40
p. 188
SB 5998
(d)(i) The authority must collaborate with the department of
1
corrections and the department of social and health services and, as
2
a team, must work to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule
3
for the statewide electronic health records solution.
4
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2025, the health care authority agency
5
project team shall provide necessary updates to the health care
6
authority foundational project team for the statewide electronic
7
health records solution within 15 calendar days of the end of each
8
fiscal quarter.
9
(iii) The information provided to the authority shall include how
10
funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan for the prior
11
quarter by fiscal month and what the next quarter budget will be by
12
fiscal month.
13
(iv) The requirements of the quarterly report are listed in
14
subsection (((58))) (55) of this section.
15
(((61))) (57) $330,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
16
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$330,000
of
the
general
fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $786,000 of the general fund—
18
federal appropriation are provided solely to comply with federal
19
eligibility rule changes required by the centers for medicare and
20
medicaid
services
and
funding
is
subject
to
the
conditions,
21
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
22
(((62))) (58) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
23
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the authority to continue
24
a
public-private
partnership
with
a
state-based
oral
health
25
foundation to connect medicaid patients to dental services and reduce
26
barriers to accessing care.
27
(((63))) (59)(a) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
28
for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 of the general fund—federal
29
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, no later than
30
October 1, 2025, to convene negotiations with representatives of
31
primary
care
providers
to
develop
budget-neutral,
value-based
32
prospective payment methodologies for primary care services provided
33
to
apple
health
enrollees,
with
the
goal
of
entering
into
34
arrangements appropriate to each primary care delivery system no
35
later than calendar year 2027. The authority shall prioritize the
36
development
of
methodologies
that
grow
capacity
to
provide
37
comprehensive, whole person care. This includes, but is not limited
38
to, promoting workforce stability, team-based delivery models,
39
p. 189
SB 5998
accountability
for
quality
outcomes,
equity-based
care,
and
1
improvements in population health.
2
(b) The authority shall, at a minimum, convene negotiations with
3
representatives of the statewide associations representing the
4
following categories of providers to develop budget-neutral payment
5
methodologies that maximize access and quality for medicaid patients
6
and are appropriate to their respective primary care delivery
7
systems:
8
(i) Family physicians;
9
(ii) Pediatricians; and
10
(iii) Federally qualified health centers.
11
(((64))) (60) $48,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal
year
2027
and
$43,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
13
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
14
Senate Bill No. 5124 (SNF & rehab network adequacy). ((If the bill is
15
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
16
shall lapse.
17
(65))) (61) $1,724,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
18
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$4,345,000
of
the
general
fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $6,068,000 of the general
20
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the authority in
21
coordination with the department of social and health services to
22
develop and implement a Katie Beckett section 1115 demonstration
23
waiver. The authority shall limit enrollment to 1,000 clients during
24
the waiver period. Based upon the experience developed during the
25
waiver period, the authority shall make recommendations to the
26
legislature for a future tax equity and fiscal responsibility act
27
state plan option.
28
(((66))) (62) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
29
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the authority to contract
30
with a managed care organization for an enhanced case management
31
pilot program to expand resources for patients with post-acute care
32
transitions. The managed care organization must cover the largest
33
number of apple health clients in the state and implement the pilot
34
program with a hospital in Columbia county. The pilot program must
35
provide continuous support for 31 days post-discharge including, but
36
not limited to:
37
(a) Transportation;
38
(b) Transitional housing assistance;
39
p. 190
SB 5998
(c) Rehabilitation referrals and coordination;
1
(d) Safety net program navigation and enrollment;
2
(e) Transitional primary care; and
3
(f) 24-hour clinic phone support.
4
(((67))) (63) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
6
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
7
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1686 (health care entity
8
registry). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
9
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
10
(68))) (64)(a) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
11
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for one-time bridge grants to
12
hospitals in financial distress or at risk of limiting access to
13
labor and delivery services due to a low-volume of deliveries at the
14
hospital.
15
(b) To qualify for these grants, a hospital must:
16
(i) Be located in Washington and not be part of a system of three
17
or more hospitals;
18
(ii) Serve individuals enrolled in state and federal medical
19
assistance programs;
20
(iii) Continue to maintain a medicaid population at similar
21
utilization levels as the most current complete calendar year data;
22
(iv) Be necessary for an adequate provider network for the
23
medicaid program;
24
(v) Demonstrate a plan for long-term financial sustainability;
25
and
26
(vi) Be at risk of limiting access to labor and delivery services
27
due to:
28
(A) A low-volume of deliveries at the hospital described in
29
(c)(i) of this subsection; or
30
(B) Serving a high percentage of individuals covered by public
31
payers as described in (c)(ii) of this subsection.
32
(c) The grants must be distributed in amounts not to exceed
33
$150,000 per hospital to:
34
(i) A hospital that had fewer than 200 births funded by medicaid
35
in the hospital's labor and delivery unit in the previous calendar
36
year according to health care authority records and is located in a
37
municipality with a population between 9,000 and 12,000; and
38
p. 191
SB 5998
(ii) A public district hospital that had fewer than 250 births
1
funded by public payers, including medicaid, tricare, and medicare,
2
in the hospital's labor and delivery unit in the previous calendar
3
year and is located on an island in Skagit county.
4
(((69) $111,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal
year
2026,
$63,385,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
6
appropriation, and $35,000,000 of the medicaid access program account
7
—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
8
Substitute House Bill No. 1392 (medicaid access program). If the bill
9
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
10
subsection shall lapse.
11
(70))) (65) The amounts appropriated in this section are not
12
sufficient to include coverage of prescription drugs for the
13
treatment of obesity or weight loss under state or federally funded
14
medical assistance programs. The authority shall not add coverage of
15
prescription drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss
16
without a specific appropriation from the legislature.
17
(66) $5,164,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 and $32,805,000 of the general fund—federal
19
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of a work
20
requirement verification hub. The authority must collaborate on the
21
implementation of the work verification hub with the department of
22
social and health services, health benefit exchange, and other
23
workforce development partners. Funding is subject to the conditions,
24
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
25
(67) $50,380,641 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal
year
2026
and
$32,147,660
of
the
general
fund—state
27
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
28
authority to offer coverage to individuals ineligible for federally
29
funded medical assistance or federal subsidies through the health
30
benefit exchange.
31
(a)(i) Until the coverage program in (b) of this subsection is
32
operational, the authority shall maintain a program with coverage
33
similar to benefits provided in the categorically needy medicaid
34
program for adult individuals who:
35
(A) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
36
medicaid or federal subsidies through the health benefit exchange;
37
p. 192
SB 5998
(B) Are age 19 and older, including over age 65, and have
1
countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level;
2
and
3
(C) Are not eligible for another full scope federally funded
4
medical assistance program, including any expansion of medicaid
5
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
6
(ii) Within the amount provided in this subsection, the authority
7
shall use the same eligibility, enrollment, redetermination and
8
renewal, and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid,
9
except where flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy or minimize
10
burden to applicants or enrollees.
11
(iii) The authority in collaboration with the health benefit
12
exchange, the department of social and health services, and community
13
organizations must develop and implement an outreach and education
14
campaign designed to explain the changes to the program as described
15
in (b) of this subsection.
16
(iv) The authority shall only provide coverage to clients
17
currently enrolled in the program and shall not open enrollment to
18
new clients.
19
(v) The authority shall transition clients enrolled in the new
20
program described in (b) of this subsection as soon as practicable.
21
(b)(i) No later than January 1, 2027, the authority must develop
22
and implement a new coverage program to include access to primary
23
care, pharmacy, and outpatient behavioral health services and other
24
services
as
determined
by
the
authority
within
available
25
appropriations. Individuals eligible for this coverage must:
26
(A) Be ineligible for another full scope federally funded medical
27
assistance program or federal subsidies through the health benefit
28
exchange due to immigration status or lack of compliance with the
29
community engagement requirements directed in section 71119 of P.L.
30
119-21;
31
(B) Be age 19 or older;
32
(C) Be a Washington state resident; and
33
(D) Have a countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal
34
poverty level.
35
(ii) The authority shall secure a pathway to provide interpreter
36
services using the same policies outlined in the interpreter services
37
program that provides translation services to medicaid clients.
38
(iii) The authority shall begin enrolling clients into the
39
program as soon as is practicable and prioritize transitioning
40
p. 193
SB 5998
clients from the program described in (a) of this subsection prior to
1
extending coverage to other individuals.
2
(iv) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the
3
authority shall use the same enrollment, redetermination and renewal,
4
and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid, except where
5
flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy, minimize burden to
6
applicants or enrollees, or operate the new benefit program.
7
(c) The amount provided in this subsection is the maximum amount
8
that may be expended for the purposes of this program.
9
Sec. 212. 2025 c 424 s 212 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE BENEFITS
12
PROGRAM
13
State Health Care Authority Administrative Account—
14
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($46,618,000))
15
$48,779,000
16
School Employees' Insurance Administrative Account—
17
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($34,500,000))
18
$36,371,000
19
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($81,118,000))
20
$85,150,000
21
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
22
conditions and limitations:
23
(1) Any savings from reduced claims costs must be reserved for
24
funding benefits during future fiscal biennia and may not be used for
25
administrative expenses. The health care authority shall deposit any
26
moneys received on behalf of the uniform medical plan resulting from
27
rebates on prescription drugs, audits of hospitals, subrogation
28
payments, or any other moneys received as a result of prior uniform
29
medical plan claims payments, in the appropriate account to be used
30
for insurance benefits.
31
(2) Any changes to benefits must be approved by the applicable
32
program board. Neither board shall make any changes to benefits
33
without considering a comprehensive analysis of the cost of those
34
changes, and shall not increase benefits unless offsetting cost
35
reductions from other benefit revisions are sufficient to fund the
36
changes. The public employees' benefits board shall not make any
37
p. 194
SB 5998
change in retiree eligibility criteria that reestablishes eligibility
1
for enrollment in retiree benefits.
2
(3) Each board shall collect a surcharge payment of $25 per month
3
from members who use tobacco products, and a surcharge payment of not
4
less than $50 per month from members who cover a spouse or domestic
5
partner where the spouse or domestic partner has chosen not to enroll
6
in another employer-based group health insurance that has benefits
7
and premiums with an actuarial value of not less than 95 percent of
8
the actuarial value of the public employees' benefits board plan with
9
the largest enrollment. The surcharge payments shall be collected in
10
addition to the member premium payment.
11
Sec. 213. 2025 c 424 s 213 (uncodified) is amended to read as
12
follows:
13
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($8,766,000))
15
$9,188,000
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($8,609,000))
17
$9,351,000
18
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($87,363,000))
19
$93,873,000
20
Education Legacy Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . $350,000
21
Health Benefit Exchange Account—State Appropriation. (($86,030,000))
22
$86,222,000
23
State Health Care Affordability Account—State
24
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($85,000,000))
25
$110,000,000
26
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($276,118,000))
27
$308,984,000
28
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
29
conditions and limitations:
30
(1) The receipt and use of medicaid funds provided to the health
31
benefit exchange from the health care authority are subject to
32
compliance with state and federal regulations and policies governing
33
the Washington apple health programs, including timely and proper
34
application, eligibility, and enrollment procedures.
35
(2)(a) By July 15th, October 15th, and January 15th of each year,
36
the authority shall make a payment of 30 percent of the general fund—
37
state appropriation, 30 percent of the health benefit exchange
38
p. 195
SB 5998
account—state appropriation, and 30 percent of the health care
1
affordability account—state appropriation to the exchange. By April
2
15th of each year, the authority shall make a payment of 10 percent
3
of the general fund—state appropriation, 10 percent of the health
4
benefit exchange account—state appropriation, and 10 percent of the
5
health
care
affordability
account—state
appropriation
to
the
6
exchange.
7
(b) The exchange shall monitor actual to projected revenues and
8
make necessary adjustments in expenditures or carrier assessments to
9
ensure expenditures do not exceed actual revenues.
10
(c) Payments made from general fund—state appropriation and
11
health
benefit
exchange
account—state
appropriation
shall
be
12
available for expenditure for no longer than the period of the
13
appropriation from which it was made. When the actual cost of
14
materials and services have been fully determined, and in no event
15
later than the lapsing of the appropriation, any unexpended balance
16
of the payment shall be returned to the authority for credit to the
17
fund or account from which it was made, and under no condition shall
18
expenditures exceed actual revenue.
19
(3) (($75,000,000)) $100,000,000 of the state health care
20
affordability account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
21
exchange to administer a premium assistance program, as established
22
in RCW 43.71.110. An individual is eligible for the premium
23
assistance provided if the individual: (a) Has income up to 250
24
percent of the federal poverty level; and (b) meets other eligibility
25
criteria as established in RCW 43.71.110(4)(a).
26
(4)(a) $10,000,000 of the state health care affordability account
27
—state appropriation is provided solely to provide premium assistance
28
for customers ineligible for federal premium tax credits who meet the
29
eligibility criteria established in subsection (3)(a) and (b) of this
30
section, and is contingent upon continued approval of the applicable
31
waiver described in RCW 43.71.120.
32
(b) In the event the applicable waiver described in RCW 43.71.120
33
is suspended, terminated, or otherwise ended, $10,000,000 of the
34
state health care affordability account—state appropriation is
35
provided solely to:
36
(i) Implement a state program with coverage comparable to
37
individual market plans, for customers who would have been eligible
38
under the waiver; and
39
p. 196
SB 5998
(ii) Provide state premium assistance to state program customers
1
who meet the eligibility criteria established in subsection (3) of
2
this section.
3
(c) The exchange may establish or designate a separate entity to
4
administer the state program. Administration of the state program
5
must include, but is not limited to, establishing requirements for
6
eligibility, continued participation, and carrier payments.
7
(d) Moneys collected for premiums written on qualified health
8
benefit plans and qualified dental plans offered through the state
9
program must be deposited in the state health care affordability
10
account under RCW 43.71.130, through a procedure established by the
11
exchange that aligns with the requirements of RCW 48.14.0201(5)(b),
12
48.14.020(2), and 43.71.080.
13
(e) The exchange, and any entity involved in implementing this
14
program, is subject to RCW 43.17.425.
15
(5)
(($1,117,000))
$1,289,000
of
the
general
fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($1,182,000)) $1,642,000 of the
17
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
18
(($12,510,000))
$15,282,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
19
appropriation, and $809,000 of the health benefit exchange account—
20
state appropriation are provided solely to make improvements to
21
healthplanfinder to comply with federal eligibility rule changes
22
required by the centers for medicare and medicaid services and
23
funding is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review
24
requirements of section 701 of this act.
25
(6) $1,000,000 of the health benefit exchange account—state
26
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the
27
exchange, in collaboration with stakeholders, to begin development
28
starting January 1, 2027, of an automated solution to ensure
29
continuous health care coverage through qualified health plans for
30
medicaid beneficiaries losing medicaid coverage through Washington
31
healthplanfinder and is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
32
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
33
(7) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026, $636,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027, and $3,587,000 of the general fund—federal
36
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of a work
37
requirement verification hub. The exchange must collaborate on the
38
implementation of the work verification hub with the department of
39
p. 197
SB 5998
social and health services, health care authority, and other
1
workforce development partners. Funding is subject to the conditions,
2
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
3
Sec. 214. 2025 c 424 s 214 (uncodified) is amended to read as
4
follows:
5
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
6
PROGRAM
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($1,185,242,000))
8
$1,210,457,000
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($1,185,284,000))
10
$1,245,125,000
11
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($3,320,820,000))
12
$4,088,113,000
13
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($39,200,000))
14
$39,199,000
15
Criminal Justice Treatment Account—State
16
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$27,541,000
17
Problem Gambling Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $3,249,000
18
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
19
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$28,515,000
20
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
21
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$28,517,000
22
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($77,463,000))
24
$80,757,000
25
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
26
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . $74,034,000
27
Tribal Opioid Prevention and Treatment Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$16,814,000
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,986,679,000))
30
$6,842,321,000
31
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
32
conditions and limitations:
33
(1) For the purposes of this section, "behavioral health
34
entities" means managed care organizations and behavioral health
35
administrative services organizations that reimburse providers for
36
behavioral health services.
37
p. 198
SB 5998
(2) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, funding is
1
provided for implementation of the settlement agreement under
2
Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social and Health Services, et
3
al., United States District Court for the Western District of
4
Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP. In addition to amounts
5
provided solely for implementation of the settlement agreement, class
6
members must have access to supports and services funded throughout
7
this section for which they meet eligibility and medical necessity
8
requirements. The authority must include language in contracts that
9
requires regional behavioral health entities to develop and implement
10
plans for improving access to timely and appropriate treatment for
11
individuals with behavioral health needs and current or prior
12
criminal justice involvement who are eligible for services under
13
these contracts.
14
(3) $57,910,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2026, $63,090,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
16
for fiscal year 2027, and $15,804,000 of the general fund—federal
17
appropriation are provided solely to continue the phase-in of the
18
settlement agreement under Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social
19
and Health Services, et al., United States District Court for the
20
Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP. The
21
authority, in collaboration with the department of social and health
22
services and the criminal justice training commission, must implement
23
the provisions of the settlement agreement pursuant to the timeline
24
and implementation plan provided for under the settlement agreement.
25
This
includes
implementing
provisions
related
to
competency
26
evaluations, competency restoration, crisis diversion and supports,
27
education and training, and workforce development.
28
(4) $7,200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 and $7,200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to continue diversion grant
31
programs funded through contempt fines pursuant to Trueblood, et al.
32
v. Department of Social and Health Services, et al., United States
33
District Court for the Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-
34
cv-01178-MJP. The authority must consult with the plaintiffs and
35
court monitor to determine, within the amounts provided, which of the
36
programs will continue to receive funding through this appropriation.
37
The programs shall use this funding to provide assessments, mental
38
p. 199
SB 5998
health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, case management,
1
employment, and other social services.
2
(5) $18,891,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026, $18,561,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2027, and $41,062,000 of the general fund—federal
5
appropriation are provided solely for the authority and behavioral
6
health entities to continue to contract for implementation of high-
7
intensity programs for assertive community treatment (PACT) teams. In
8
determining the proportion of medicaid and nonmedicaid funding
9
provided to behavioral health entities with PACT teams, the authority
10
shall consider the differences between behavioral health entities in
11
the percentages of services and other costs associated with the teams
12
that are not reimbursable under medicaid. The authority may allow
13
behavioral health entities which have nonmedicaid reimbursable costs
14
that are higher than the nonmedicaid allocation they receive under
15
this section to supplement these funds with local dollars or funds
16
received under subsection (7) of this section. The authority and
17
behavioral health entities shall maintain consistency with all
18
essential elements of the PACT evidence-based practice model in
19
programs funded under this section.
20
(6) $1,668,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
21
year 2026, $1,668,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027, and $3,040,000 of the general fund—federal
23
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to maintain a
24
pilot project to incorporate peer bridging staff into behavioral
25
health
regional
teams
that
provide
transitional
services
to
26
individuals returning to their communities.
27
(7) $147,449,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2026 and $147,449,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for persons
30
and services not covered by the medicaid program. To the extent
31
possible, levels of behavioral health entity spending must be
32
maintained in the following priority order: Crisis and commitment
33
services;
community
inpatient
services;
and
residential
care
34
services, including personal care and emergency housing assistance.
35
These amounts must be distributed to behavioral health entities as
36
follows:
37
(a) $132,924,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2026 and $132,924,000 of the general fund—state
39
p. 200
SB 5998
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
1
authority to contract with behavioral health administrative service
2
organizations for behavioral health treatment services not covered
3
under the medicaid program. Within these amounts, behavioral health
4
administrative service organizations must continue a 15 percent rate
5
increase to providers receiving state funds for nonmedicaid services
6
under this section that was originally effective January 1, 2024.
7
(b) $14,524,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal
year
2026
and
$14,525,000
of
the
general
fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
10
authority to contract with medicaid managed care organizations for
11
wraparound services to medicaid enrolled individuals that are not
12
covered under the medicaid program.
13
(8) The authority is authorized to continue to contract directly,
14
rather than through contracts with behavioral health entities for
15
children's long-term inpatient facility services.
16
(9)
(($2,990,000))
$3,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($3,029,000)) $3,104,000 of
18
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
19
provided solely to reimburse counties for the cost of conducting
20
involuntary act judicial proceedings as follows:
21
(a) $1,025,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 and $1,025,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse Pierce county for
24
the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at the state
25
psychiatric hospitals.
26
(b) $504,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $504,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse Spokane county for
29
the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at the state
30
psychiatric hospitals.
31
(c) $171,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $210,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse Thurston county for
34
the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at the Maple Lane
35
facility.
36
(d) $1,290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $1,290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse either King county
39
p. 201
SB 5998
or other legal services organizations, or both, for the cost of
1
conducting
involuntary
treatment
act
commitment
hearings
at
2
facilities operating within King county. These amounts must be
3
prioritized for the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at
4
state-operated facilities including facilities operated by the
5
department of social and health services and the University of
6
Washington center for behavioral health and learning. Any remaining
7
amounts may be used to reimburse either King county or other legal
8
services organizations for the cost of other involuntary treatment
9
act commitment hearings provided in other facilities within King
10
county.
11
(10) Behavioral health entities may use local funds to earn
12
additional federal medicaid match, provided the locally matched rate
13
does not exceed the upper-bound of their federally allowable rate
14
range, and provided that the enhanced funding is used only to provide
15
medicaid
state
plan
or
waiver
services
to
medicaid
clients.
16
Additionally, behavioral health entities may use a portion of the
17
state funds allocated in accordance with subsection (7) of this
18
section to earn additional medicaid match, but only to the extent
19
that the application of such funds to medicaid services does not
20
diminish the level of crisis and commitment, community inpatient,
21
residential care, and outpatient services presently available to
22
persons not eligible for medicaid.
23
(11) $2,062,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,062,000
of
the
general
fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for mental
26
health services for mentally ill offenders while confined in a county
27
or city jail and for facilitating access to programs that offer
28
mental health services upon release from confinement. The authority
29
must collect information from the behavioral health entities on their
30
plan for using these funds, the numbers of individuals served, and
31
the types of services provided.
32
(12) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, funding is
33
provided for the authority to develop and phase in intensive mental
34
health services for high needs youth consistent with the settlement
35
agreement in T.R. v. Dreyfus and Porter.
36
(13)(a) The authority must establish minimum and maximum funding
37
levels
for
all
reserves
allowed
under
behavioral
health
38
administrative service organization contracts and include contract
39
language that clearly states the requirements and limitations. The
40
p. 202
SB 5998
reserve levels must be informed by the types of risk carried by
1
behavioral health administrative service organizations for mandatory
2
services and also consider reasonable levels of operating reserves.
3
The authority must monitor and ensure that behavioral health
4
administrative service organization reserves do not exceed maximum
5
levels. The authority must monitor revenue and expenditure reports
6
and
must
require
a
behavioral
health
administrative
service
7
organization to submit a corrective action plan on how it will spend
8
its excess reserves within a reasonable period of time, when its
9
reported reserves exceed maximum levels established under the
10
contract. The authority must review and approve such plans and
11
monitor to ensure compliance. If the authority determines that a
12
behavioral health administrative service organization has failed to
13
provide an adequate excess reserve corrective action plan or is not
14
complying with an approved plan, the authority must reduce payments
15
to the entity in accordance with remedial actions provisions included
16
in the contract. These reductions in payments must continue until the
17
authority determines that the entity has come into substantial
18
compliance with an approved excess reserve corrective action plan.
19
The authority must submit to the office of financial management and
20
the appropriate committees of the legislature, each December of the
21
biennium, the minimum and maximum reserve levels established in
22
contract for each of the behavioral health administrative service
23
organizations for the prior fiscal year and the actual reserve levels
24
reported at the end of the fiscal year.
25
(b) In contracts effective during ((the fiscal biennium)) fiscal
26
year 2026, the authority must allow behavioral health administrative
27
services organizations flexibility in utilizing reserve funding
28
received pursuant to a specific legislative proviso in a prior
29
contract period. Funding repurposed under this subsection must be
30
used
to
support
the
duties
of
the
administrative
services
31
organization under RCW 71.24.045 through programs serving individuals
32
with
severe
and
persistent
behavioral
health
conditions
and
33
behavioral health services that promote stability and recovery within
34
their regional service area. Repurposed funds shall prioritize the
35
core
mandated
functions
that
behavioral
health
administrative
36
services organizations must provide for all residents who need the
37
service or, for residents who are not medicaid enrollees, as
38
described in the authority's model contract for behavioral health
39
administrative
services
organizations.
A
behavioral
health
40
p. 203
SB 5998
administrative services organization that wishes to repurpose reserve
1
funding must notify the authority in advance and the authority may
2
require modification of the plan if it determines that the behavioral
3
health administrative services organization has not made a good faith
4
effort to implement prior funding for the purpose for which it was
5
originally provided. The authority must capture information related
6
to behavioral health administrative services organization repurposing
7
of funds under this subsection, including identification of which
8
specific legislative provisos it repurposed funding under this
9
subsection and for what purpose those funds were used, through the
10
revenue and expenditure reporting process. These reports shall
11
describe by how much the state's appropriated funding for core
12
mandated functions fell short of need as determined by the behavioral
13
health administrative services organization. The authority must
14
update the revenue and expenditure reporting template and reporting
15
instructions
to
behavioral
health
administrative
service
16
organizations by September 1, 2025.
17
(c) In contracts effective during fiscal year 2027, the authority
18
must require behavioral health administrative services organizations
19
to use flexible reserve balances above the minimum level established
20
by the authority for costs associated with 23-hour crisis relief
21
centers, as defined in RCW 71.24.025, and crisis stabilization units,
22
as defined in RCW 71.05.020, that have opened or are expected to open
23
during the fiscal biennium in their services area.
24
(d) In contracts effective during fiscal year 2027, the authority
25
must require behavioral health administrative services organizations
26
to use reserve funding pursuant to a specific legislative proviso in
27
a prior contract period for the costs described in (c) of this
28
subsection to the extent that needs exceed the resources available in
29
(c) of this subsection.
30
(e) The authority must request funding for non-medicaid costs
31
that exceed resources available to behavioral health administrative
32
services organizations in (c) or (d) of this subsection as part of
33
its 2027 supplemental and 2027-2029 biennial operating budget
34
requests to the governor.
35
(14) Within the amounts provided in this section, behavioral
36
health entities must provide outpatient chemical dependency treatment
37
for offenders enrolled in the medicaid program who are supervised by
38
the department of corrections pursuant to a term of community
39
supervision. Contracts with behavioral health entities must require
40
p. 204
SB 5998
that behavioral health entities include in their provider network
1
specialized expertise in the provision of manualized, evidence-based
2
chemical dependency treatment services for offenders. The department
3
of corrections and the authority must develop a memorandum of
4
understanding for department of corrections offenders on active
5
supervision who are medicaid eligible and meet medical necessity for
6
outpatient substance use disorder treatment. The agreement will
7
ensure that treatment services provided are coordinated, do not
8
result in duplication of services, and maintain access and quality of
9
care for the individuals being served. The authority must provide all
10
necessary data, access, and reports to the department of corrections
11
for all department of corrections offenders that receive medicaid
12
paid services.
13
(15) The criminal justice treatment account—state appropriation
14
is provided solely for treatment and treatment support services for
15
offenders with a substance use disorder pursuant to RCW 71.24.580.
16
The authority must offer counties the option to administer their
17
share of the distributions provided for under RCW 71.24.580(5)(a). If
18
a county is not interested in administering the funds, the authority
19
shall contract with behavioral health entities to administer these
20
funds consistent with the plans approved by local panels pursuant to
21
RCW 71.24.580(5)(b).
22
(16)(a) $11,590,000 of the dedicated cannabis account—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $11,590,000 of the dedicated
24
cannabis account—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
25
provided solely for:
26
(i) A memorandum of understanding with the department of
27
children, youth, and families to provide substance abuse treatment
28
programs;
29
(ii) A contract with the Washington state institute for public
30
policy to conduct a cost-benefit evaluation of the implementations of
31
chapter 3, Laws of 2013 (Initiative Measure No. 502);
32
(iii) Designing and administering the Washington state healthy
33
youth survey and the Washington state young adult behavioral health
34
survey;
35
(iv) Maintaining increased services to pregnant and parenting
36
women provided through the parent child assistance program;
37
p. 205
SB 5998
(v) Maintaining increased prevention and treatment service
1
provided
by
tribes
and
federally
recognized
American
Indian
2
organization to children and youth;
3
(vi) Maintaining increased residential treatment services for
4
children and youth;
5
(vii) Training and technical assistance for the implementation of
6
evidence-based, research based, and promising programs which prevent
7
or reduce substance use disorder;
8
(viii) Expenditures into the home visiting services account; and
9
(ix) Grants to community-based programs that provide prevention
10
services or activities to youth.
11
(b) The authority must allocate the amounts provided in (a) of
12
this subsection amongst the specific activities proportionate to the
13
fiscal year 2021 allocation.
14
(17)(a) $1,125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,125,000
of
the
general
fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for Spokane
17
behavioral
health
entities
to
implement
services
to
reduce
18
utilization and the census at eastern state hospital. Such services
19
must include:
20
(i) High intensity treatment team for persons who are high
21
utilizers of psychiatric inpatient services, including those with co-
22
occurring disorders and other special needs;
23
(ii) Crisis outreach and diversion services to stabilize in the
24
community individuals in crisis who are at risk of requiring
25
inpatient care or jail services;
26
(iii) Mental health services provided in nursing facilities to
27
individuals with dementia, and consultation to facility staff
28
treating those individuals; and
29
(iv) Services at the 16-bed evaluation and treatment facility.
30
(b) At least annually, the Spokane county behavioral health
31
entities shall assess the effectiveness of these services in reducing
32
utilization at eastern state hospital, identify services that are not
33
optimally effective, and modify those services to improve their
34
effectiveness.
35
(18) $1,850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
36
fiscal year 2026, $1,850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
37
for fiscal year 2027, and $13,312,000 of the general fund—federal
38
appropriation are provided solely for substance use disorder peer
39
p. 206
SB 5998
support services included in behavioral health capitation rates in
1
accordance with section 213(5)(ss), chapter 299, Laws of 2018. The
2
authority shall require managed care organizations to provide access
3
to peer support services for individuals with substance use disorders
4
transitioning from emergency departments, inpatient facilities, or
5
receiving treatment as part of hub and spoke networks.
6
(19) $23,900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2026, (($23,900,000)) $21,940,000 of the general fund—
8
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, $1,000,000 of the general
9
fund—federal appropriation, and $8,100,000 of the opioid abatement
10
settlement
account—state
appropriation
are
provided
solely
to
11
maintain
activities
to
improve
outcomes
for
individuals
with
12
behavioral health issues interacting with law enforcement. Of these
13
amounts:
14
(a) $850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026, $850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal
year
2027,
$1,000,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
17
appropriation, and $3,600,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
18
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
19
maintain a memorandum of understanding with the criminal justice
20
training commission to provide funding for community grants pursuant
21
to RCW 36.28A.450.
22
(b) $19,600,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2026 and (($19,600,000)) $17,640,000 of the general fund—
24
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
25
authority to contract with behavioral health administrative service
26
organizations to implement the statewide recovery navigator program
27
established in chapter 311, Laws of 2021 (ESB 5476) and for related
28
technical assistance to support this implementation. This includes
29
funding for recovery navigator teams to provide community-based
30
outreach and case management services based on the law enforcement
31
assisted diversion model and for technical assistance support from
32
the law enforcement assisted diversion national support bureau. The
33
authority and technical assistance contractor must encourage recovery
34
navigator programs to provide educational information and outreach
35
regarding recovery navigator program services to local retailers that
36
have high levels of retail theft. Of the amounts provided in this
37
subsection (19)(b):
38
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SB 5998
(i) $1,600,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and (($1,600,000)) $1,440,000 of the general fund—state
2
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 must be allocated to maintain
3
recovery navigator services in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
4
These amounts must be in addition to the proportion of the allocation
5
of the remaining funds in this subsection the regional behavioral
6
health administrative services organizations serving those counties
7
were allocated pursuant to section 22(1), chapter 311, Laws of 2021.
8
(ii) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2026 and (($2,000,000)) $1,800,000 of the general fund—
10
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
11
expanding recovery navigator program services in regions where fiscal
12
year 2026 projected expenditures will exceed revenues provided under
13
this subsection. In allocating these amounts, the authority must
14
prioritize regions where the combined fiscal year recovery navigator
15
program allocations and recovery navigator program reserve balances
16
are inadequate to cover estimated fiscal year expenditures.
17
(c) $700,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $700,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
behavioral
health
20
administrative service organizations to develop regional recovery
21
navigator program plans pursuant to chapter 311, Laws of 2021 (ESB
22
5476), and to establish positions focusing on regional planning to
23
improve access to and quality of regional behavioral health services
24
with a focus on integrated care.
25
(d) $2,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026, $2,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027, and $4,500,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
28
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
29
maintain funding for ongoing grants to law enforcement assisted
30
diversion programs under RCW 71.24.589.
31
(e) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to contract
34
with the University of Washington addictions, drug, and alcohol
35
institute. This funding must be used for advanced, evidence-based
36
training for law enforcement to improve interactions with individuals
37
who use drugs. The training must be developed so it can be adapted
38
and used statewide to decrease stigmatizing beliefs among law
39
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SB 5998
enforcement through positive contact with people who use drugs and
1
improve officer well-being and effectiveness by providing skills and
2
techniques to address the drug overdose epidemic. The institute must
3
develop and refine this training, leveraging prior work, and in
4
partnership with a steering committee that includes people with lived
5
or living experience of substance use disorder and criminal legal
6
involvement, researchers, clinicians, law enforcement officers, and
7
others. The training must complement, but not duplicate, existing
8
curricula
already
provided
by
the
criminal
justice
training
9
commission. The institute must pilot the advanced training in a
10
subset of regional law enforcement agencies and evaluate its
11
acceptability and feasibility through participant interviews and
12
pretraining and posttraining ratings of stigmatizing beliefs. The
13
institute must incorporate feedback from the pilot training sessions
14
into a final training program that it must make available to law
15
enforcement agencies across the state.
16
(20) $1,875,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2026, $1,875,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
18
for
fiscal
year
2027,
$350,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
19
appropriation, and $5,400,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
20
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
21
continue to provide support for recovery residences. Of these
22
amounts:
23
(a) $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026, $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2027, and $350,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
26
provided solely to contract with a nationally recognized recovery
27
residence organization and to provide technical assistance to
28
operators of recovery residences seeking certification in accordance
29
with chapter 264, Laws of 2019 (2SHB 1528).
30
(b) $1,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026, $1,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027, and $5,400,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
33
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
34
provide grants for the operational costs of new staffed recovery
35
residences which serve individuals with substance use disorders who
36
require more support than a level 1 recovery residence.
37
(21) $6,510,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2026, $6,510,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
39
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SB 5998
for fiscal year 2027, $21,602,000 of the general fund—federal
1
appropriation, and $3,500,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
2
account—state appropriation are provided solely for support of
3
clubhouse programs across the state. The authority shall work with
4
the
centers
for
medicare
and
medicaid
services
to
review
5
opportunities to include clubhouse services as an optional "in lieu
6
of" service in managed care organization contracts in order to
7
maximize federal participation.
8
(22) $708,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026, $708,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2027, and $1,598,000 of the general fund—federal
11
appropriation are provided solely for implementing mental health peer
12
respite centers and a pilot project to implement a mental health
13
drop-in center in accordance with chapter 324, Laws of 2019 (2SHB
14
1394).
15
(23) $446,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026, $446,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$178,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
18
appropriation are provided solely for the University of Washington's
19
evidence-based practice institute which supports the identification,
20
evaluation,
and
implementation
of
evidence-based
or
promising
21
practices. The institute must work with the authority to develop a
22
plan to seek private, federal, or other grant funding in order to
23
reduce the need for state general funds.
24
(24) As an element of contractual network adequacy requirements
25
and reporting, the authority shall direct managed care organizations
26
to make all reasonable efforts to develop or maintain contracts with
27
provider networks that leverage local, federal, or philanthropic
28
funding to enhance effectiveness of medicaid-funded integrated care
29
services. These networks must promote medicaid clients' access to a
30
system of services that addresses additional social support services
31
and social determinants of health as defined in RCW 43.20.025 in a
32
manner that is integrated with the delivery of behavioral health and
33
medical treatment services.
34
(25) In establishing, re-basing, enhancing, or otherwise updating
35
medicaid rates for behavioral health services, the authority and
36
contracted actuaries shall use a transparent process that provides an
37
opportunity for medicaid managed care organizations, behavioral
38
health administrative service organizations, and behavioral health
39
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SB 5998
provider agencies, and their representatives, to review and provide
1
data and feedback on proposed rate changes within their region or
2
regions of service operation. The authority and contracted actuaries
3
shall transparently incorporate the information gained from this
4
process and make adjustments allowable under federal law when
5
appropriate.
6
(26) The authority shall seek input from representatives of the
7
managed care organizations (MCOs), licensed community behavioral
8
health
agencies,
and
behavioral
health
administrative
service
9
organizations to develop specific metrics related to behavioral
10
health outcomes under integrated managed care. These metrics must
11
include, but are not limited to: (a) Revenues and expenditures for
12
community
behavioral
health
programs,
including
medicaid
and
13
nonmedicaid funding; (b) access to services, service denials, and
14
utilization by state plan modality; (c) claims denials and record of
15
timely payment to providers; (d) client demographics; and (e) social
16
and recovery measures and managed care organization performance
17
measures. The authority must work with managed care organizations and
18
behavioral health administrative service organizations to integrate
19
these metrics into an annual reporting structure designed to evaluate
20
the performance of the behavioral health system in the state over
21
time. The authority must submit a report to the office of financial
22
management and the appropriate committees of the legislature, before
23
December 30th of each year during the fiscal biennium, that details
24
the implemented metrics and relevant performance outcomes for the
25
prior calendar year.
26
(27) The authority must pursue opportunities for shifting state
27
costs to the state's unused allocation of federal institutions for
28
mental disease disproportionate share hospital funding.
29
(28) $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,250,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
32
authority to contract with the King county behavioral health
33
administrative services organization to maintain children's crisis
34
outreach response system services that were previously funded through
35
the department of children, youth, and families. The authority, in
36
consultation with the behavioral health administrative services
37
organization, medicaid managed care organizations, and the actuaries
38
responsible for developing medicaid managed care rates, must work to
39
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SB 5998
maximize federal funding provided for the children's crisis outreach
1
response system program.
2
(29) $12,435,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026, $13,015,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2027, and $25,450,000 of the general fund—federal
5
appropriation are provided solely for the community children's long-
6
term inpatient program. The number of beds is increased on a phased
7
in basis to 62 beds by the end of fiscal year 2026 at a bed day rate
8
of $1,121 per day.
9
(30) (($51,103,000)) $40,070,000 of the general fund—state
10
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($52,933,000)) $42,449,000 of
11
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
12
(($90,434,000)) $79,260,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
13
are provided solely for the authority to contract with community
14
hospitals or freestanding evaluation and treatment centers to provide
15
long-term inpatient care beds as defined in RCW 71.24.025. Within
16
these
amounts,
the
authority
must
meet
the
requirements
for
17
reimbursing counties for the judicial services for patients being
18
served in these settings in accordance with RCW 71.05.730. The
19
authority must coordinate with the department of social and health
20
services
in
developing
the
contract
requirements,
selecting
21
contractors, and establishing processes for identifying patients that
22
will be admitted to these facilities. Of the amounts in this
23
subsection, sufficient amounts are provided for the authority to
24
reimburse community hospitals and nonhospital residential treatment
25
centers serving clients in long-term inpatient care beds as defined
26
in RCW 71.24.025 as follows:
27
(a) For a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW that requires
28
a hospital specific medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment
29
rate for long-term civil commitment patients because the hospital has
30
completed a medicare cost report, the authority shall analyze the
31
most recent medicare cost report of the hospital after a minimum of
32
200
medicaid
inpatient
psychiatric
days.
The
authority
shall
33
establish the inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate for long-
34
term civil commitment patients for the hospital at 100 percent of the
35
allowable cost of care, based on the most recent medicare cost report
36
of the hospital.
37
(b) For a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW that has not
38
completed a medicare cost report with more than 200 medicaid
39
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SB 5998
inpatient psychiatric days, the authority shall establish the
1
medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate for long-term
2
civil commitment patients for the hospital at the higher of the
3
hospital's current medicaid inpatient psychiatric rate; or the
4
annually
updated
statewide
average
of
the
medicaid
inpatient
5
psychiatric per diem payment rate of all acute care hospitals
6
licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW providing long-term civil commitment
7
services.
8
(c) For a hospital licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW and currently
9
providing long-term civil commitment services, the authority shall
10
establish the medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate at
11
$1,250 plus adjustments that may be needed to capture costs
12
associated with long-term psychiatric patients that are not allowable
13
on the medicare cost report or reimbursed separately. The hospital
14
may provide the authority with supplemental data to be considered and
15
used to make appropriate adjustments to the medicaid inpatient
16
psychiatric per diem payment rate of the hospital. Adjustment of
17
costs may include:
18
(i) Costs associated with professional services and fees not
19
accounted for in the hospital's medicare cost report or reimbursed
20
separately;
21
(ii) Costs associated with the hospital providing the long-term
22
psychiatric patient access to involuntary treatment court services
23
that are not reimbursed separately; and
24
(iii)
Other
costs
associated
with
caring
for
long-term
25
psychiatric patients that are not reimbursed separately.
26
(d) For a hospital licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW that requires
27
an initial medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate for
28
long-term civil commitment services because it has not yet completed
29
a medicare cost report, the authority shall establish the medicaid
30
inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate at the higher of:
31
(i) The hospital's current medicaid inpatient psychiatric rate;
32
or
33
(ii) The annually updated statewide average of the medicaid long-
34
term inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate of all freestanding
35
psychiatric hospitals licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW providing
36
long-term civil commitment services.
37
(e) For nonhospital residential treatment centers certified to
38
provide long-term inpatient care beds as defined in RCW 71.24.025,
39
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SB 5998
the authority shall establish the medicaid psychiatric per diem
1
payment rate at $1,250 per bed.
2
(f) The authority shall pay a rate enhancement of $500 per day
3
for patients committed pursuant to the dismissal of criminal charges
4
and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086 or 10.77.088. The
5
enhancement shall be available to all hospital and nonhospital
6
facilities providing services under this subsection except those
7
whose rates are set at 100 percent of their most recent medicare cost
8
report.
9
(g) The authority may pay a rate enhancement of $500 per day for
10
individuals with complex medical needs, challenging behaviors often
11
diagnosed with co-occurring intellectual or developmental disability,
12
traumatic brain injury, dementia, or significant medical issues
13
requiring personal care. The rate enhancement shall be available to
14
providers contracting directly with the authority.
15
(h) Provider payments for vacant bed days shall not exceed six
16
percent of their annual contracted bed days.
17
(31) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a one-time grant to Island
20
county to maintain support for a pilot program to improve behavioral
21
health
outcomes
for
young
people
in
rural
communities.
In
22
administering the pilot program, Island county shall coordinate with
23
school districts, community groups, and health care providers to
24
increase access to behavioral health programs for children and youth
25
aged birth to 24 years of age. The grant funds shall be used to
26
coordinate and expand behavioral health services. The grant funding
27
must not be used to supplant funding from existing programs. No more
28
than 10 percent of the funds may be used for administrative costs
29
incurred by Island county in administering the program. Services that
30
may be provided with the grant funding include, but are not limited
31
to:
32
(a) Support for children and youth with significant behavioral
33
health needs to address learning loss caused by COVID-19 and remote
34
learning;
35
(b) School based behavioral health education, assessment, and
36
brief treatment;
37
(c) Screening and referral of children and youth to long-term
38
treatment services;
39
p. 214
SB 5998
(d) Behavioral health supports provided by community agencies
1
serving youth year-round;
2
(e) Expansion of mental health first aid, a program designed to
3
prepare adults who regularly interact with youth for how to help
4
people in both crisis and noncrisis mental health situations;
5
(f) Peer support services; and
6
(g) Compensation for the incurred costs of clinical supervisors
7
and internships.
8
(32) $494,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026, $494,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$988,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
11
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract with
12
the University of Washington's project extension for community health
13
outcomes (ECHO) and the systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resources,
14
and
treatment
(START)
programs
for
specialized
training
and
15
consultation for physicians and professionals to support:
16
(a) Children with developmental disabilities and behavioral
17
health needs;
18
(b) Applied behavior analysis provider training, education, and
19
consultation; and
20
(c) The screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
21
(33) $2,366,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
22
$2,366,000 of the general fund—local appropriation are provided
23
solely for supported housing and employment services described in
24
((initiative 3a and 3b of)) the 1115 demonstration waiver and this is
25
the maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose. Within
26
these amounts, funding is provided for the authority to support
27
community discharge efforts for patients at the state hospitals.
28
Under this initiative, the authority and the department of social and
29
health services shall ensure that allowable and necessary services
30
are provided to eligible clients as identified by the authority or
31
its providers or third party administrator. The department and the
32
authority in consultation with the medicaid forecast work group,
33
shall ensure that reasonable reimbursements are established for
34
services deemed necessary within an identified limit per individual.
35
The authority shall not increase general fund—state expenditures
36
above appropriated levels for this specific purpose. The secretary in
37
collaboration with the director of the authority shall report to the
38
joint select committee on health care oversight no less than
39
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SB 5998
quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The secretary in
1
cooperation with the director shall also report to the fiscal
2
committees of the legislature the expenditures of this subsection and
3
shall provide such fiscal data in the time, manner, and form
4
requested by the legislative fiscal committees.
5
(34) Within the amounts provided in this section, sufficient
6
funding is provided for the authority to maintain and increase the
7
capabilities of a tool to track medication assisted treatment
8
provider capacity.
9
(35) $4,087,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2026, $4,087,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
11
for fiscal year 2027, and $3,000,000 of the general fund—federal
12
appropriation are provided solely for alternative response and
13
coresponse services. Of the amounts provided in this subsection:
14
(a) $2,000,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation is
15
provided solely for grants to law enforcement and other first
16
responders to include a mental health professional on the team of
17
personnel responding to emergencies.
18
(b) $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026, $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027, and $1,000,000 of the general fund—federal
21
appropriation are provided solely to support the provision of
22
behavioral
health
coresponder
services
on
nonlaw
enforcement
23
emergency medical response teams.
24
(c) $2,587,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $2,587,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to support
27
efforts by counties and cities to implement local response teams. Of
28
these amounts:
29
(i) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to provide a
32
grant to the association of Washington cities to assist cities with
33
the costs of implementing alternative response teams. This funding
34
must be used to reimburse cities for documented costs associated with
35
creating coresponder teams within different alternative diversion
36
models
including
law
enforcement
assisted
diversion
programs,
37
community assistance referral and education programs, and as part of
38
mobile crisis teams. Cities are encouraged to partner with each other
39
p. 216
SB 5998
to create a regional response model. In awarding these funds, the
1
association must prioritize applicants with demonstrated capacity for
2
facility-based
crisis
triage
and
stabilization
services.
The
3
association and authority must collect information regarding the
4
number of facility-based crisis stabilization and triage beds
5
available in the locations receiving funding through this subsection.
6
(ii) $587,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $587,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to support the Whatcom county
9
alternative response team.
10
(36)
(($2,404,000))
$3,992,000
of
the
general
fund—state
11
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($2,637,000)) $3,338,000 of the
12
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
13
(($6,815,000)) $7,421,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
14
are provided solely for the authority to contract for long-term
15
involuntary treatment services in a 16-bed residential treatment
16
facility developed by the Tulalip tribe in Stanwood.
17
(37) $956,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $956,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for wraparound with intensive
20
services for youth ineligible for medicaid as outlined in the
21
settlement agreement under AGC v. Washington State Health Care
22
Authority, Thurston county superior court no. 21-2-00479-34.
23
(38) $16,004,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal
year
2026
and
$16,004,000
of
the
general
fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for claims for
26
services
rendered
to
medicaid
eligible
clients
admitted
to
27
institutions of mental disease that were determined to be unallowable
28
for federal reimbursement due to medicaid's institutions for mental
29
disease exclusion rules.
30
(39)
(($6,010,000))
$5,010,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($6,010,000)) $5,010,000 of the
32
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, ((and))
33
$1,980,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation, and $2,000,000
34
of the opioid abatement settlement account—state appropriation are
35
provided
solely
for
the
authority,
in
coordination
with
the
36
department of health, to deploy an opioid awareness campaign and to
37
contract with syringe service programs and other service settings
38
assisting people with substance use disorders to: Prevent and respond
39
p. 217
SB 5998
to overdoses; provide other harm reduction services and supplies,
1
including but not limited to distributing naloxone; fentanyl testing
2
and other drug testing supplies; and for expanding contingency
3
management services. The authority is encouraged to use these funds
4
to leverage federal funding for this purpose to expand buying power
5
when possible. The authority should prioritize funds for naloxone in
6
coordination
with
the
department
of
health,
to
expand
the
7
distribution of naloxone through the department's overdose education
8
and naloxone distribution program. Funding must be prioritized to
9
fill naloxone access gaps in community behavioral health and other
10
community settings, including providing naloxone for agency staff in
11
organizations such as syringe service programs, housing providers,
12
and street outreach programs. Of the amounts provided in this
13
subsection, (($1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
15
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) $2,000,000 of the opioid
16
abatement settlement account—state appropriation is provided solely
17
for the authority to deploy an opioid awareness campaign targeted at
18
youth to increase the awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.
19
(40) $2,148,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,148,000
of
the
general
fund—state
21
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to support
22
individuals
enrolled
in
the
foundational
community
supports
23
initiative who are transitioning from benefits under RCW 74.04.805
24
due to increased income or other changes in eligibility. The
25
authority, department of social and health services, and department
26
of commerce shall collaborate on this effort.
27
(41) $24,684,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2026, $24,559,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
29
for fiscal year 2027, $4,464,000 of the general fund—federal
30
appropriation, $3,500,000 of the criminal justice treatment account—
31
state
appropriation,
and
$4,000,000
of
the
opioid
abatement
32
settlement account—state appropriation are provided solely to support
33
the housing needs of individuals with behavioral health disorders. Of
34
the amounts provided in this subsection:
35
(a) $998,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026, $998,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$618,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
38
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract for
39
p. 218
SB 5998
three regional behavioral health mobile crisis response teams focused
1
on supported housing to prevent individuals with behavioral health
2
conditions at high risk of losing housing from becoming homeless,
3
identify
and
prioritize
serving
the
most
vulnerable
people
4
experiencing homelessness, and increase alternative housing options
5
to include short-term alternatives which may temporarily deescalate
6
situations where there is high risk of a household from becoming
7
homeless.
8
(b) $5,623,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026, $5,623,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2027, and $3,748,000 of the general fund—federal
11
appropriation are provided solely to maintain and expand access to no
12
barrier, and low-barrier programs using a housing first model
13
designed to assist and stabilize housing supports for adults with
14
behavioral health conditions. Housing supports and services shall be
15
made available with no requirement for treatment for their behavioral
16
health condition and must be individualized to the needs of the
17
individual.
The
authority
and
department
of
commerce
shall
18
collaborate on this effort.
19
(c) $337,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $337,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a rental voucher and bridge
22
program and to implement strategies to reduce instances where an
23
individual leaves a state operated behavioral or private behavioral
24
health facility directly into homelessness. The authority must
25
prioritize this funding for individuals being discharged from state
26
operated behavioral health facilities.
27
(d) $2,487,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $2,487,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for short-term rental subsidies
30
for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. This
31
funding may be used for individuals enrolled in the foundational
32
community support program while waiting for a longer term resource
33
for rental support or for individuals transitioning from behavioral
34
health treatment facilities or local jails. Individuals who would
35
otherwise be eligible for the foundational community support program
36
but are not eligible because of their citizenship status may also be
37
served. ((Each December of the fiscal biennium, the authority must
38
submit
a
report
identifying
the
expenditures
and
number
of
39
p. 219
SB 5998
individuals receiving short-term rental supports through the agency
1
budget during the prior fiscal year broken out by region, treatment
2
need, and the demographics of those served, including but not limited
3
to age, country of origin within racial/ethnic categories, gender,
4
and immigration status.))
5
(e) $4,211,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $4,211,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a targeted grant program to
8
three behavioral health administrative services organizations to
9
transition persons who are either being diverted from criminal
10
prosecution to behavioral health treatment services or are in need of
11
housing upon discharge from crisis stabilization services.
12
(f) $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026, $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027, $3,500,000 of the criminal justice treatment
15
account—state appropriation, and $4,000,000 of the opioid abatement
16
settlement account—state appropriation are provided solely for the
17
authority to provide short-term housing vouchers for individuals with
18
substance use disorders.
19
(g) $7,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $7,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to implement
22
homeless outreach stabilization teams pursuant to chapter 311, Laws
23
of 2021 (ESB 5476).
24
(h) $2,278,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026, $2,153,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$98,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
27
appropriation are provided solely for implementing a postinpatient
28
housing program designed for young adults in accordance with the
29
provisions of chapter 175, Laws of 2024 (2SHB 1929). Contracts with
30
the postinpatient housing providers are exempt from the competitive
31
procurement requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
32
(42) $361,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026, $361,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$482,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
35
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, in collaboration
36
with the department of social and health services research and data
37
analysis division, to implement community behavioral health service
38
data into the existing executive management information system. Of
39
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SB 5998
these amounts, $288,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $288,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $384,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to reimburse the
4
research and data analysis division for staff costs associated with
5
this project. The data elements shall be incorporated into the
6
monthly executive management information system reports on a phased-
7
in basis, allowing for elements which are readily available to be
8
incorporated in the initial phase, and elements which require further
9
definition and data collection changes to be incorporated in a later
10
phase. The authority must collaborate with the research and data
11
analysis division to ensure data elements are clearly defined and
12
must include requirements in medicaid managed care organization and
13
behavioral health administrative services organization contracts to
14
provide the data in a consistent and timely manner for inclusion into
15
the system. The community behavioral health executive management
16
system information data elements must include, but are not limited
17
to: Psychiatric inpatient bed days; evaluation and treatment center
18
bed days; long-term involuntary community psychiatric inpatient bed
19
days; children's long-term inpatient bed days; substance use disorder
20
inpatient, residential, withdrawal evaluation and management, and
21
secure withdrawal evaluation and management bed days; crisis triage
22
and stabilization services bed days; mental health residential bed
23
days; mental health and substance use disorder outpatient treatment
24
services; opioid substitution and medication assisted treatment
25
services; program of assertive treatment team services; wraparound
26
with intensive services; mobile outreach crisis services; recovery
27
navigator team services; foundational community supports housing and
28
employment services; projects for assistance in transition from
29
homelessness services; housing and recovery through peer services;
30
other housing services administered by the authority; mental health
31
and substance use disorder peer services; designated crisis responder
32
investigations and outcomes; involuntary commitment hearings and
33
outcomes; pregnant and parenting women case management services; and
34
single bed certifications and no available bed reports. Wherever
35
possible and practical, the data must include historical monthly
36
counts and shall be broken out to distinguish services to medicaid
37
and nonmedicaid individuals and children and adults. The authority
38
and the research and data analysis division must consult with the
39
p. 221
SB 5998
office of financial management and staff from the fiscal committees
1
of the legislature on the development and implementation of the
2
community behavioral health data elements.
3
(43) $178,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026, $58,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2027, and $650,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
6
provided solely for the authority to continue development and
7
implementation of the certified community behavioral health clinic
8
model for comprehensive behavioral health services. Funding must be
9
used to secure actuarial expertise, conduct research into national
10
data and other state models, including obtaining resources and
11
expertise from the national council for mental well-being certified
12
community behavioral health clinic success center; and engage
13
stakeholders,
including
representatives
of
licensed
community
14
behavioral health agencies and medicaid managed care organizations,
15
in the process. The authority must conduct a study built on the
16
preliminary report submitted to the legislature in December 2024 that
17
includes:
18
(a) Overviews of options and considerations for implementing the
19
certified community behavioral health clinic model within Washington
20
state, including participation as a certified community behavioral
21
health clinic demonstration state or for independent statewide
22
implementation;
23
(b) An analysis of the impact of expanding the certified
24
community behavioral health clinic model on the state's behavioral
25
health systems;
26
(c) Relevant federal regulations and options to implement the
27
certified community behavioral health clinic model under those
28
regulations;
29
(d) Options for implementing a prospective payment system
30
methodology;
31
(e) An analysis of the benefits and potential challenges for
32
integrating
the
certified
community
behavioral
health
clinic
33
reimbursement model within an integrated care environment;
34
(f) Actuarial analysis on the costs for implementing the
35
certified
community
behavioral
health
clinic
model,
including
36
opportunities for leveraging federal funding; and
37
p. 222
SB 5998
(g) Recommendations to the legislature on a pathway for statewide
1
implementation including a plan for implementation no later than
2
fiscal year 2027 that must include the following:
3
(i) Implementation of the certified community behavioral health
4
clinic model with clinics that adhere to the program standards under
5
the federal substance abuse and mental health services administration
6
demonstration program established under section 223 of the federal
7
protecting access to medicare act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a
8
note), as amended by the bipartisan safer communities act (P.L.
9
117-159);
10
(ii) Incorporation in the planned funding model of at least one
11
of the prospective payment system methodologies approved by the
12
centers for medicare and medicaid services;
13
(iii) The plan may allow for the certified community behavioral
14
health clinic funding model to be implemented either by applying for
15
and joining the federal demonstration program referenced in (g)(i) of
16
this subsection, applying to the centers for medicare and medicaid
17
services for a medicaid state plan waiver or amendment, or both;
18
(iv) Continued consultation with the national council for mental
19
wellbeing's certified community behavioral health clinic success
20
center for technical assistance and meaningful opportunities for
21
community behavioral health agencies to participate and offer
22
feedback throughout the implementation process; and
23
(v) Inclusion of services to children, youth, and families
24
through the certified community behavioral health clinic funding
25
model through providers that serve individuals of all ages as well as
26
specialty providers that serve children, youth, and families.
27
(44) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to renew a
30
contract with a Seattle based nonprofit organization with experience
31
matching voluntary specialty care providers with patients in need of
32
care to continue established pro bono counseling and behavioral
33
health services to uninsured and underinsured individuals with
34
incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty line. The authority
35
must provide the funding pursuant to a contract for documented
36
capacity-building to continue pro bono counseling and behavioral
37
health
services.
The
agreement
may
require
the
contracted
38
organization to seek, document, and report to the authority on
39
p. 223
SB 5998
efforts to leverage local, federal, or philanthropic funding to
1
provide sustained operational support for the program.
2
(45) $219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to continue to support the
5
children and youth behavioral health work group to consider and
6
develop longer term strategies and recommendations regarding the
7
delivery of behavioral health services for children, transitioning
8
youth, and their caregivers pursuant to chapter 76, Laws of 2022
9
(2SHB 1890).
10
(46) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
11
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to continue a
13
contract to provide information and support related to safe housing
14
and support services for youth exiting inpatient mental health and/or
15
substance
use
disorder
facilities
to
stakeholders,
inpatient
16
treatment facilities, young people, and other community providers
17
that serve unaccompanied youth and young adults.
18
(47) $3,322,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2026, $3,322,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2027, $1,814,000 of the general fund—federal
21
appropriation, and $5,248,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
22
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
23
contract with opioid treatment providers to operate mobile methadone
24
units to address treatment gaps statewide. Within the amounts
25
provided, the authority must provide service support subsidies to all
26
mobile methadone units including those that began operations prior to
27
fiscal year 2024. The authority must work with the actuaries
28
responsible for setting medicaid managed care rates to explore
29
options for creating a specific rate for mobile medication units that
30
reflects the unique costs of these programs.
31
(48)(((a))) $5,753,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for fiscal year 2026 and $5,753,000 of the general fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
34
authority to ((continue a program with coverage comparable to the
35
amount, duration, and scope of care provided in the categorically
36
needy medicaid program for adult individuals who:
37
p. 224
SB 5998
(i))) offer coverage to individuals ineligible for federally
1
funded medical assistance or federal subsidies through the health
2
benefit exchange.
3
(a)(i) Until the coverage program in (b) of this subsection is
4
operational, the authority shall maintain a program with coverage
5
similar to benefits provided in the categorically needy medicaid
6
program for adult individuals who:
7
(A) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
8
medicaid or federal subsidies through the health benefit exchange;
9
(((ii))) (B) Are age 19 and older, including over age 65, and
10
have countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty
11
level; and
12
(((iii))) (C) Are not eligible for another full scope federally
13
funded medical assistance program, including any expansion of
14
medicaid
coverage
for
deferred
action
for
childhood
arrivals
15
recipients.
16
(((b))) (ii) Within the amount provided in this subsection, the
17
authority shall use the same eligibility, enrollment, redetermination
18
and renewal, and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid,
19
except where flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy or minimize
20
burden to applicants or enrollees.
21
(((c))) (iii) The authority in collaboration with the health
22
benefit exchange, the department of social and health services, and
23
community organizations must develop and implement an outreach and
24
education campaign designed to explain the changes to the program as
25
described in (b) of this subsection.
26
(iv) The authority shall only provide coverage to clients
27
currently enrolled in the program and shall not open enrollment to
28
new clients.
29
(v) The authority shall transition clients enrolled in the new
30
program described in (b) of this subsection as soon as practicable.
31
(b)(i) No later than January 1, 2027, the authority must develop
32
and implement a new coverage program to include access to primary
33
care, pharmacy, and outpatient behavioral health services and other
34
services
as
determined
by
the
authority
within
available
35
appropriations. Individuals eligible for this coverage must:
36
(A) Be ineligible for another full scope federally funded medical
37
assistance program or federal subsidies through the health benefit
38
exchange due to immigration status or lack of compliance with the
39
p. 225
SB 5998
community engagement requirements directed in section 71119 of P.L.
1
119-21;
2
(B) Be age 19 or older;
3
(C) Be a Washington state resident; and
4
(D) Have a countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal
5
poverty level.
6
(ii) The authority shall secure a pathway to provide interpreter
7
services using the same policies outlined in the interpreter services
8
program that provides translation services to medicaid clients.
9
(iii) The authority shall begin enrolling clients into the
10
program as soon as is practicable and prioritize transitioning
11
clients from the program described in (a) of this subsection prior to
12
extending coverage to other individuals.
13
(iv) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the
14
authority shall use the same enrollment, redetermination and renewal,
15
and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid, except where
16
flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy, minimize burden to
17
applicants or enrollees, or operate the new benefit program.
18
(((d) The authority must provide the following information to the
19
governor's office and appropriate committees of the legislature by
20
February 1st and November 1st of each year:
21
(i) Actual and forecasted expenditures;
22
(ii) Actual and forecasted data from the caseload forecast
23
council; and
24
(iii) The availability and impact of any federal program or
25
proposed rule that expands access to health care for the population
26
described in this subsection, such as the expansion of medicaid
27
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
28
(e))) (c) The amount provided in this subsection is the maximum
29
amount that may be expended for the purposes of this program.
30
(49)(a) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to
33
reimburse the department of social and health services for staffing
34
costs related to tracking behavioral health community capacity
35
through
the
community
behavioral
health
executive
management
36
information system and providing annual reports on the implementation
37
of new behavioral health community capacity.
38
(b) The department of commerce, the department of health, and the
39
authority must cooperate with the department of social and health
40
p. 226
SB 5998
services
in
collecting
and
providing
the
data
necessary
to
1
incorporate tracking of behavioral health beds into the behavioral
2
health executive management information system and to prepare the
3
required reports. The agencies must work to ensure they are using
4
consistent definitions in classifying behavioral health bed types for
5
the purpose of reporting capacity and utilization.
6
(c) The authority and the department of social and health
7
services must continue tracking behavioral health bed utilization for
8
medicaid and state funded clients by type of bed in the executive
9
management information system. The department of commerce shall
10
identify to the department of social and health services all
11
providers that have received funding through their capital grant
12
program since the 2013-2015 fiscal biennium. The department of social
13
and health services must incorporate tracking of services by provider
14
including an element to identify providers that have received funding
15
through the capital budget so that reports can be provided related to
16
the average daily client counts for medicaid and state funded clients
17
being served by provider and by facility type.
18
(d) The department of social and health services, in coordination
19
with the department of commerce, the department of health, and the
20
authority, must submit an annual report each November of the fiscal
21
biennium to the office of financial management and the appropriate
22
committees of the legislature that provides the following information
23
for each facility that has received funding through the capital
24
budget: (i) The amount received by the state and the total project
25
cost; (ii) the facility address; (iii) the number of new beds or
26
additional bed capacity by the service type being provided; (iv) the
27
utilization of the additional beds by medicaid or state funded
28
clients by service type; and (v) a comparison of capacity to demand
29
by service type by geographical region of the state.
30
(50) Within existing resources, the authority shall participate
31
in the advisory group for the behavioral health facilities program
32
referenced in chapter 474, Laws of 2023. Responsibilities of the
33
authority include:
34
(a) Attend monthly advisory group meetings;
35
(b) Designate subject matter experts to provide input and
36
technical assistance in developing program guidelines, notices of
37
funding availability, and application questions;
38
p. 227
SB 5998
(c) Designate subject matter experts to serve as application
1
reviewers including scoring applications and making recommendations
2
on funding decisions;
3
(d)
Provide
guidance
and
technical
assistance
related
to
4
behavioral health facility development, behavioral health service
5
modalities, unmet demand for different types of behavioral health
6
facilities and services, insurance, and other programmatic issues.
7
(51) $3,045,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2026, $83,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027, $172,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation,
10
$2,000,000
of
the
criminal
justice
treatment
account—state
11
appropriation, and $5,041,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
12
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
13
expand efforts to provide opioid use disorder and alcohol use
14
disorder medication in city, county, regional, and tribal jails.
15
(((51) $55,988,000)) (52) $134,542,000 of the general fund—
16
federal appropriation is provided solely for the authority to
17
contract with the University of Washington behavioral health teaching
18
facility to provide long-term inpatient care beds as defined in RCW
19
71.24.025. The authority must coordinate with the department of
20
social and health services and the University of Washington to
21
evaluate and determine criteria for the current population of state
22
hospital patients, committed pursuant to the dismissal of criminal
23
charges and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086 or
24
10.77.088, who can be effectively treated at the University of
25
Washington behavioral health teaching facility.
26
(((52))) (53) $95,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2026, $95,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$264,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
29
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
30
House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the bill is
31
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
32
shall lapse.
33
(53))) (54) $36,306,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
34
crisis response line account—state appropriation and $21,410,000 of
35
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
36
authority to continue to implement the provisions of chapter 454,
37
Laws of 2023 (E2SHB 1134). Within these amounts, sufficient funding
38
is provided for the authority to:
39
p. 228
SB 5998
(a) Provide grants to new or existing mobile rapid response teams
1
and to community-based crisis teams to support efforts for meeting
2
the standards and criteria for receiving an endorsement pursuant to
3
provisions of the bill. In awarding grants under this subsection, the
4
authority must prioritize funding for proposals that demonstrate
5
experience
and
strategies
that
prioritize
culturally
relevant
6
services to community members with the least access to behavioral
7
health services;
8
(b) Expand and enhance regional crisis services provided by
9
mobile crisis teams and community-based crisis teams either endorsed
10
or
seeking
endorsement
pursuant
to
standards
adopted
by
the
11
authority; and
12
(c) Provide performance payments to mobile rapid response teams
13
and community-based crisis teams that receive endorsements pursuant
14
to chapter 454, Laws of 2023 (E2SHB 1134).
15
(((54))) (55) $500,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account
16
—state appropriation is provided solely for Spanish language opioid
17
prevention services.
18
(((55))) (56) $16,814,000 of the tribal opioid prevention and
19
treatment account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
20
authority to pass through to tribes and urban Indian health programs
21
for opioid and overdose response activities. The funding must be used
22
for prevention, outreach, treatment, recovery support services, and
23
other strategies to address and mitigate the effects of the misuse
24
and abuse of opioid related products. The authority must provide the
25
tribes and urban Indian health programs the latitude to use the
26
funding as they see fit to benefit their communities, provided the
27
activities are allowable under the terms of the opioid settlement
28
agreements.
29
(((56))) (57) Within existing resources, the authority shall
30
collaborate with the department of social and health services to
31
develop a new program for individuals admitted to a state hospital
32
for purposes of civil commitment under RCW 10.77.086. The program
33
must prioritize the use of assisted outpatient treatment resources
34
for eligible individuals and draw upon existing programs, including
35
the program of assertive community treatment and the governor's
36
opportunity for supportive housing program to provide wraparound
37
services for individuals who may be ready to quickly return to the
38
community following an admission.
39
p. 229
SB 5998
(((57))) (58) $6,700,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
1
account—state appropriation and $700,000 of the general fund—federal
2
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract for
3
the support of an opioid recovery and care access center in Seattle.
4
The contractor must be an established Seattle based behavioral health
5
provider that has developed a partnership for the project and has
6
leveraged additional operations and research funding from other
7
sources. The contract is exempt from the competitive procurement
8
requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
9
(((58))) (59) $2,000,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
10
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the authority to
11
increase access to long-acting injectable buprenorphine products. The
12
authority must use these funds to cover the cost and administration
13
of the drug for uninsured individuals that do not qualify for other
14
state or federal health insurance programs.
15
(((59))) (60) $4,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
16
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for bridge funding grants to
17
community
behavioral
health
agencies
participating
in
federal
18
certified community behavioral health clinic expansion grant programs
19
to sustain their continued level of operations following expiration
20
of federal grant funding during the planning process for adoption of
21
the certified community behavioral health clinic model statewide.
22
(((60) $3,066,000)) (61) $415,000 of the general fund—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2026((, $5,446,000)) and $415,000 of
24
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027((, and
25
$3,457,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation)) are provided
26
solely for the authority to contract for community behavioral health
27
services to be provided at the Olympic heritage behavioral health
28
facility.
29
(((61))) (62) $15,398,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
30
crisis response line account—state appropriation is provided solely
31
for startup, implementation, and operational funding for ((three))
32
crisis relief centers beginning operations in the 2025-2027 fiscal
33
biennium. The authority must undergo a competitive solicitation
34
process for this funding that takes into account geographic needs,
35
regional capacity, ((and)) operational readiness, ((and)) funding for
36
crisis services already included in an approved behavioral health
37
administrative services organization spending plan, and availability
38
of behavioral health administrative services organization reserves.
39
p. 230
SB 5998
The authority must prioritize providers ((with limited access to
1
other funding sources and who are projected to have the shortest
2
timelines to utilize funding and begin operations)) operating in
3
regions whose behavioral health administrative services organization
4
does not have sufficient reserves to support the non-medicaid costs
5
of facility operations. ((Of the amounts provided in this subsection:
6
(a) $8,536,000 is provided solely for startup grants for hiring,
7
facility improvements, and other costs necessary to begin providing
8
services to clients.
9
(b) $4,925,000 is provided solely for six-month operational
10
subsidies for crisis centers that have begun operations as a bridge
11
to providing services at full capacity.
12
(c) $1,937,000 is provided for reimbursement for crisis relief
13
center services provided to individuals not covered by the state
14
medicaid program.
15
(62))) (63) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
17
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a one-time grant to a
18
nonprofit organization for start-up costs and to provide services to
19
medicaid clients and uninsured clients in a crisis stabilization
20
facility located in Skagit county.
21
(((63) $9,500,000)) (64) $1,900,000 of the general fund—federal
22
appropriation and $7,600,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
23
account—state appropriation ((is)) are provided solely for health
24
engagement hub pilot program sites in accordance with the provisions
25
of chapter 1, Laws of 2023 sp. sess. (2E2SSB 5536). The authority may
26
use funding within this subsection to contract for technical
27
assistance and evaluation activities associated with the pilot
28
program.
29
(((64))) (65) $328,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
30
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$328,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $656,000 of the general fund—
32
federal appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
33
implement chapter 360, Laws of 2024 (2SHB 2320).
34
(((65) $2,650,000)) (66) $1,325,000 of the general fund—state
35
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($2,650,000)) $1,325,000 of
36
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
37
$2,650,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
38
solely for the authority to continue contracts with King county,
39
p. 231
SB 5998
Kitsap county, Tacoma, Everett, and Spokane for street medicine teams
1
that rapidly assess and address the acute and chronic physical and
2
behavioral health needs of homeless people. The teams must offer
3
integrated, team-based medical, mental health, substance use, and
4
infectious disease treatment and prevention, and navigation and case
5
management services.
6
(((66))) (67)(a) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
7
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$250,000
of
the
general
fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $500,000 of the general fund—
9
federal appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
10
continue work on the behavioral health comparison rate project,
11
including:
12
(i) Developing phase 3 comparison rates for all major medicaid
13
managed care behavioral health services not addressed in phase 1 or
14
phase 2 of the behavioral health comparison rates project or through
15
other work streams; and
16
(ii) Preparing to implement a minimum fee schedule for behavioral
17
health services, including developing solutions to resolve any
18
current data and systems limitations.
19
(b) By October 1, 2025, the authority must provide a final report
20
to the office of financial management and appropriate committees of
21
the legislature that:
22
(i) Summarizes the new comparison rates developed as part of
23
phase 3;
24
(ii) Updates comparison rates developed in phase 1 and phase 2
25
for new salary and wage information based on most current bureau of
26
labor statistics data;
27
(iii) Estimates the cost and other impacts to fee-for-service and
28
managed care of incorporating additional behavioral health services
29
developed as part of phase 3 of the behavioral health comparison
30
rates project into a minimum fee schedule effective January 1, 2027;
31
(iv) Identifies planned actions and funding needs, if any, to
32
resolve any remaining limitations to implement the phase 3 minimum
33
fee schedule by January 1, 2027;
34
(v) Provides additional analysis of variation between the
35
comparison rates developed as part of phase 3 and current payment
36
levels at a service and regional level; and
37
(vi) Describes how the authority plans to propose to the
38
legislature implementation of the phase 3 minimum fee schedule by
39
p. 232
SB 5998
January 1, 2027, to better match medicaid payments to the cost of
1
care.
2
(((67))) (68) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the authority to fund the
4
second year of workforce grants to behavioral health agencies
5
contracted with the authority to establish occupational therapy
6
services for behavioral health clients. This funding must be used for
7
establishing and integrating occupational therapy into behavioral
8
health agency programs and operations. Funding may be used for
9
occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant services,
10
recruitment, training, technical assistance, fieldwork opportunities,
11
and for other approved activities targeted to increase access to
12
occupational
therapy
services
within
behavioral
health
agency
13
settings. The authority must submit a final report to the legislature
14
on the number of patients receiving occupational therapy through this
15
initiative, the programs in which services were provided, and the
16
number and type of fieldwork students trained in each participating
17
behavioral health agency program by January 1, 2027.
18
(((68))) (69)(a) (($81,542,000)) $83,566,000 of the general fund—
19
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($81,729,000)) $91,210,000
20
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
21
(($167,792,000))
$175,494,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
22
appropriation are provided solely for supportive supervision and
23
oversight services pursuant to a 1915(i) state plan amendment. For
24
medicaid clients enrolled in managed care, the authority must
25
contract for these services through managed care organizations
26
utilizing an actuarially sound rate structure as established by the
27
authority and approved by the centers for medicare and medicaid
28
services. The authority may not implement a skills development and
29
restoration benefit until funding is provided for that specific
30
purpose. Within these amounts, funding is provided for:
31
(i) Implementing supportive supervision and oversight services in
32
adult family home settings in accordance with and contingent upon
33
execution of the collective bargaining agreement negotiated between
34
the state and the adult family homes and referenced in part IX of
35
this act;
36
(ii) Implementing supportive supervision and oversight services
37
in assisted living and enhanced services facilities settings;
38
p. 233
SB 5998
(iii) Providing reimbursement for the state share of exceptional
1
behavioral health personal care services for individuals who have not
2
transitioned into the new 1915(i) state plan services; and
3
(iv) Administrative costs associated with implementation of the
4
new 1915(i) state plan.
5
(b) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the authority
6
must assure that managed care organizations reimburse the department
7
of
social
and
health
services
aging
and
long
term
support
8
administration for the general fund—state cost of exceptional
9
behavioral health personal care services for medicaid enrolled
10
individuals who require these services because of a psychiatric
11
disability.
12
(((69))) (70) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
13
for fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state
14
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for grants to
15
tribes to implement the Icelandic model of prevention in their
16
communities.
17
(((70))) (71) $3,200,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
18
account—state appropriation is provided solely for a tribal opioid
19
prevention campaign to inform and educate tribal communities about
20
opioid misuse prevention, overdose response, and treatment.
21
(((71))) (72) $5,242,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
22
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the authority to
23
provide grants to providers of employment and educational services to
24
individuals with substance use disorder.
25
(((72) $3,768,000)) (73) $466,000 of the general fund—federal
26
appropriation and $3,302,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
27
account—state appropriation ((is)) are provided solely for the
28
authority to provide opioid treatment services through new opioid
29
treatment providers that were funded through grants pursuant to
30
chapter 1, Laws of 2023 sp. sess. (controlled substances).
31
(((73))) (74) $297,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for fiscal year 2026, $97,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
33
for fiscal year 2027, and $140,000 of the general fund—federal
34
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
35
Second
Substitute
House
Bill
No.
1813
(medical
assistance
36
reprocurement). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
37
amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 234
SB 5998
(74))) (75) $438,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $438,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $284,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of sections 2
4
and 3 of Second Substitute House Bill No. 1427 (peer support
5
specialists). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
6
amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
7
(75))) (76) $2,132,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account
8
—state appropriation and $570,000 of the general fund—federal
9
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract for a
10
program that provides Washington state emergency departments with
11
real-time medications for opioid use disorder clinical guidance and
12
follow-up appointment scheduling.
13
(((76))) (77) $1,000,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
14
crisis response line account—state appropriation is provided solely
15
for the purchase of electric vans for 988 behavioral health crisis
16
response and suicide prevention mobile rapid response crisis teams
17
and community-based crisis teams endorsed under RCW 71.24.903. Of the
18
amounts provided in this subsection:
19
(a) $700,000 of this amount is for mobile rapid response crisis
20
teams and community-based crisis teams endorsed under RCW 71.24.903;
21
and
22
(b) $300,000 of this amount is for mobile rapid response crisis
23
teams and community-based crisis teams endorsed under RCW 71.24.903
24
that are affiliated with a tribe in Washington state.
25
(((77))) (78) Within amounts appropriated in this section, the
26
authority and the governor's Indian health advisory council must
27
convene tribal representatives to identify the actual local costs for
28
tribes in their provision of substance use disorder services to non-
29
American Indian/Alaska Native medicaid enrollees receiving services
30
in tribal facilities. The authority must submit a report to the
31
office of financial management and the appropriate committees of the
32
legislature by December 1, 2025, that outlines options and a plan for
33
compensating tribes that is developed through this consultation
34
process that fully compensates tribes for their actual costs of
35
serving
non-American
Indian/Alaska
Native
medicaid
enrollees
36
receiving services in tribal facilities, and must consider and
37
address state and tribal budget impacts.
38
p. 235
SB 5998
(((78) $2,000,000)) (79) $1,000,000 of the general fund—federal
1
appropriation and $1,000,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
2
account—state appropriation ((is)) are provided on a one-time basis
3
solely for the authority to contract for continued operations of the
4
pilot program originally funded in section 215(117), chapter 475,
5
Laws of 2023 (ESSB 5187) to reimburse a licensed pediatric
6
transitional care facility in Spokane county to provide neonatal
7
abstinence syndrome services to infants who have prenatal substance
8
exposure.
9
(((79))) (80) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
10
for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state
11
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
12
authority to provide a grant to a program in south Seattle providing
13
supportive housing and clinical services for mothers recovering from
14
substance use disorders, and their children. The program must serve
15
pregnant women or mothers, regardless of age, race, religion, or
16
sexual orientation, who are exiting inpatient substance use disorder
17
treatment facilities and must serve individuals with co-occurring
18
disorders. The program must provide on-site support through a
19
dedicated team that offers daily assistance to help women become as
20
independent as possible while focusing on their recovery and
21
stability.
22
(((80))) (81) $91,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2026 and $91,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
24
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
25
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5745 (invol. treatment
26
counsel). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
27
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
28
(81)))
(82)
Within
amounts
appropriated
in
this
section,
29
effective January 1, 2026, the authority shall reduce medicaid
30
managed care rates by one percent. Notwithstanding any other proviso
31
in the appropriations act for the current biennium, the authority may
32
adjust existing state directed payments, published fee schedules, or
33
make other administrative changes needed to comply with this
34
subsection.
35
(((82))) (83) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section
36
to maintain increases to medicaid reimbursement for community
37
behavioral
health
providers
contracted
through
managed
care
38
organizations to the extent that they align with subsection (((81)))
39
p. 236
SB 5998
(82) of this section. The authority may adjust rates and existing
1
state directed payments to ensure compliance with subsection (((81)))
2
(82) of this section.
3
(((83))) (84) The authority shall continue to work with a
4
provider working to reopen a youth behavioral health facility in
5
Clark county to identify a licensing and service delivery pathway
6
that best reflects services delivered through an enhanced model of
7
care for youth residential substance use disorder treatment services.
8
In collaboration with the provider and medicaid managed care
9
organizations, the authority shall work toward developing an enhanced
10
rate
for
residential
substance
use
disorders
services
that
11
concurrently provide for the diagnosis, treatment, and medication
12
management of co-occurring mental health conditions as part of the
13
substance use disorder treatment plan. The authority shall submit the
14
new rate and cost impact to the office of financial management and
15
the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December
16
1, 2025, for consideration of funding in the 2026 legislative
17
session.
18
(((84))) (85) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
19
for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state
20
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
21
authority to contract with a statewide mental health nonprofit
22
organization that provides free community and school-based mental
23
health education and support programs for consumers and families. The
24
contractor must use this funding to provide access to programs
25
tailored to peers living with mental illness as well as family
26
members of people with mental illness and the community at large.
27
Services provided by the contracted program shall include education,
28
support, and assistance to reduce isolation and help consumers and
29
families understand the services available in their communities.
30
(86) $2,461,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 and $8,523,000 of the general fund—federal
32
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to participate in
33
a federal demonstration project for certified community behavioral
34
health clinics.
35
(87)(a) Within existing resources, the authority must convene
36
managed care organizations, behavioral health administrative services
37
organizations, and crisis facility providers on the provision and
38
costs of crisis facility services in the state. By December 1, 2026,
39
p. 237
SB 5998
the authority shall submit a report to the office of financial
1
management and the appropriate committees of the legislature on
2
crisis facility costs and service delivery models that includes:
3
(i) Costs to operate stand-alone 23-hour observation facilities;
4
(ii) Costs to operate stand-alone crisis stabilization units; and
5
(iii) Costs to operate facilities that include both 23-hour
6
observation and crisis stabilization units.
7
(b)
The
report
must
consider
different
capacity
options,
8
utilization assumptions based on local demand and actual experience
9
of currently operating facilities, different payor mixes, and the
10
impact of providing urgent care services at the facility.
11
(88) Within existing resources, the authority must convene
12
relevant managed care organizations, the Thurston-Mason behavioral
13
health administrative services organization, and crisis facility
14
providers that are interested in operating a crisis facility in the
15
Thurston-Mason region that is part of the Trueblood phase 3
16
settlement agreement implementation plan. Consideration shall be
17
given to the requirements of the Trueblood phase 3 settlement
18
agreement implementation plan, the facility capacity, the services to
19
be offered, a funding model that is sustainable, and any capital
20
funding needs. Future funding requests by the authority for this
21
purpose shall be informed by this work.
22
Sec. 215. 2025 c 424 s 215 (uncodified) is amended to read as
23
follows:
24
FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($5,057,000))
26
$5,622,000
27
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,079,000))
28
$5,805,000
29
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($3,036,000))
30
$3,035,000
31
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,172,000))
32
$14,462,000
33
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
34
conditions and limitations:
35
(1) $2,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $3,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
38
p. 238
SB 5998
Senate Bill No. 5104 (immigration status coercion). ((If the bill is
1
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
2
shall lapse.))
3
(2) $1,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $3,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
6
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5486 (motion picture captioning). ((If the
7
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
8
subsection shall lapse.))
9
Sec. 216. 2025 c 424 s 216 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE BOARD OF INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE APPEALS
12
Worker and Community Right to Know Fund—State
13
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,000
14
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($28,144,000))
15
$28,287,000
16
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . (($28,141,000))
17
$28,284,000
18
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($56,295,000))
19
$56,581,000
20
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
21
conditions and limitations: $100,000 of the accident account—state
22
appropriation
and
$102,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
23
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill
24
No. 5463 (industrial insurance/duties). ((If the bill is not enacted
25
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
26
lapse.))
27
Sec. 217. 2025 c 424 s 217 (uncodified) is amended to read as
28
follows:
29
FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING COMMISSION
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($58,806,000))
31
$59,897,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($58,222,000))
33
$59,029,000
34
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $12,977,000
35
Death Investigations Account—State Appropriation. . . . . $1,720,000
36
Municipal Criminal Justice Assistance Account—State
37
p. 239
SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $460,000
1
Supplemental Criminal Justice Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000,000
3
Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Account—
4
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,167,000
5
Washington Internet Crimes Against Children Account—
6
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,270,000
7
24/7 Sobriety Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $20,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($241,642,000))
9
$243,540,000
10
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
11
conditions and limitations:
12
(1) The criminal justice training commission may not run a basic
13
law enforcement academy class of fewer than 30 students.
14
(2) Funding in this section is sufficient for 75 percent of the
15
costs of providing 23 statewide basic law enforcement trainings in
16
each fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027. The criminal justice
17
training commission must schedule its funded classes to minimize wait
18
times throughout each fiscal year and meet statutory wait time
19
requirements. The criminal justice training commission must track and
20
report the average wait time for students at the beginning of each
21
class and provide the findings in an annual report to the legislature
22
due in December of each year. Each year, at least two classes must be
23
held in Spokane, two classes must be held in Vancouver, two classes
24
must be held in Arlington, and two classes must be held in Pasco.
25
(3) $1,312,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026, $1,306,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027, and $870,000 of the general fund—private/local
28
appropriation are provided solely for the commission to conduct four
29
additional corrections officer academy classes. These classes may be
30
conducted at the corrections officer academy in Burien or at one of
31
the
regional
training
academies,
located
in
Spokane,
Pasco,
32
Vancouver, or Arlington.
33
(4) $290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for academy training for limited
36
authority Washington peace officers employed by the Washington state
37
gambling commission, Washington state liquor and cannabis board,
38
p. 240
SB 5998
Washington state parks and recreation commission, department of
1
natural resources, and the office of the insurance commissioner.
2
(a) Up to 30 officers must be admitted to attend the basic law
3
enforcement academy and up to 30 officers must be admitted to attend
4
basic law enforcement equivalency academy.
5
(b) Allocation of the training slots amongst the agencies must be
6
based on the earliest application date to the commission. Training
7
does not need to commence within six months of employment.
8
(c) The state agencies must reimburse the commission for the
9
actual cost of training.
10
(5)
$1,598,000
of
the
death
investigations
account—state
11
appropriation is provided solely for the commission to provide 240
12
hours of medicolegal forensic investigation training to coroners and
13
medical examiners to meet the recommendations of the national
14
commission on forensic science for certification and accreditation.
15
(6) $346,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of chapter 321, Laws
17
of 2021 (officer duty to intervene).
18
(7) $30,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 and $30,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for additional grants to local
21
jurisdictions to investigate instances where a purchase or transfer
22
of a firearm was attempted by an individual who is prohibited from
23
owning or possessing a firearm.
24
(8) $2,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $2,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the criminal justice
27
training commission to provide grant funding to local law enforcement
28
agencies to support law enforcement wellness programs. Of the amount
29
provided in this subsection:
30
(a) $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the commission to provide
33
grants to local law enforcement and corrections agencies for the
34
purpose of establishing officer wellness programs. Grants provided
35
under this subsection may be used for, but not limited to building
36
resilience, injury prevention, peer support programs, physical
37
fitness, proper nutrition, stress management, suicide prevention, and
38
physical or behavioral health services. The commission must consult
39
p. 241
SB 5998
with a representative from the Washington association of sheriffs and
1
police chiefs and a representative of the Washington state fraternal
2
order of police and the Washington council of police and sheriffs in
3
the development of the grant program.
4
(b) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington association
7
of sheriffs and police chiefs to establish and coordinate an online
8
or mobile-based application for any Washington law enforcement
9
officer; 911 operator or dispatcher; and any other current or retired
10
employee of a Washington law enforcement agency, and their families,
11
to
anonymously
access
on-demand
wellness
techniques,
suicide
12
prevention, resilience, physical fitness, nutrition, and other
13
behavioral health and wellness supports.
14
(9) $2,270,000 of the Washington internet crimes against children
15
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation
16
of chapter 84, Laws of 2015.
17
(10) $5,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal
year
2026
and
$5,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided to the Washington
20
association of sheriffs and police chiefs solely to verify the
21
address and residency of registered sex offenders and kidnapping
22
offenders under RCW 9A.44.130.
23
(11) $4,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal
year
2026
and
$4,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the mental
26
health field response team program administered by the Washington
27
association of sheriffs and police chiefs. The association must
28
distribute $7,000,000 in grants to the phase one, phase two, and
29
phase three regions as outlined in the settlement agreement under
30
Trueblood, et. al. v. Department of Social and Health Services, et.
31
al., U.S. District Court-Western District, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
32
The association must submit an annual report to the Governor and
33
appropriate committees of the legislature by September 1st of each
34
year of the biennium. The report shall include best practice
35
recommendations on law enforcement and behavioral health field
36
response and include outcome measures on all grants awarded.
37
(12) $899,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and $899,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
p. 242
SB 5998
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for crisis intervention training
1
for the phase one, phase two, and phase three regions as outlined in
2
the settlement agreement under Trueblood, et. al. v. Department of
3
Social and Health Services, et. al., U.S. District Court-Western
4
District, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
5
(13) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the administration of the
8
firearms certificate program. The commission will raise the fees for
9
the program so that revenues collected by the program match these
10
expenditures.
11
(14) $401,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $378,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for additional staff to improve
14
the delays in review and investigation of officer certification
15
complaint cases.
16
(15) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 and $60,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
19
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5356 (criminal justice training). ((If the
20
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
21
subsection shall lapse.))
22
(16) Within existing resources, the commission must produce a
23
report detailing the expenditures of each agency that receives
24
allocations from the Washington auto theft prevention authority
25
account for fiscal year 2023, 2024, and 2025. The report must include
26
documentation of how expenditures were used in accordance with RCW
27
46.66.080 and recommendations based on outcomes from prior years'
28
expenditures for how funds from the account can be used to most
29
effectively prevent auto theft. The report must be submitted to the
30
office of financial management, the governor, and the legislature by
31
October 1, 2025.
32
(17) $330,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026, $305,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027, and $100,000,000 of the supplemental criminal
35
justice
account—state
appropriation
are
provided
solely
for
36
implementation of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2015 (public
37
safety funding). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
38
amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
39
p. 243
SB 5998
Sec. 218. 2025 c 424 s 218 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($14,663,000))
4
$15,682,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($14,801,000))
6
$15,889,000
7
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($29,464,000))
8
$31,571,000
9
Sec. 219. 2025 c 424 s 219 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
12
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($22,076,000))
13
$21,827,000
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($18,363,000))
15
$12,268,000
16
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($13,271,000))
17
$13,433,000
18
Asbestos Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $641,000
19
Electrical License Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($80,496,000))
20
$80,702,000
21
Farm Labor Contractor Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $28,000
22
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
24
Worker and Community Right to Know Fund—State
25
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,164,000))
26
$1,163,000
27
Construction Registration Inspection Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($32,435,000))
29
$32,570,000
30
Public Works Administration Account—State
31
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($16,462,000))
32
$16,511,000
33
Manufactured Home Installation Training Account—
34
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($470,000))
35
$472,000
36
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($471,876,000))
37
$478,163,000
38
p. 244
SB 5998
Accident Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($20,183,000))
1
$19,963,000
2
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . (($441,793,000))
3
$447,451,000
4
Medical Aid Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . (($3,960,000))
5
$3,740,000
6
Plumbing Certificate Account—State Appropriation. . . (($3,694,000))
7
$3,704,000
8
Pressure Systems Safety Account—State Appropriation. . (($5,202,000))
9
$5,214,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,132,364,000))
11
$1,138,100,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations:
14
(1) $8,952,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
15
$8,952,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
16
provided solely for the labor and industries workers' compensation
17
information system replacement project and is subject to the
18
conditions, limitations, and review provided in section 701 of this
19
act. The department must:
20
(a) Submit quarterly data within 30 calendar days of the end of
21
each quarter on:
22
(i) The quantifiable deliverables accomplished and the amount
23
spent by each deliverable in each of the following subprojects:
24
(A) Business readiness;
25
(B) Change readiness;
26
(C) Commercial off the shelf procurement;
27
(D) Customer access;
28
(E) Program foundations;
29
(F) Independent assessment; and
30
(G) In total by fiscal year;
31
(ii) All of the quantifiable deliverables accomplished by
32
subprojects identified in (a)(i)(A) through (F) of this subsection
33
and in total and the associated expenditures by each deliverable by
34
fiscal month;
35
(iii) The contract full time equivalent charged by subprojects
36
identified in (a)(i)(A) through (F) of this subsection, and in total,
37
compared to the budget spending plan by month for each contracted
38
vendor and what the ensuing contract equivalent budget spending plan
39
p. 245
SB 5998
by
subprojects
identified
in
(a)(i)(A)
through
(F)
of
this
1
subsection, and in total, assumes by fiscal month;
2
(iv) The performance metrics by subprojects identified in
3
(a)(i)(A) through (F) of this subsection, and in total, that are
4
currently used, including monthly performance data; and
5
(v) The risks identified independently by at least the quality
6
assurance vendor and Washington technology solutions, and how the
7
project:
8
(A) Has mitigated each risk; and
9
(B) Is working to mitigate each risk, and when it will be
10
mitigated; and
11
(b) Submit the report in (a) of this subsection to fiscal and
12
policy committees of the legislature.
13
(2) $258,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
14
$258,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
15
solely for the department of labor and industries safety and health
16
assessment research for prevention program to conduct research to
17
prevent the types of work-related injuries that require immediate
18
hospitalization. The department will develop and maintain a tracking
19
system
to
identify
and
respond
to
all
immediate
in-patient
20
hospitalizations and will examine incidents in defined high-priority
21
areas, as determined from historical data and public priorities. The
22
research must identify and characterize hazardous situations and
23
contributing factors using epidemiological, safety-engineering, and
24
human factors/ergonomics methods. The research must also identify
25
common factors in certain types of workplace injuries that lead to
26
hospitalization. The department must submit a report to the governor
27
and appropriate legislative committees no later than August 30th of
28
each year of the fiscal biennium summarizing work-related immediate
29
hospitalizations and prevention opportunities, actions that employers
30
and workers can take to make workplaces safer, and ways to avoid
31
severe injuries.
32
(3)(a) $1,700,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026 ((and $1,700,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027)), $1,445,000 of the accident
35
account—state appropriation, and $255,000 of the medical aid account
36
—state appropriation are provided solely for grants to promote
37
workforce development in aerospace and aerospace related supply chain
38
industries by: Expanding the number of registered apprenticeships,
39
p. 246
SB 5998
preapprenticeships, and aerospace-related programs; and providing
1
support for registered apprenticeships or programs in aerospace and
2
aerospace-related supply chain industries.
3
(b) Grants awarded under this section may be used for:
4
(i) Equipment upgrades or new equipment purchases for training
5
purposes;
6
(ii) New training space and lab locations to support capacity
7
needs and expansion of training to veterans and veteran spouses, and
8
underserved populations;
9
(iii) Curriculum development and instructor training for industry
10
experts;
11
(iv) Tuition assistance for degrees in engineering and high-
12
demand degrees that support the aerospace industry; and
13
(v) Funding to increase capacity and availability of child care
14
options for shift work schedules.
15
(c) An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this
16
subsection if it is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, or institution of
17
higher education that provides training opportunities, including
18
apprenticeships,
preapprenticeships,
preemployment
training,
19
aerospace-related degree programs, or incumbent worker training to
20
prepare workers for the aerospace and aerospace-related supply chain
21
industries.
22
(d) The department may use up to 5 percent of these funds for
23
administration of these grants.
24
(4) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the crime victims'
27
compensation program to pay for medical exams for suspected victims
28
of domestic violence. Neither the hospital, medical facility, nor
29
victim is to pay for the cost of the medical exam. This funding must
30
not supplant existing funding for sexual assault medical exams. If
31
the cost of medical exams exceeds the funding provided in this
32
subsection, the program shall not reduce the reimbursement rates for
33
medical providers seeking reimbursement for other claimants, and
34
instead the program shall return to paying for domestic violence
35
medical exams after insurance.
36
(5) $250,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
37
appropriation is provided solely for the department to analyze
38
patients who are maintained on chronic opioids. The department must
39
p. 247
SB 5998
submit an annual report of its findings to the governor and the
1
appropriate committees of the legislature no later than October 1st
2
of each year of the fiscal biennium. The report shall include
3
analysis of patient data, describing the characteristics of patients
4
who are maintained on chronic opioids and their clinical needs, and a
5
preliminary evaluation of potential interventions to improve care and
6
reduce harms in this population.
7
(6) $1,406,000 of the public works administration account—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the final
9
year
of
system
improvements
to
the
prevailing
wage
program
10
information technology system. This project is subject to the
11
conditions, limitations, and review provided in section 701 of this
12
act.
13
(7) (($205,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 is)) $212,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
15
and $38,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
16
provided solely to continue conducting a four-year retention study of
17
state registered apprentices as provided in chapter 156, Laws of 2022
18
(apprenticeship programs). The study shall include the collection of
19
data from all apprentices three months into their apprenticeship to
20
understand
challenges
and
barriers
they
face
towards
program
21
participation. The aggregate data by trade must be displayed on a
22
publicly available dashboard. Study data must be provided with
23
apprenticeship coordinators to implement an early response to connect
24
apprentices with needed supports. The department shall submit an
25
annual report to the governor and appropriate legislative committees
26
on June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
27
(8) $2,879,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
28
$2,309,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
29
provided solely to expand access to worker rights and safety
30
information for workers with limited English proficiency (LEP)
31
through outreach and translation of safety-related information,
32
training, and other materials. $2,000,000 of the amount provided in
33
this subsection is provided solely for grants to community-based
34
organizations to provide workplace rights and safety outreach to
35
underserved workers.
36
(9) (($946,000)) $607,000 of the public works administration
37
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
38
chapter 342, Laws of 2023 (apprenticeship utilization).
39
p. 248
SB 5998
(10) $1,072,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
1
$187,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
2
solely to create an effective information technology solution
3
necessary for the implementation of chapter 145, Laws of 2023 (fire-
4
resistant materials).
5
(11) $200,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation and
6
$200,000 of the accident account—state appropriation are provided
7
solely for the staffing of a resolution process for complaints
8
regarding light duty work under Title 51 RCW.
9
(12) $1,044,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
10
$183,000 of the medical account—state appropriation are provided
11
solely for implementation of chapter 250, Laws of 2024 (adult
12
entertainment workers).
13
(13) (($1,840,000)) $2,697,000 of the accident account—state
14
appropriation and (($1,838,000)) $2,695,000 of the medical aid
15
account—state appropriation are provided solely for claims management
16
staffing to expand capacity to reduce claims caseload, effective July
17
1, 2025.
18
(14) $3,477,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
19
$614,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
20
solely
for
wage
payment
act,
retaliation,
child
labor,
and
21
determinations, and fiscal units staffing to expand capacity to
22
conduct timely worker complaint investigations, effective July 1,
23
2025.
24
(15) $1,495,000 of the construction registration inspection
25
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
26
chapter 213, Laws of 2023 (contractor consumer protection).
27
(((17)))
(16)
$126,000
of
the
accident
account—state
28
appropriation
and
$24,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
29
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
30
Senate Bill No. 5101 (worker leave/hate crimes). ((If the bill is not
31
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
32
shall lapse.
33
(18))) (17) $636,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
34
and $113,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
35
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5104
36
(immigration status coercion). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
37
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 249
SB 5998
(19))) (18) $4,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
1
and $1,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
2
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5408
3
(wage and salary disclosures). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
4
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
5
(20))) (19) $608,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
6
and $605,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
7
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
Senate
Bill
No.
5463
8
(industrial insurance/duties). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
9
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
10
(21))) (20) $818,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
11
and $144,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
12
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5501
13
(employee driving requirement). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
14
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
15
(22))) (21) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
17
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to an
18
organization in Pierce county experienced in providing peer-to-peer
19
training to continue implementation of a program aimed at reducing
20
workplace
sexual
harassment
in
the
agricultural
sector.
The
21
department may use up to five percent of the amount provided in this
22
subsection for administration of this grant. The organization
23
receiving the grant must:
24
(a) Continue peer-to-peer trainings for farmworkers in Yakima
25
county and expand to provide peer-to-peer trainings for farmworkers
26
in Grant and Benton counties;
27
(b)
Support
an
established
network
of
peer
trainings
as
28
farmworker leaders, whose primary purpose is to prevent workplace
29
sexual harassment and assault through leadership, education, and
30
other tools; and
31
(c) Share best practices from the peer-to-peer model at a
32
statewide conference for farmworkers, industry representatives, and
33
advocates.
34
(((23)))
(22)
$1,213,000
of
the
accident
account—state
35
appropriation
and
$213,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
36
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
37
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5217 (pregnancy accommodations).
38
p. 250
SB 5998
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
1
in this subsection shall lapse.
2
(24))) (23) $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely to support the underground
4
economy task force created in section 906, chapter 376, Laws of 2024.
5
(((25)))
(24)
$4,420,000
of
the
accident
account—state
6
appropriation
and
$780,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
7
appropriation are provided solely for the department, in coordination
8
with the Washington state apprenticeship council, to administer,
9
amend, or extend current or new grants to continue the growth of
10
behavioral health apprenticeship programs. Grants may be awarded for
11
provider implementation costs, apprentice tuition and stipend costs,
12
curriculum development, and program administration. Grant awardees
13
must use a minimum of one-half of amounts provided to compensate
14
behavioral
health
providers
for
employer
implementation
costs
15
including mentor wage differentials, related instruction wages, and
16
administrative costs. In awarding this funding, special preference
17
must be given to entities with experience in implementation of
18
behavioral
health
sector
apprenticeships
and
labor-management
19
partnerships. By June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, grantees must
20
report to the department on the number of individuals that were
21
recruited and upskilled in the preceding fiscal year. The department
22
may use up to five percent of the amount provided in this subsection
23
for administration of these grants.
24
(((26)))
(25)
$850,000
of
the
accident
account—state
25
appropriation
and
$150,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
26
appropriation are provided solely for the department, in coordination
27
with the Washington state apprenticeship training council, to
28
administer, amend, or extend current or new grants to address the
29
behavioral health workforce shortage through behavioral health
30
preapprenticeship
and
behavioral
health
entry
level
training,
31
including nursing assistant certified programs. Grants may cover
32
program costs including, but not limited to, provider implementation
33
costs, apprentice tuition and stipend costs, curriculum development,
34
and program administration. In awarding this funding, special
35
preference
must
be
given
to
entities
with
experience
in
36
implementation of behavioral health sector apprenticeships and labor-
37
management partnerships. By June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027,
38
grantees must report to the department on the number of individuals
39
p. 251
SB 5998
that were recruited and upskilled in the preceding fiscal year. The
1
department may use up to five percent of the amount provided in this
2
subsection for administration of these grants.
3
(((27))) (26) $56,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2026 and $59,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
6
chapter 298, Laws of 2024 (supporting victims of human trafficking
7
and sexual abuse).
8
(((28)))
(27)
$250,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
9
appropriation
and
$250,000
of
the
accident
account—state
10
appropriation are provided solely for the department of labor and
11
industries safety and health assessment and research for prevention
12
program to conduct research to address the high injury rates of the
13
janitorial workforce. The research must quantify the physical demands
14
of common janitorial work tasks and assess the safety and health
15
needs of janitorial workers. The research must also identify
16
potential risk factors associated with increased risk of injury in
17
the janitorial workforce and measure workload based on the strain
18
janitorial work tasks place on janitors' bodies. The department must
19
conduct interviews with janitors and their employers to collect
20
information on risk factors, identify the tools, technologies, and
21
methodologies used to complete work, and understand the safety
22
culture and climate of the industry. The department must produce
23
annual progress reports through the year 2025 or until the tools are
24
fully developed and deployed. The annual progress report must be
25
submitted to the governor and legislature by December 1st of each
26
year such report is due.
27
(((29))) (28) The department shall promptly notify the office of
28
the attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf
29
of a federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
30
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
31
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
32
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
33
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
34
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
35
impact expenditures for such services. The department of labor and
36
industries shall require contracted entities to notify the department
37
of labor and industries promptly upon receipt of a request from a
38
p. 252
SB 5998
federal agency or law enforcement authority as described in this
1
subsection.
2
(((30)))
(29)
$3,774,000
of
the
accident
account—state
3
appropriation
and
$890,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
4
appropriation are provided solely for the creation of an agriculture
5
compliance unit within the division of occupational safety and
6
health. The compliance unit will perform compliance inspections and
7
provide bilingual outreach to agricultural workers and employers.
8
(((31))) (30) $1,642,000 of the medical aid account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely to cover the overhead rent costs to
10
increase the number of labor and industry vocational specialists
11
embedded in WorkSource offices and to implement a comprehensive
12
quality-assurance team to ensure the continuous improvement of
13
vocational
services
for
injured
workers
through
the
workers'
14
compensation program.
15
(((32)))
(31)
$639,000
of
the
accident
account—state
16
appropriation
and
$157,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
17
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Second
18
Substitute House Bill No. 1524 (isolated employees). ((If the bill is
19
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
20
shall lapse.
21
(33))) (32) $85,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
22
and $15,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
23
provided solely for implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 1879
24
(hospital worker breaks). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
25
2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
26
(34))) (33) $1,251,000 of the public works administration account
27
—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
28
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1549 (responsible bidder
29
criteria). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
30
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
31
(35)
$197,000
of
the
electrical
license
account—state
32
appropriation, $136,000)) (34) $302,000 of the accident account—state
33
appropriation((,)) and (($24,000)) $54,000 of the medical aid account
34
—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
35
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1533 (specialty electricians).
36
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
37
in this subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 253
SB 5998
(36))) (35) $255,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
1
and $254,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
2
provided solely for implementation of Second Substitute House Bill
3
No. 1788 (worker's compensation). ((If the bill is not enacted by
4
June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
5
(37)))
(36)
$1,031,000
of
the
accident
account—state
6
appropriation
and
$180,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
7
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
8
Substitute House Bill No. 1644 (working minor). ((If the bill is not
9
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
10
shall lapse.
11
(38))) (37) $269,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
12
and $46,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
13
provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Substitute House Bill
14
No. 1875 (sick leave/immigration). ((If the bill is not enacted by
15
June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
16
(38) $220,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
17
$220,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
18
solely to replace a loss of federal funds from the national institute
19
for occupational safety and health for the Washington fatality
20
assessment and control evaluation program, occupational respiratory
21
disease
surveillance
program,
and
adult
blood
lead
exposure
22
surveillance system for fiscal year 2027. These funds may only be
23
used if the equivalent amount in federal funds is not received.
24
Sec. 220. 2025 c 424 s 220 (uncodified) is amended to read as
25
follows:
26
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
27
(1) The appropriations in this section are subject to the
28
following conditions and limitations:
29
(a) The department of veterans affairs shall not initiate any
30
services that will require expenditure of state general fund moneys
31
unless expressly authorized in this act or other law. The department
32
may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260 through 43.79.282,
33
federal moneys that are unrelated to the coronavirus response and not
34
anticipated in this act as long as the federal funding does not
35
require expenditure of state moneys for the program in excess of
36
amounts
anticipated
in
this
act.
If
the
department
receives
37
unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys that are unrelated to the
38
p. 254
SB 5998
coronavirus response, those moneys must be spent for services
1
authorized in this act or in any other legislation that provides
2
appropriation authority, and an equal amount of appropriated state
3
moneys shall lapse. Upon the lapsing of any moneys under this
4
subsection, the office of financial management shall notify the
5
legislative
fiscal
committees.
As
used
in
this
subsection,
6
"unrestricted federal moneys" includes block grants and other funds
7
that federal law does not require to be spent on specifically defined
8
projects or matched on a formula basis by state funds.
9
(b) Each year, there is fluctuation in the revenue collected to
10
support the operation of the state veteran homes. When the department
11
has foreknowledge that revenue will decrease, such as from a loss of
12
census or from the elimination of a program, the legislature expects
13
the department to make reasonable efforts to reduce expenditures in a
14
commensurate manner and to demonstrate that it has made such efforts.
15
In response to any request by the department for general fund—state
16
appropriation to backfill a loss of revenue, the legislature shall
17
consider the department's efforts in reducing its expenditures in
18
light of known or anticipated decreases to revenues.
19
(2) HEADQUARTERS
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($5,001,000))
21
$5,102,000
22
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,031,000))
23
$5,921,000
24
Charitable, Educational, Penal, and Reformatory
25
Institutions Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $10,000
26
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($10,042,000))
27
$11,033,000
28
(3) FIELD SERVICES
29
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($10,759,000))
30
$10,792,000
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($11,204,000))
32
$12,129,000
33
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,834,000))
34
$8,835,000
35
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($6,547,000))
36
$6,548,000
37
Veteran Estate Management Account—Private/Local
38
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $719,000
39
p. 255
SB 5998
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($38,063,000))
1
$39,023,000
2
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
3
following conditions and limitations:
4
(a) $1,020,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
7
for veteran service officers.
8
(i) Of the amounts provided in this subsection (3)(a), $750,000
9
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and
10
$750,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027
11
are provided solely to support one veteran service officer position
12
in each of the following counties: Walla Walla, Clallam, Stevens,
13
Asotin, and Skamania.
14
(ii) Of the amounts provided in this subsection (3)(a), $270,000
15
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and
16
$150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027
17
are provided solely to support two veteran service officer positions
18
in Island county.
19
(4) STATE VETERANS HOMES PROGRAM
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($16,710,000))
21
$9,329,000
22
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($17,786,000))
23
$8,479,000
24
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($159,652,000))
25
$182,399,000
26
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($21,757,000))
27
$15,136,000
28
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($215,905,000))
29
$215,343,000
30
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
31
following conditions and limitations:
32
(a) If the department receives additional unanticipated federal
33
resources that are unrelated to the coronavirus response at any point
34
during the remainder of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, an equal
35
amount of general fund—state must be placed in unallotted status so
36
as not to exceed the total appropriation level specified in this
37
subsection. The department may submit as part of the policy level
38
p. 256
SB 5998
budget submittal documentation required by RCW 43.88.030 a request to
1
maintain the general fund—state resources that were unallotted as
2
required by this subsection.
3
(b) Appropriations have been adjusted in this section to reflect
4
anticipated changes in state, federal, and local resources as a
5
result of census changes. The department shall incorporate these
6
adjustments in the governor's projected maintenance level budget
7
required in RCW 43.88.030.
8
(5) CEMETERY SERVICES
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $188,000
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($207,000))
11
$205,000
12
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,042,000
13
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,437,000))
14
$1,435,000
15
Sec. 221. 2025 c 424 s 221 (uncodified) is amended to read as
16
follows:
17
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
18
(1) The appropriations to the department of health in this act
19
shall be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
20
this act. Appropriations made in this act to the department of health
21
shall initially be allotted as required by this act. Subsequent
22
allotment modifications shall not include transfers of moneys between
23
sections of this act except as expressly provided in this act, nor
24
shall allotment modifications permit moneys that are provided solely
25
for a specified purpose to be used for other than that purpose.
26
(2)(a) The appropriations to the department of health in this act
27
must be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
28
this act, except as provided in (i) and (ii) of this subsection
29
(2)(a):
30
(i) After May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act, the
31
department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal
32
year 2026 among programs and subprograms after approval by the
33
director of the office of financial management. However, the
34
department may not transfer state appropriations that are provided
35
solely for a specified purpose except as expressly provided in (b) of
36
this subsection.
37
p. 257
SB 5998
(ii) After May 1, 2027, unless prohibited by this act, the
1
department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal
2
year 2027 and appropriations for the 2025–2027 fiscal biennium among
3
programs and subprograms after approval by the director of the office
4
of financial management. However, the department may not transfer
5
appropriations that are provided solely for a specified purpose
6
except as expressly provided in (b) of this subsection.
7
(b) To the extent that transfers under (a) of this subsection are
8
insufficient to fund actual expenditures, the department may transfer
9
appropriations that are provided solely for a specified purpose. The
10
department may not transfer funds, and the director of the office of
11
financial management may not approve the transfer, unless the
12
transfer is consistent with the objective of conserving, to the
13
maximum extent possible, the expenditure of state funds. The director
14
of the office of financial management shall notify the appropriate
15
fiscal committees of the legislature in writing seven days prior to
16
approving any allotment modifications or transfers under this
17
subsection. The written notification shall include a narrative
18
explanation and justification of the changes, along with expenditures
19
and allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both before and
20
after any allotment modifications or transfers.
21
(c) Within ((30)) 90 days after the close of fiscal year 2026,
22
the department must provide the office of financial management and
23
the fiscal committees of the legislature with an accounting of any
24
transfers under this subsection. The accounting shall include a
25
narrative explanation and justification of the changes, along with
26
expenditures and allotments by subprogram and appropriation, both
27
before and after any allotment modifications or transfers. The
28
department must also provide recommendations for revisions to
29
appropriations to better align funding with the new budget structure
30
for the department in this act and to eliminate the need for the
31
transfer authority in future budgets.
32
(3) The department of health shall not initiate any services that
33
will require expenditure of state general fund moneys unless
34
expressly authorized in this act or other law. The department of
35
health and the state board of health shall not implement any new or
36
amended rules pertaining to primary and secondary school facilities
37
until the rules and a final cost estimate have been presented to the
38
legislature, and the legislature has formally funded implementation
39
of the rules through the omnibus appropriations act or by statute.
40
p. 258
SB 5998
The department may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260
1
through 43.79.282, federal moneys not anticipated in this act as long
2
as the federal funding does not require expenditure of state moneys
3
for the program in excess of amounts anticipated in this act. If the
4
department receives unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys, those
5
moneys shall be spent for services authorized in this act or in any
6
other legislation that provides appropriation authority, and an equal
7
amount of appropriated state moneys shall lapse. Upon the lapsing of
8
any moneys under this subsection, the office of financial management
9
shall notify the legislative fiscal committees. As used in this
10
subsection, "unrestricted federal moneys" includes block grants and
11
other funds that federal law does not require to be spent on
12
specifically defined projects or matched on a formula basis by state
13
funds.
14
(4)
In
accordance
with
RCW
43.70.110
and
71.24.037,
the
15
department is authorized to adopt license and certification fees in
16
fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the costs of the regulatory
17
program. The department's fee schedule shall have differential rates
18
for providers with proof of accreditation from organizations that the
19
department has determined to have substantially equivalent standards
20
to those of the department, including but not limited to the joint
21
commission on accreditation of health care organizations, the
22
commission on accreditation of rehabilitation facilities, and the
23
council on accreditation. To reflect the reduced costs associated
24
with regulation of accredited programs, the department's fees for
25
organizations with such proof of accreditation must reflect the lower
26
costs of licensing for these programs than for other organizations
27
which are not accredited.
28
(5) Within the amounts appropriated in this act, and in
29
accordance with RCW 70.41.100, the department shall set fees to
30
include the full costs of the performance of inspections pursuant to
31
RCW 70.41.080.
32
(6)
In
accordance
with
RCW
43.70.110
and
71.24.037,
the
33
department is authorized to adopt fees for the review and approval of
34
mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs in fiscal
35
years 2026 and 2027 as necessary to support the costs of the
36
regulatory
program.
The
department's
fee
schedule
must
have
37
differential rates for providers with proof of accreditation from
38
organizations
that
the
department
has
determined
to
have
39
substantially equivalent standards to those of the department,
40
p. 259
SB 5998
including but not limited to the joint commission on accreditation of
1
health care organizations, the commission on accreditation of
2
rehabilitation facilities, and the council on accreditation. To
3
reflect the reduced costs associated with regulation of accredited
4
programs, the department's fees for organizations with such proof of
5
accreditation must reflect the lower cost of licensing for these
6
programs than for other organizations which are not accredited.
7
(7) The health care authority, the health benefit exchange, the
8
department of social and health services, the department of health,
9
the department of corrections, and the department of children, youth,
10
and families shall work together within existing resources to
11
establish the health and human services enterprise coalition (the
12
coalition). The coalition, led by the health care authority, must be
13
a multi-organization collaborative that provides strategic direction
14
and
federal
funding
guidance
for
projects
that
have
cross-
15
organizational or enterprise impact, including information technology
16
projects that affect organizations within the coalition. Washington
17
technology solutions shall maintain a statewide perspective when
18
collaborating with the coalition to ensure that projects are planned
19
for in a manner that ensures the efficient use of state resources,
20
supports the adoption of a cohesive technology and data architecture,
21
and maximizes federal financial participation. The work of the
22
coalition and any project identified as a coalition project is
23
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review provided in
24
section 701 of this act.
25
(8) Within the amounts appropriated in this act, and in
26
accordance with RCW 43.70.110 and 71.12.470, the department shall set
27
fees to include the full costs of the performance of inspections
28
pursuant to RCW 71.12.485.
29
(9) The department must report to and coordinate with the
30
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
31
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
32
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
33
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
34
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
35
(10) The department shall promptly notify the office of the
36
attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf of a
37
federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
38
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
39
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
40
p. 260
SB 5998
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
1
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
2
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
3
impact expenditures for such services. The department shall require
4
contracted entities to notify the department promptly upon receipt of
5
a request from a federal agency or law enforcement authority as
6
described in this subsection.
7
Sec. 222. 2025 c 424 s 222 (uncodified) is amended to read as
8
follows:
9
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—ADMINISTRATION
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($24,861,000))
11
$23,103,000
12
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($23,978,000))
13
$21,313,000
14
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($56,636,000))
15
$55,828,000
16
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($19,121,000))
17
$19,525,000
18
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
19
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($442,000))
20
$353,000
21
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
22
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($478,000))
23
$476,000
24
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($587,000))
25
$1,192,000
26
Climate Investment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($137,000))
27
$91,000
28
Foundational Public Health Services Account—State
29
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12,000
30
Hospital Data Collection Account—State Appropriation. . (($103,000))
31
$97,000
32
Health Professions Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($36,706,000))
33
$27,323,000
34
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account—State
35
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($101,000))
36
$99,000
37
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems
38
p. 261
SB 5998
Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($1,623,000))
1
$367,000
2
Medicaid Fraud Penalty Account—State Appropriation. . . (($124,000))
3
$3,000
4
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
5
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($17,000))
6
$12,000
7
Safe Drinking Water Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($2,171,000))
8
$2,121,000
9
Drinking Water Assistance Account—Federal
10
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,637,000))
11
$4,707,000
12
Waterworks Operator Certification Account—State
13
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($499,000))
14
$445,000
15
Drinking Water Assistance Administrative Account—
16
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($525,000))
17
$497,000
18
Site Closure Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($33,000))
19
$31,000
20
Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($290,000))
21
$233,000
22
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,541,000))
24
$1,322,000
25
Medical Test Site Licensure Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($869,000))
27
$477,000
28
Secure Drug Take-Back Program Account—State
29
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($241,000))
30
$221,000
31
Youth Tobacco and Vapor Products Prevention Account—
32
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($518,000))
33
$506,000
34
Public Health Supplemental Account—Private/Local
35
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($512,000))
36
$658,000
37
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($65,000))
38
$60,000
39
p. 262
SB 5998
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,000))
1
$5,000
2
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
3
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,646,000))
4
$4,679,000
5
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($6,962,000))
7
$7,450,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($188,431,000))
9
$173,206,000
10
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
11
conditions and limitations:
12
(1) $1,164,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $1,164,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the child profile health
15
promotion notification system.
16
(2) (($296,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 and $296,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
19
the master person index as part of the health and human services
20
coalition master person index initiative.
21
(3))) $127,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 and $127,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to coordinate
24
work related to dementia, including but not limited to:
25
(a) Coordinating dementia-related activities with the department
26
of social and health services, the health care authority, and other
27
state agencies as needed;
28
(b)
Implementing
recommendations
from
the
dementia
action
29
collaborative in the updated state Alzheimer's plan within the
30
department; and
31
(c) Other dementia-related activities as determined by the
32
secretary.
33
(((4))) (3) $166,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2026 and $166,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
35
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for community compensation
36
stipends for low-income individuals who participate in priority
37
engagements across the department.
38
p. 263
SB 5998
(((5))) (4) $130,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026 and $130,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing to support an
3
office of tribal policy at the department.
4
(5) $1,690,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
5
appropriation is provided solely for prevention, treatment, and
6
recovery support services to remediate the impacts of the opioid
7
epidemic. This funding must be used consistent with conditions of the
8
opioid settlement agreements that direct how funds deposited into the
9
opioid abatement settlement account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be
10
used.
11
(6) $2,662,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
12
appropriation is provided solely to launch a telebuprenorphine
13
hotline that facilitates access to medications for opioid use
14
disorder. This funding must be used consistent with conditions of the
15
opioid settlement agreements that direct how funds deposited into the
16
opioid abatement settlement account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be
17
used.
18
Sec. 223. 2025 c 424 s 223 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—HEALTH SCIENCES
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($25,569,000))
22
$27,053,000
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($26,432,000))
24
$28,800,000
25
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($73,411,000))
26
$74,795,000
27
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($44,311,000))
28
$60,397,000
29
Drinking Water Assistance Account—Federal
30
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12,000
31
Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($573,000))
32
$598,000
33
Health Professions Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $1,339,000
34
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
35
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($501,000))
36
$974,000
37
Foundational Public Health Services Account—State
38
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SB 5998
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($60,000))
1
$48,000
2
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
3
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($6,836,000))
4
$7,682,000
5
Public Health Supplemental Account—Private/Local
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$83,000
7
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($177,788,000))
8
$201,781,000
9
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
10
conditions and limitations:
11
(1) $85,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $85,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to pass-
14
through to a nonprofit Washington-based organization with expertise
15
in end-of-life care and in chapter 70.245 RCW (death with dignity
16
act), to provide training, outreach, and education to medical
17
professionals, hospice teams, and other Washingtonians, to support
18
the provision of care under chapter 70.245 RCW.
19
(2) $36,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $36,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
22
Senate Bill No. 5163 (child fatalities). ((If the bill is not enacted
23
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
24
lapse.))
25
(3) $80,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $18,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
28
Senate Bill No. 5093 (pregnancy loss). ((If the bill is not enacted
29
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
30
lapse.))
31
(4) $76,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
33
Bill No. 5030 (vital records access). ((If the bill is not enacted by
34
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
35
(5) $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Snohomish county health
38
department to:
39
p. 265
SB 5998
(a) Maintain sexually transmitted infection clinical services at
1
the Snohomish county health department and identify opportunities to
2
expand sexual health services provided outside of clinical settings;
3
(b) Conduct research on opportunities to expand jail-based sexual
4
health services;
5
(c) Maintain an epidemiology and technical team;
6
(d) Provide field-based treatment for syphilis; and
7
(e) Maintain an in-house comprehensive, culturally responsive
8
sexual health clinic at the Snohomish county health department.
9
(6) $6,895,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
10
appropriation is provided solely for the department to expand the
11
distribution of naloxone through the department's overdose education
12
and naloxone distribution program. Funding must be prioritized to
13
fill naloxone access gaps in community behavioral health and other
14
community settings, including providing naloxone to first responders
15
and agency staff in organizations such as syringe service programs,
16
housing providers, and street outreach programs.
17
(7)
$1,339,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
18
appropriation is provided solely to sustain operations of the newborn
19
screening program until fees can be established in fiscal year 2027.
20
Sec. 224. 2025 c 424 s 224 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($9,579,000))
24
$9,874,000
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($9,707,000))
26
$9,767,000
27
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($31,114,000))
28
$31,845,000
29
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($26,883,000))
30
$34,527,000
31
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account—State
32
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($544,000))
33
$546,000
34
((Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
35
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000))
36
Safe Drinking Water Account—State Appropriation. . . (($11,212,000))
37
$13,260,000
38
p. 266
SB 5998
Drinking Water Assistance Account—Federal
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($22,281,000))
2
$37,535,000
3
Waterworks Operator Certification Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,432,000))
5
$2,893,000
6
Drinking Water Assistance Administrative Account—
7
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,988,000))
8
$2,016,000
9
Site Closure Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($167,000))
10
$169,000
11
Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($976,000))
12
$1,012,000
13
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
14
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($9,522,000))
15
$9,264,000
16
Climate Investment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($561,000))
17
$607,000
18
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($16,745,000))
19
$16,140,000
20
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
21
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($60,000))
22
$65,000
23
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($327,000))
24
$332,000
25
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($52,000))
26
$55,000
27
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($144,159,000))
28
$169,907,000
29
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
30
conditions and limitations:
31
(1) $416,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $416,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to coordinate
34
with
local
health
jurisdictions
to
establish
and
maintain
35
comprehensive group B programs to ensure safe drinking water. These
36
funds shall be used for implementation costs, including continued
37
development
and
adoption
of
rules,
policies,
and
procedures;
38
technical assistance; and training.
39
p. 267
SB 5998
(2) $157,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $157,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to test for
3
lead in child care facilities to prevent child lead exposure and to
4
research, identify, and connect facilities to financial resources
5
available for remediation costs.
6
(3)(a) (($4,000,000)) $3,371,000 of the climate commitment
7
account—state appropriation is provided solely to support and
8
administer a workplace health and safety program for workers who are
9
affected by climate impacts, including but not limited to, extreme
10
heat and cold, wildfire smoke, drought, and flooding. This program
11
will
focus
on
workplace
health
and
safety
for
farmworkers,
12
construction workers, and other workers who face the most risk from
13
climate-related impacts. This amount shall be limited to supporting
14
vulnerable populations in overburdened communities under the climate
15
commitment act as defined in RCW 70A.65.010. Funding shall be
16
provided for:
17
(i) Pass through grants to community-based organizations, tribal
18
governments, and tribal organizations to support workplace health and
19
safety for workers who are burdened by the intersection of their work
20
and climate impacts; and
21
(ii) Procurement and distribution of equipment and resources for
22
workers who are burdened by the intersection of their work and
23
climate impacts directly by the department of health, or through
24
pass-through
grants
to
community-based
organizations,
tribal
25
governments, and tribal organizations. Equipment and resources may
26
include but are not limited to: Personal protective equipment, other
27
protective or safety clothing for cold and heat, air purifiers for
28
the
workplace
or
worker
housing,
protection
from
ticks
and
29
mosquitoes, and heating and cooling devices.
30
(b)
The
department
of
health,
in
consultation
with
the
31
environmental justice council, community groups, and the department
32
of labor and industries, shall evaluate mechanisms to provide workers
33
with financial assistance to cover lost wages or other financial
34
hardships caused by extreme weather events and climate threats.
35
(c) No more than five percent of this funding may be used to
36
administer this grant program.
37
(4) $5,264,000 of the drinking water assistance account—federal
38
appropriation is provided solely for the office of drinking water to
39
p. 268
SB 5998
provide
technical
assistance,
direct
engineering
support,
and
1
construction management to small water systems.
2
(5) $685,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $685,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to assist
5
with access to safe drinking water for homes and businesses with
6
individual wells or small water systems that are contaminated.
7
(6) $1,690,000 of the model toxics control operating account—
8
state appropriation is provided solely to implement actions provided
9
in the nitrate water hazard mitigation plan to support safe drinking
10
water in the lower Yakima valley. Implementation of this plan
11
includes, but is not limited to, education and outreach, well
12
testing, and provision of alternate water supplies. The department
13
may contract with local governments, local health jurisdictions, and
14
nonprofit organizations to administer the plan.
15
(7) $362,000 of the model toxics control operating account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for continued implementation of
17
chapter 156, Laws of 2021 (risk-based water standards), to create
18
standards for developers seeking to reuse wastewater in buildings.
19
(8) (($7,924,000)) $7,170,000 of the climate commitment account—
20
state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
21
implement the healthy environment for all act under chapter 70A.02
22
RCW, including additional staff and support for the environmental
23
justice council and implementation of a community engagement plan.
24
(9)(a) (($4,000,000)) $3,940,000 of the climate commitment
25
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
26
administer capacity grants to tribes and tribal organizations and to
27
overburdened communities and vulnerable populations to provide
28
guidance and input:
29
(i) To agencies and to the environmental justice council on
30
implementation of the healthy environment for all act; and
31
(ii) To the department on updates to the environmental health
32
disparities map.
33
(b) At least 50 percent of the total amount distributed for
34
capacity grants in this subsection must be reserved for grants to
35
tribes and tribal organizations.
36
(c) Funding provided in this subsection may be used for tribes
37
and tribal organizations to hire staff or to contract with
38
consultants
to
engage
in
updating
the
environmental
health
39
p. 269
SB 5998
disparities map or on implementing the healthy environment for all
1
act.
2
(d) The department may use a reasonable amount of funding
3
provided in this subsection to administer the grants.
4
(10) (($382,000)) $346,000 of the climate commitment account—
5
state appropriation is provided solely for one staff to lead cross
6
agency
coordination
for
wildfire
and
extreme
heat
emergency
7
management.
8
(11) (($1,124,000)) $1,017,000 of the climate commitment account—
9
state appropriation is provided solely to migrate, maintain, and
10
continue community engagement to update the health disparities map
11
and increase operating staff to complete environmental assessments.
12
(12) $160,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $157,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
15
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1232 (private detention facilities).
16
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
17
in this subsection shall lapse.))
18
(13) (($300,000)) $296,000 of the climate commitment account—
19
state appropriation is provided solely for grants to King county to
20
address the disproportionate rates of asthma among children who
21
reside within 10 miles of the Seattle-Tacoma international airport by
22
increasing access to community health worker asthma interventions.
23
Sec. 225. 2025 c 424 s 225 (uncodified) is amended to read as
24
follows:
25
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—HEALTH SYSTEMS QUALITY ASSURANCE
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($17,222,000))
27
$16,322,000
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($16,432,000))
29
$14,644,000
30
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($13,994,000))
31
$14,942,000
32
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($38,997,000))
33
$47,174,000
34
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
35
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,038,000))
36
$1,043,000
37
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
38
p. 270
SB 5998
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,062,000))
1
$1,071,000
2
Hospital Data Collection Account—State Appropriation. . (($502,000))
3
$646,000
4
Health Professions Account—State Appropriation. . . (($167,775,000))
5
$183,254,000
6
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems
7
Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($8,603,000))
8
$10,858,000
9
Medicaid Fraud Penalty Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($23,000))
10
$143,000
11
Medical Test Site Licensure Account—State
12
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,446,000))
13
$4,837,000
14
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
15
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($41,000))
16
$403,000
17
Secure Drug Take-Back Program Account—State
18
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,117,000))
19
$1,137,000
20
((Public Health Supplemental Account—State
21
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $288,000))
22
Public Health Supplemental Account—Private/Local
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($197,000))
24
$485,000
25
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($271,737,000))
26
$296,959,000
27
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
28
conditions and limitations:
29
(1) Within amounts appropriated in this section, the Washington
30
board of nursing must hire sufficient staff to process applications
31
for nursing licenses so that the time required for processing does
32
not exceed seven days.
33
(2) $1,793,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $1,793,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the ongoing operations and
36
maintenance of the prescription monitoring program maintained by the
37
department.
38
p. 271
SB 5998
(3)
$1,908,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
1
appropriation is provided solely for the Washington board of nursing
2
for nursing licensure and other regulatory activities.
3
(4)
$2,107,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
4
appropriation is provided solely for implementing improvements to
5
licensure processes. Improvements may include, but are not limited
6
to, updating internal policies and procedures, creating web-based
7
tutorials
for
applicants,
updating
existing
web
content
for
8
applicants, and researching the feasibility of live chat technology
9
for applicants. In identifying and implementing improvements, the
10
department shall document and incorporate feedback from licensed
11
professionals
and
utilize
continuous
quality
improvement
12
methodologies.
13
(5) $127,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 and $127,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the midwifery licensure and
16
regulatory program to supplement revenue from fees. The department
17
shall charge no more than $525 annually for new or renewed licenses
18
for the midwifery program.
19
(6) (($493,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $493,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are)) $986,000 of the emergency medical services and
22
trauma care systems trust account—state appropriation is provided
23
solely for three full-time emergency medical technicians and other
24
resources necessary for the Franklin county public hospital district
25
#1 to provide health services as part of medical transport operations
26
services, including services to the Coyote Ridge corrections center.
27
(7)(a)
$1,260,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
28
appropriation is provided solely for the Washington board of nursing
29
to continue to implement virtual nursing assistant training and
30
testing modalities, create an apprenticeship pathway into nursing for
31
nursing assistants, implement rule changes to support a career path
32
for nursing assistants, and collaborate with the workforce training
33
and education coordinating board on a pilot project to transform the
34
culture and practice in long term care settings. The goal of these
35
activities is to expand the nursing workforce for long term care
36
settings.
37
p. 272
SB 5998
(b) The department must submit a preliminary report regarding the
1
pilot project by September 1, 2025, to the fiscal committees of the
2
legislature regarding:
3
(i) The pilot project, including:
4
(A) Performance metrics and baseline data;
5
(B) Targeted areas for change;
6
(C) Current and planned efforts to address targeted areas;
7
(D) An implementation plan, barriers to implementation, and
8
strategies to address barriers;
9
(E) Nurse participant data; and
10
(F) Anticipated impacts to culture and practices in long term
11
care settings; and
12
(ii) Apprenticeship pathways, including:
13
(A) Performance metrics and baseline data;
14
(B) Targeted areas for change;
15
(C) Current and planned efforts to address targeted areas;
16
(D) An implementation plan, barriers to implementation, and
17
strategies to address barriers;
18
(E) Recruitment strategies; and
19
(F)
Nurse
participation
data,
including
nurse
assistants
20
recruited, participating, and advancing to apprenticeship programs.
21
(c) By September 1, 2026, the department must submit a report to
22
the fiscal committees of the legislature detailing:
23
(i) Progress towards meeting performance metrics;
24
(ii) Completed efforts to address targeted areas;
25
(iii) The work conducted to meet the outlined objectives in this
26
subsection;
27
(iv) The rules that have been updated and amended to support a
28
career path for nursing assistants;
29
(v) The number of participating nurses in the apprenticeship
30
program and current recruiting practices;
31
(vi) A status update on the implementation of the virtual
32
training and testing modalities; and
33
(vii) Any changes to the nursing workforce for long term care
34
settings.
35
(8)
$646,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
36
appropriation is provided solely for ongoing maintenance of the
37
HEALWA web portal to provide access to health information for health
38
care providers.
39
p. 273
SB 5998
(9)
$219,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
1
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of House Bill No.
2
1114 (respiratory care compact). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
3
30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
4
(10)
$25,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
5
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
6
House Bill No. 1142 (in-home care training). ((If the bill is not
7
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
8
shall lapse.))
9
(11)
$155,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
10
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of House Bill No.
11
1190 (UW health sciences library). ((If the bill is not enacted by
12
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
13
(12)
$25,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
14
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
15
House Bill No. 1720 (community care/Rx assistance). ((If the bill is
16
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
17
shall lapse.))
18
(13) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of House Bill No.
20
1722 (secondary career education). ((If the bill is not enacted by
21
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
22
(14) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $14,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
25
House Bill No. 1824 (accredited birthing centers). ((If the bill is
26
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
27
shall lapse.))
28
(15) $161,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 and $159,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
31
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1686 (health care entity registry).
32
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
33
in this subsection shall lapse.))
34
(16) $2,955,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2026 and (($2,955,000)) $1,479,000 of the general fund—
36
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
37
Washington board of nursing to manage a grant process to incentivize
38
nurses to supervise nursing students in health care settings. The
39
p. 274
SB 5998
goal of the grant program is to create more clinical placements for
1
nursing students to complete required clinical hours to earn their
2
nursing degree and related licensure.
3
(((18))) (17) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the doula licensure and
5
regulatory program to supplement revenue from fees.
6
(((19))) (18) $515,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
7
for fiscal year 2026 and $507,000 of the general fund—state
8
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
9
implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5388 (DOC behavioral
10
health cert.). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
11
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
12
(20))) (19) $25,000 of the health professions account—state
13
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill
14
No. 5672 (home care aide certification). ((If the bill is not enacted
15
by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
16
(21))) (20) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2026 and $67,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
18
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
19
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5493 (hospital price transparency). ((If
20
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in
21
this subsection shall lapse.
22
(22))) (21) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
24
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5557 (pregnancy/emerg. treatment). ((If
25
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
26
subsection shall lapse.
27
(23)))
(22)
$52,000
of
the
general
fund—private/local
28
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
29
Senate Bill No. 5568 (state health plan). ((If the bill is not
30
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
31
shall lapse.
32
(24))) (23) $191,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026, $188,000 of the general fund—private/local
34
appropriation, and $214,000 of the health professions account—state
35
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
36
Senate Bill No. 5579 (health/contract terminations). ((If the bill is
37
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
38
shall lapse.
39
p. 275
SB 5998
(25))) (24) For the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department
1
shall exempt a hospital located in Burien, Washington that serves 23
2
percent medicaid patients from the certificate of need requirement
3
under
chapter
70.38
RCW
for
elective
percutaneous
coronary
4
interventions.
5
(((26))) (25) $42,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2026 and $42,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
7
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for continuation of the
8
rural nursing education program to allow students to remain in rural
9
environments while working towards nursing credentials for the
10
purposes of increasing the nursing workforce in rural critical access
11
hospitals. With the amounts provided, the department shall provide
12
support services to an eight student cohort, which may include
13
tuition vouchers and travel assistance.
14
(26) Within existing resources, the department must submit a
15
report by September 30, 2026, to the governor and legislature
16
regarding an equitable alternative fee structure for the health
17
professions licensing program. The department must:
18
(a) Review the department's current health professions licensing
19
and regulatory costs and the department's methodology for setting
20
fees;
21
(b) Consider relevant fees and methods from other states with
22
comparable licensing and regulatory programs;
23
(c) Include analysis and recommendations on alternative methods,
24
including recommendations to distribute the fee burden more equitably
25
across professions; and
26
(d) Provide estimated costs associated with any recommended
27
alternative methods.
28
(27) Within existing resources, the department shall participate
29
in the advisory group for the behavioral health facilities program
30
referenced in chapter 474, Laws of 2023. Responsibilities of the
31
department include:
32
(a) Attend monthly advisory group meetings;
33
(b) Designate subject matter experts to provide input and
34
technical assistance in developing program guidelines, notices of
35
funding availability, and application questions;
36
(c) Designate subject matter experts to serve as application
37
reviewers including scoring applications and making recommendations
38
on funding decisions; and
39
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SB 5998
(d) Provide guidance, technical assistance, and training related
1
to behavioral health facility development, behavioral health service
2
modalities, unmet demand for different types of behavioral health
3
facilities and services, insurance, and other programmatic issues.
4
(28)
$532,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
5
appropriation is provided solely to sustain operations of the
6
certificate of need program until fees are established in fiscal year
7
2027.
8
(29)
$731,000
of
the
health
professions
account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely to sustain operations of the opioid
10
treatment provider accreditation program until fees are established
11
in fiscal year 2027.
12
Sec. 226. 2025 c 424 s 226 (uncodified) is amended to read as
13
follows:
14
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($45,021,000))
16
$44,752,000
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($44,830,000))
18
$43,524,000
19
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($395,004,000))
20
$400,520,000
21
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($63,257,000))
22
$63,313,000
23
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
24
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,268,000))
25
$11,300,000
26
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
27
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,629,000))
28
$11,544,000
29
Youth Tobacco and Vapor Products Prevention Account—
30
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,767,000))
31
$2,779,000
32
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
33
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($51,907,000))
34
$59,793,000
35
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,639,000))
37
$1,952,000
38
p. 277
SB 5998
Public Health Supplemental Account—Private/Local
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,087,000))
2
$6,046,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($632,409,000))
4
$645,523,000
5
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1) $1,914,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $1,914,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for:
10
(a) Staffing by the department, the department of veterans
11
affairs, and the department of corrections to expand statewide
12
suicide prevention efforts, which efforts include suicide prevention
13
efforts for military service members and veterans and incarcerated
14
persons;
15
(b) A suicide prevention public awareness campaign to provide
16
education
regarding
the
signs
of
suicide,
interventions,
and
17
resources for support;
18
(c) Staffing for call centers to support the increased volume of
19
calls to suicide hotlines;
20
(d) Training for first responders to identify and respond to
21
individuals experiencing suicidal ideation;
22
(e) Support for tribal suicide prevention efforts;
23
(f) Strengthening behavioral health and suicide prevention
24
efforts in the agricultural sector;
25
(g) Support for the three priority areas of the governor's
26
challenge regarding identifying suicide risk among service members
27
and their families, increasing the awareness of resources available
28
to service members and their families, and lethal means safety
29
planning;
30
(h) Training for community health workers to include culturally
31
informed training for suicide prevention;
32
(i) Coordination with the office of the superintendent of public
33
instruction;
34
(j) Support for the suicide prevention initiative housed in the
35
University of Washington; and
36
(k) By December 1, 2025, an updated suicide prevention plan, to
37
include a report on completed activities, planned activities, and
38
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SB 5998
outcomes from implementation, which shall include, but not be limited
1
to:
2
(i) Trends in suicide among service members, agricultural
3
workers, youth, and incarcerated persons;
4
(ii) Outcomes of implemented public awareness campaigns; and
5
(iii) Outcomes of trainings with first responders, including the
6
number of trainings.
7
(2) $1,477,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $1,477,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the fruit and vegetable
10
incentives program.
11
(3) $3,834,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $3,834,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to provide
14
grants to support school-based health centers and behavioral health
15
services. The department must develop a plan for the school-based
16
health centers to become financially self-sufficient.
17
(4) $1,098,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $1,098,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to coordinate
20
and lead a multi-agency approach to youth suicide prevention and
21
intervention.
22
(5) (($1,690,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
23
appropriation is provided solely for prevention, treatment, and
24
recovery support services to remediate the impacts of the opioid
25
epidemic. This funding must be used consistent with conditions of the
26
opioid settlement agreements that direct how funds deposited into the
27
opioid abatement settlement account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be
28
used.
29
(6))) $3,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal
year
2026
and
$3,500,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for programs
32
and grants to maintain access to abortion care, including but not
33
limited to staffing at the department and grants to providers of
34
abortion care to fund abortion care, workforce retention and
35
recruitment initiatives to ensure continuity of care, training,
36
outreach, and security investments.
37
(((7))) (6) $513,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2026 and $513,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
39
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SB 5998
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the early hearing
1
detection, diagnosis, and intervention program.
2
(((8))) (7) $972,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal
year
2026
((and
$972,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for the
5
department to expand the birth equity project with the goal of
6
reducing prenatal and perinatal health disparities.
7
(((9))) (8) $2,112,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
8
for fiscal year 2026 and $2,112,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for tobacco,
10
vapor product, and nicotine control, cessation, treatment, and
11
prevention, and other substance use prevention and education, with an
12
emphasis on community-based strategies. These strategies must include
13
programs
that
consider
the
disparate
impacts
of
nicotine,
14
specifically flavored nicotine products, addiction on specific
15
populations, including youth, and racial or other disparities.
16
(((10))) (9) $257,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2026 and $257,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
18
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to support health equity
19
zones,
as
defined
in
RCW
43.70.595,
in
identification
and
20
implementation of targeted interventions to have a significant impact
21
on health outcomes and health disparities.
22
(((11))) (10) $3,579,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
23
crisis response line account—state appropriation is provided solely
24
for behavioral crisis coordination.
25
(((12))) (11) $369,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
26
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely as pass-through funding to an
27
organization that specializes in culturally relevant sports programs
28
for indigenous children and adolescents, with the goal of keeping at-
29
risk youth out of the juvenile justice system.
30
(((13) $2,662,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—
31
state appropriation is provided solely to launch a tele-buprenorphine
32
hotline that facilitates access to medications for opioid use
33
disorder. This funding must be used consistent with conditions of the
34
opioid settlement agreements that direct how funds deposited into the
35
opioid abatement settlement account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be
36
used.
37
(14))) (12) $346,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—
38
state appropriation is provided solely for perinatal opioid use
39
p. 280
SB 5998
disorder information and services. This funding must be used
1
consistent with conditions of the opioid settlement agreements that
2
direct how funds deposited into the opioid abatement settlement
3
account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be used.
4
(((15))) (13) $266,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2026 and $266,000 of the general fund—state
6
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
7
department to operate the universal development screening system.
8
(((17))) (14) $1,035,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
9
for fiscal year 2026 and $1,035,000 of the general fund—state
10
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
11
Washington poison center. This funding is provided in addition to
12
funding pursuant to RCW 69.50.540.
13
(((18))) (15) $72,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2026 and $72,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
15
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for maintenance of the
16
community health worker platform and continued implementation of the
17
community health worker trainings in the pediatric setting for
18
children with behavioral health needs.
19
(((19))) (16) $211,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2026 and $211,000 of the general fund—state
21
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to implement
22
the recommendations from the community health workers task force to
23
provide statewide leadership, training, and integration of community
24
health workers with insurers, health care providers, and public
25
health systems.
26
(((20) $6,895,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—
27
state appropriation is provided solely for the department to expand
28
the distribution of naloxone through the department's overdose
29
education
and
naloxone
distribution
program.
Funding
must
be
30
prioritized to fill naloxone access gaps in community behavioral
31
health and other community settings, including providing naloxone to
32
first responders and agency staff in organizations such as syringe
33
service programs, house providers, and street outreach programs.
34
(21))) (17)(a) $1,042,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
35
crisis response line account—state appropriation is provided solely
36
for the planning phase of the 988 technology platform implementation
37
project.
38
p. 281
SB 5998
(b) The department must actively collaborate with Washington
1
technology solutions and the health care authority so that the
2
statewide
988
technology
solutions
will
be
coordinated
and
3
interoperable.
4
(c) By October 1, 2025, the department must provide an update to
5
legislative fiscal committees with the following details:
6
(i)
An
identified
technology
solution,
with
a
list
of
7
functionalities
and
the
statutory
requirement
met
by
each
8
functionality;
9
(ii) Software, processes, and methods currently used by call
10
centers and designated 988 contact hubs that the proposed technology
11
platform would replace;
12
(iii) The number of call centers and designated 988 contact hubs
13
planning to transition all work processes to the proposed technology
14
platform; and
15
(iv) Identified risks and changes to the schedule and scope of
16
the project.
17
(d) These amounts are subject to the conditions, limitations, and
18
review requirements provided in section 701 of this act.
19
(((22))) (18) $26,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2026 and $26,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
21
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
22
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5163 (child fatalities). ((If the bill is
23
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
24
shall lapse.
25
(23))) (19) $55,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
27
Senate Bill No. 5214 (mobile markets). ((If the bill is not enacted
28
by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
29
(24) $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Snohomish county health
32
department to:
33
(a) Maintain sexually transmitted infection clinical services at
34
the Snohomish county health department and identify opportunities to
35
expand sexual health services provided outside of clinical settings;
36
(b) Conduct research on opportunities to expand jail-based sexual
37
health services;
38
(c) Maintain an epidemiology and technical team;
39
p. 282
SB 5998
(d) Provide field-based treatment for syphilis; and
1
(e) Maintain an in-house comprehensive, culturally responsive
2
sexual health clinic at the Snohomish county health department.))
3
Sec. 227. 2025 c 424 s 227 (uncodified) is amended to read as
4
follows:
5
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($1,711,000))
7
$1,767,000
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($1,604,000))
9
$1,662,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,315,000))
11
$3,429,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations: $124,000 of the general fund—state
14
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2026
is
provided
solely
for
15
implementation of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1946 (local
16
board of health/tribes). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
17
2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
18
Sec. 228. 2025 c 424 s 228 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—RESILIENCY AND HEALTH SECURITY
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . $4,916,000
22
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($4,873,000))
23
$4,846,000
24
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($35,149,000))
25
$35,455,000
26
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $257,000
27
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($44,938,000))
28
$45,474,000
29
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
30
conditions and limitations: $4,916,000 of the general fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $4,873,000 of the general fund
32
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
33
operation of the statewide medical logistics center. Within these
34
amounts, the department must coordinate with the department of social
35
and health services to develop processes that will minimize the
36
p. 283
SB 5998
disposal and destruction of personal protective equipment and for
1
interagency distribution of personal protective equipment.
2
Sec. 229. 2025 c 424 s 229 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—HEALTH DATA AND PLANNING
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($3,473,000))
6
$4,406,000
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,913,000))
8
$4,505,000
9
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($7,148,000))
10
$7,500,000
11
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($947,000))
12
$968,000
13
((Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $5,000))
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($15,486,000))
15
$17,379,000
16
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
17
conditions and limitations:
18
(1) $2,786,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 and $3,156,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to maintain public health
21
information technology infrastructure in a cloud-based environment.
22
(2) $686,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $757,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to maintain the WA Health bed
25
tracking and supply database.
26
(3) $296,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $296,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
29
the master person index as part of the health and human services
30
coalition master person index initiative.
31
Sec. 230. 2025 c 424 s 230 (uncodified) is amended to read as
32
follows:
33
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
34
The health care authority, the health benefit exchange, the
35
department of social and health services, the department of health,
36
the department of corrections, and the department of children, youth,
37
p. 284
SB 5998
and families shall work together within existing resources to
1
establish the health and human services enterprise coalition (the
2
coalition). The coalition, led by the health care authority, must be
3
a multiorganization collaborative that provides strategic direction
4
and
federal
funding
guidance
for
projects
that
have
cross-
5
organizational or enterprise impact, including information technology
6
projects that affect organizations within the coalition. Washington
7
technology solutions shall maintain a statewide perspective when
8
collaborating with the coalition to ensure that the development of
9
projects identified in this report are planned for in a manner that
10
ensures the efficient use of state resources and maximizes federal
11
financial participation. The work of the coalition and any project
12
identified as a coalition project is subject to the conditions,
13
limitations, and review provided in section 701 of this act.
14
The appropriations to the department of corrections in this act
15
shall be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
16
this act. However, after May 1, 2026, after approval by the director
17
of financial management and unless specifically prohibited by this
18
act, the department may transfer general fund—state appropriations
19
for fiscal year 2026 between programs. The department may not
20
transfer funds, and the director of financial management may not
21
approve the transfer, unless the transfer is consistent with the
22
objective of conserving, to the maximum extent possible, the
23
expenditure of state funds. The director of financial management
24
shall notify the appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature in
25
writing
seven
days
prior
to
approving
any
deviations
from
26
appropriation levels. The written notification must include a
27
narrative explanation and justification of the changes, along with
28
expenditures and allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both
29
before and after any allotment modifications or transfers.
30
(1) ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($159,476,000))
32
$164,424,000
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($162,022,000))
34
$169,660,000
35
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($400,000))
36
$1,054,000
37
((General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . $168,000))
38
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($322,066,000))
39
p. 285
SB 5998
$335,138,000
1
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
2
following conditions and limitations:
3
(a) $438,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $438,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for restrictive housing to
6
reduce the use of solitary confinement by increasing correctional
7
staffing, incorporating mental health training, and implementing
8
change to restrictive housing environments.
9
(b) $2,326,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $2,326,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for reentry investments to
12
include reentry and discharge services and staffing to support the
13
iCOACH supervision model. The staffing and resources must provide
14
expanded reentry and discharge services to include, but not limited
15
to, transition services, preemployment testing, enhanced discharge
16
planning,
housing
voucher
assistance,
cognitive
behavioral
17
interventions, educational programming, health care discharge teams,
18
and community partnership programs.
19
(c) $371,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $371,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for maintenance and operation of
22
the sentencing calculation module for the offender management network
23
information system. Implementation of the sentencing calculation
24
module must result in a reduction of tolling staff within six months
25
of the project implementation date of July 1, 2025, and the
26
department must report this result. In addition, the report must
27
include the budgeted and actual tolling staffing levels by fiscal
28
month beginning with fiscal year 2023 and the count of tolling staff
29
reduced by fiscal month from date of implementation through six
30
months post implementation. The report must be submitted to the
31
senate ways and means and house appropriations committees within 30
32
calendar days after six months have passed since implementation.
33
(d) $761,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $758,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the AMEND collaboration and
36
training statewide program administration team and contract.
37
(e) $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and $324,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
p. 286
SB 5998
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing and operational
1
costs to operate the sixth avenue reentry center in Tacoma as a
2
state-run facility.
3
(f) $219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $227,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing and operational
6
costs to operate the Eleanor Chase reentry center in Spokane as a
7
state-run facility.
8
(g) $319,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026 and $333,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing and operational
11
costs to operate the Brownstone reentry center in Spokane as a state-
12
run facility.
13
(h) Within existing resources, the department must collaborate
14
with the department of children, youth, and families to help them as
15
they develop a juvenile rehabilitation capacity needs assessment
16
model (CNAM) for secure facilities, community residential facilities,
17
and community transition services, as required in section 235(18) of
18
this act, comparable in detail to the capacity needs assessment model
19
that the department of corrections research and analytics team
20
maintains for capacity.
21
(i) $48,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
23
Bill No. 5093 (pregnancy loss). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
24
30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
25
(j) $19,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
27
Bill No. 5323 (theft from first responders). ((If the bill is not
28
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
29
shall lapse.))
30
(k) $83,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $90,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
33
Senate Bill No. 5388 (DOC behavioral health cert.). ((If the bill is
34
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
35
shall lapse.))
36
(l) $222,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $228,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of House Bill
39
p. 287
SB 5998
No. 1068 (DOC WMS employee arbitration). ((If the bill is not enacted
1
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
2
lapse.))
3
(m) Within existing resources, and based on the budget structure
4
changes in policy transfers included in the 2025-27 biennial omnibus
5
operating budget, the department of corrections must submit the
6
following to the office of financial management and the legislative
7
accountability and evaluation program, by December 31, 2025:
8
(i) A narrative description of changes to include how these
9
changes will affect the availability and understanding of budget and
10
accounting information for policy makers and the public;
11
(ii) A crosswalk that displays details within the affected
12
programs
in
the
existing
structure
compared
to
the
revised
13
transferred structure;
14
(iii) A comparison of the current structure to the revised
15
transferred structure that must compare the current total estimated
16
biennial expenditures and FTEs for all programs, before and after the
17
changes; and
18
(iv) A comprehensive 10-year restructure of historical data.
19
(n) $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $2,163,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reopen and operate units at
22
Monroe correctional center to establish additional close custody
23
capacity.
24
(2) CORRECTIONAL OPERATIONS
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($785,488,000))
26
$810,941,000
27
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($812,962,000))
28
$838,958,000
29
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($4,326,000))
30
$1,317,000
31
((General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . $334,000))
32
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $577,000
33
Institutional Welfare/Betterment Account—State
34
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12,000,000
35
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $469,000
37
Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Account—
38
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,214,000
39
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SB 5998
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,621,370,000))
1
$1,669,476,000
2
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
3
following conditions and limitations:
4
(a) The department may contract for local jail beds statewide to
5
the extent that it is at no net cost to the department. The
6
department shall calculate and report the average cost per offender
7
per day, inclusive of all services, on an annual basis for a facility
8
that is representative of average medium or lower offender costs. The
9
department shall not pay a rate greater than $85 per day per offender
10
excluding the costs of department of corrections provided services,
11
including
evidence-based
substance
abuse
programming,
dedicated
12
department
of
corrections
classification
staff
on-site
for
13
individualized case management, transportation of offenders to and
14
from department of corrections facilities, and gender responsive
15
training for jail staff. The capacity provided at local correctional
16
facilities must be for offenders whom the department of corrections
17
defines as close medium or lower security offenders. Programming
18
provided for offenders held in local jurisdictions is included in the
19
rate, and details regarding the type and amount of programming, and
20
any conditions regarding transferring offenders must be negotiated
21
with the department as part of any contract. Local jurisdictions must
22
provide health care to offenders that meets standards set by the
23
department. The local jail must provide all medical care including
24
unexpected emergent care. The department must utilize a screening
25
process to ensure that offenders with existing extraordinary medical/
26
mental health needs are not transferred to local jail facilities. If
27
extraordinary medical conditions develop for an inmate while at a
28
jail facility, the jail may transfer the offender back to the
29
department, subject to terms of the negotiated agreement. Health care
30
costs incurred prior to transfer are the responsibility of the jail.
31
(b) $3,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $3,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department of
34
corrections to provide wages and gratuities of no less than $1.00 per
35
hour to incarcerated persons working in class III correctional
36
industries.
37
(c) Within the appropriated amounts in this subsection, the
38
department of corrections must provide a minimum of one dedicated
39
p. 289
SB 5998
prison
rape
elimination
act
compliance
specialist
at
each
1
institution.
2
(d) $284,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $284,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for maintenance and operation of
5
the sentencing calculation module for the offender management network
6
information system. Implementation of the sentencing calculation
7
module must result in a reduction of tolling staff within six months
8
of the project implementation date of July 1, 2025, and the
9
department must report this result. In addition, the report must
10
include the budgeted and actual tolling staffing levels by fiscal
11
month beginning with fiscal year 2023 and the count of tolling staff
12
reduced by fiscal month from date of implementation through six
13
months post implementation. The report must be submitted to the
14
senate ways and means and house appropriations committees within 30
15
calendar days after six months have passed since implementation.
16
(e) $5,316,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 and $5,316,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for restrictive housing to
19
reduce the use of solitary confinement by increasing correctional
20
staffing, incorporating mental health training, and implementing
21
change to restrictive housing environments.
22
(f) $2,802,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $2,805,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the AMEND collaboration and
25
training program.
26
(g) $1,411,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $1,411,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for reentry investments to
29
include state identification cards, reentry and discharge services
30
and staffing to support the iCOACH supervision model. The staffing
31
and resources must provide expanded reentry and discharge services to
32
include, but not limited to, transition services, preemployment
33
testing, enhanced discharge planning, housing voucher assistance,
34
cognitive behavioral interventions, educational programming, health
35
care discharge teams, and community partnership programs.
36
(h) $1,200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 is provided solely for one-time costs necessary to close
38
Mission Creek corrections center for women.
39
p. 290
SB 5998
(i) $172,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $230,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for direct variable costs at
3
Washington corrections center for women.
4
(j) $646,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $861,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
7
the facility, property, and assets at the Mission Creek corrections
8
center for women.
9
(k)
(($2,262,000))
$2,600,000
of
the
general
fund—state
10
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($2,949,000)) $3,276,000 of
11
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
12
provided solely for the department to reopen and operate living unit
13
L at the Washington corrections center for women.
14
(l) (($195,000)) $194,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
15
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for one-time staff relocation
16
costs given the closure of the Mission Creek corrections center for
17
women and various reentry centers.
18
(m) The department must report to and coordinate with the
19
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
20
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
21
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
22
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
23
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
24
(n) $3,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $3,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
27
Senate Bill No. 5139 (reentry council members). ((If the bill is not
28
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
29
shall lapse.))
30
(o) $2,871,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $2,871,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to operate
33
body scanner programs to conduct security screenings for employees,
34
contractors, visitors, volunteers, incarcerated individuals, and
35
other persons entering the secure perimeters at the Washington
36
corrections center for women and the Washington corrections center.
37
(p) $33,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
39
p. 291
SB 5998
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5219 (partial confinement). ((If the bill
1
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
2
subsection shall lapse.))
3
(q) $3,565,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $10,044,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reopen and operate units at
6
Monroe correctional center to establish additional close custody
7
capacity.
8
(3) COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($237,463,000))
10
$244,474,000
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($252,309,000))
12
$257,269,000
13
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($4,142,000))
14
$351,000
15
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($10,000))
16
$185,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($493,924,000))
18
$502,279,000
19
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
20
following conditions and limitations:
21
(a) The department of corrections shall contract with local and
22
tribal governments for jail capacity to house offenders who violate
23
the terms of their community supervision. A contract rate increase
24
may not exceed five percent each year. The department may negotiate
25
to include medical care of offenders in the contract rate if medical
26
payments conform to the department's offender health plan and
27
pharmacy formulary, and all off-site medical expenses are preapproved
28
by department utilization management staff. If medical care of
29
offender is included in the contract rate, the contract rate may
30
exceed five percent to include the cost of that service. The
31
department shall pay the bed rate for the day of release.
32
(b) The department shall engage in ongoing mitigation strategies
33
to reduce the costs associated with community supervision violators,
34
including
improvements
in
data
collection
and
reporting
and
35
alternatives to short-term confinement for low-level violators.
36
(c) $480,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $480,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for maintenance and operation of
39
p. 292
SB 5998
the sentencing calculation module for the offender management network
1
information system. Implementation of the sentencing calculation
2
module must result in a reduction of tolling staff within six months
3
of the project implementation date of July 1, 2025, and the
4
department must report this result. In addition, the report must
5
include the budgeted and actual tolling staffing levels by fiscal
6
month beginning with fiscal year 2023 and the count of tolling staff
7
reduced by fiscal month from date of implementation through six
8
months post implementation. The report must be submitted to the
9
senate ways and means and house appropriations committees within 30
10
calendar days after six months have passed since implementation.
11
(d) $110,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $110,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the AMEND collaboration and
14
training program.
15
(e) $19,027,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal
year
2026
and
$19,027,000
of
the
general
fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for reentry
18
investments to include reentry and discharge services and staffing to
19
support the iCOACH supervision model. The staffing and resources must
20
provide expanded reentry and discharge services to include, but not
21
limited to, transition services, preemployment testing, enhanced
22
discharge planning, housing voucher assistance, cognitive behavioral
23
interventions, educational programming, health care discharge teams,
24
and community partnership programs.
25
(f) $4,011,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $4,057,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing and operational
28
costs to operate the sixth avenue reentry center in Tacoma as a
29
state-run facility.
30
(g) $2,735,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $3,255,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing and operational
33
costs to operate the Eleanor Chase reentry center in Spokane as a
34
state-run facility.
35
(h) $3,465,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $4,257,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing and operational
38
p. 293
SB 5998
costs to operate the Brownstone reentry center in Spokane as a state-
1
run facility.
2
(i) $385,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $577,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
5
the facility, property, and assets at the Ahtanum view reentry center
6
in Yakima.
7
(j) $238,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $357,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
10
the facility, property, and assets at the Peninsula reentry center in
11
Port Orchard.
12
(k) $238,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $357,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
15
the facility, property, and assets at the Tri-Cities reentry center
16
in Kennewick.
17
(l) $252,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
19
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5219 (partial confinement). ((If the bill
20
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
21
subsection shall lapse.))
22
(4) CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($4,653,000))
24
$5,329,000
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($9,696,000))
26
$9,724,000
27
((General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $600,000
28
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . $1,034,000))
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($15,983,000))
30
$15,053,000
31
(5) INTERAGENCY PAYMENTS
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($72,125,000))
33
$105,710,000
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($63,129,000))
35
$109,627,000
36
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
37
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$50,000
38
p. 294
SB 5998
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($135,304,000))
1
$215,387,000
2
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
3
following conditions and limitations:
4
(a) $10,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $10,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
7
Senate Bill No. 5388 (DOC behavioral health cert.). ((If the bill is
8
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
9
shall lapse.))
10
(b) $101,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
11
year 2026 and $233,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reopen and operate units at
13
Monroe correctional center to establish additional close custody
14
capacity.
15
(6) OFFENDER CHANGE
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($89,407,000))
17
$48,294,000
18
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($91,651,000))
19
$49,484,000
20
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($1,436,000))
21
$226,000
22
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($182,494,000))
23
$98,004,000
24
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
25
following conditions and limitations:
26
(a) The department of corrections shall use funds appropriated in
27
this subsection (6) for programming for incarcerated individuals. The
28
department shall develop and implement a written comprehensive plan
29
for
programming
for
incarcerated
individuals
that
prioritizes
30
programs
which
follow
the
risk-needs-responsivity
model,
are
31
evidence-based, and have measurable outcomes. The department is
32
authorized to discontinue ineffective programs and to repurpose
33
underspent funds according to the priorities in the written plan.
34
(b) The department of corrections shall collaborate with the
35
state health care authority to explore ways to utilize federal
36
medicaid funds as a match to fund residential substance use disorder
37
treatment-based alternative beds under RCW 9.94A.664 under the drug
38
p. 295
SB 5998
offender sentencing alternative program and residential substance use
1
disorder treatment beds that serve individuals on community custody.
2
(c) $11,629,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal
year
2026
and
$11,629,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for expanded
5
reentry investments to include, but not be limited to, transition
6
services, preemployment testing, enhanced discharge planning, housing
7
voucher assistance, cognitive behavioral interventions, educational
8
programming, health care discharge teams, and community partnership
9
programs.
10
(d) Within existing resources, the department of corrections may
11
provide reentry support items such as disposable cell phones, prepaid
12
phone cards, hygiene kits, housing vouchers, and release medications
13
associated with individuals resentenced or ordered released from
14
confinement as a result of policies or court decisions including, but
15
not limited to, the State v. Blake decision.
16
(e) $122,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 and $122,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for work on reentry 2030,
19
continued internal and cross agency reentry collaboration, and work
20
on the state's medicaid 1115 transformation waiver impacts to the
21
department.
22
(f) $268,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $357,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for education services for
25
incarcerated
individuals
in
living
unit
L
of
the
Washington
26
corrections center for women.
27
(g) $450,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $601,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for substance use staffing and
30
treatment for incarcerated individuals in living unit L at the
31
Washington corrections center for women.
32
(h) $176,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $180,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
35
Senate Bill No. 5388 (DOC behavioral health cert.). ((If the bill is
36
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
37
shall lapse.))
38
p. 296
SB 5998
(i) $424,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $424,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to operate
3
body scanner programs to conduct security screenings for employees,
4
contractors, visitors, volunteers, incarcerated individuals, and
5
other persons entering the secure perimeters at the Washington
6
corrections center for women and the Washington corrections center.
7
(j) $297,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $405,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reopen and operate units at
10
Monroe correctional center to establish additional close custody
11
capacity.
12
(7) HEALTH CARE SERVICES
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($270,784,000))
14
$327,747,000
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($275,569,000))
16
$340,598,000
17
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($6,720,000))
18
$983,000
19
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($2,000))
20
$120,000
21
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($8,916,000))
23
$15,916,000
24
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($561,991,000))
25
$685,364,000
26
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
27
following conditions and limitations:
28
(a)
The
state
prison
medical
facilities
may
use
funds
29
appropriated in this subsection to purchase goods, supplies, and
30
services through hospital or other group purchasing organizations
31
when it is cost effective to do so.
32
(b) $13,605,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal
year
2026
and
$13,605,000
of
the
general
fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for medical
35
staffing in prisons for patient centered care and behavioral health
36
care. Funding must be used to increase access to care, addiction
37
care, and expanded screening of individuals in prison facilities to
38
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SB 5998
include chronic illnesses, infectious disease, diabetes, heart
1
disease, serious mental health, and behavioral health services.
2
(c) $2,238,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $2,238,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for restrictive housing to
5
reduce the use of solitary confinement by increasing correctional
6
staffing, incorporating mental health training, and implementing
7
change to restrictive housing environments.
8
(d) $441,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026 and $441,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the AMEND collaboration and
11
training program.
12
(e) $3,308,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $3,326,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for reentry investments to
15
include reentry and discharge services and staffing to support the
16
iCOACH supervision model. The staffing and resources must provide
17
expanded reentry and discharge services to include, but not limited
18
to, transition services, enhanced health care discharge planning,
19
case management, health care discharge teams, and evaluation of
20
physical health and behavioral health.
21
(f) (($8,916,000)) $15,916,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
22
account—state appropriation is provided solely for opioid treatment
23
for individuals in the department of corrections' custody on full
24
confinement. This funding is provided((:
25
(ii) To)) to ensure each and every single individual transferring
26
into the department of corrections' custody on full confinement is
27
provided medications for opioid use disorder if they were on
28
medications for opioid use disorder in jail or out of custody prior
29
to their transfer to the department of corrections.
30
(g) (($1,784,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,784,000
of
the
general
fund—state
32
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for medication
33
for the treatment of opioid use disorder to ensure each and every
34
single individual transferring into the department of corrections'
35
custody on full confinement is provided medications for opioid use
36
disorder if they were on medications for opioid use disorder in jail
37
or out of custody prior to their transfer to the department of
38
corrections.
39
p. 298
SB 5998
(h)))(i) (($2,505,000)) $1,454,000 of the general fund—state
1
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the
2
statewide electronic health records solution and is subject to the
3
conditions, limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of
4
this act. The federal match for the department is appropriated to the
5
health care authority, see section 211(60) of this act.
6
(ii) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
7
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
8
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
9
of two-week sprints.
10
(iii) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
11
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
12
(iv)(A) The department must collaborate with the department of
13
social and health services and the health care authority and, as a
14
team, must work to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule for
15
the statewide electronic health records solution.
16
(B) Beginning July 1, 2025, the department of corrections agency
17
project team shall provide necessary updates to the health care
18
authority foundational project team for the statewide electronic
19
health records solution within 15 calendar days of the end of each
20
fiscal quarter.
21
(C) The information provided to the health care authority shall
22
include how funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan
23
for the prior quarter by fiscal month and what the next quarter
24
budget will be by fiscal month.
25
(D) The requirements of the quarterly report are listed in
26
section 211(58) of this act.
27
(h) $628,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $9,183,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the statewide electronic
30
health
records
solution
and
is
subject
to
the
conditions,
31
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
32
(i) The department must ensure the development of the statewide
33
electronic health records solution includes consideration of national
34
interoperability standards, such as United States core data for
35
interoperability or the trusted exchange framework and common
36
agreement.
37
(ii) The department must work collaboratively with the University
38
of Washington and the department of social and health services, who
39
p. 299
SB 5998
are the state agencies included in the statewide electronic health
1
records solution project and, as a team, must work to successfully
2
meet budget, scope, and schedule for this project.
3
(i) $159,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $212,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for direct variable costs at
6
Washington corrections center for women.
7
(j) (($247,000)) $841,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
8
for fiscal year 2026 and (($329,000)) $1,149,000 of the general fund—
9
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
10
department to reopen and operate living unit L at the Washington
11
corrections center for women.
12
(k) $1,612,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $1,612,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to operate
15
body scanner programs to conduct security screenings for employees,
16
contractors, visitors, volunteers, incarcerated individuals, and
17
other persons entering the secure perimeters at the Washington
18
corrections center for women and the Washington corrections center.
19
(l) The department of corrections shall promptly notify the
20
office of the attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or
21
on behalf of a federal agency or a federal, state, or local law
22
enforcement authority for health care information, as defined in RCW
23
70.02.010,
program
eligibility
information
for
individuals,
24
information that may identify a health care provider's or facility's
25
delivery of health care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of
26
protected health care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the
27
request may impact expenditures for such services. The department of
28
corrections
shall
require
contracted
entities
to
notify
the
29
department of corrections promptly upon receipt of a request from a
30
federal agency or law enforcement authority as described in this
31
subsection.
32
(m) $451,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $468,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
35
Senate Bill No. 5388 (DOC behavioral health cert.). ((If the bill is
36
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
37
shall lapse.))
38
p. 300
SB 5998
(n) $2,256,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $6,753,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reopen and operate units at
3
Monroe correctional center to establish additional close custody
4
capacity.
5
(o) $5,200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 is provided solely for legal costs that exceed the amount
7
covered by the self-insurance liability account for costs associated
8
with a settlement agreement reached in Estavillo v. Washington State
9
Department of Corrections, King County Superior Court, Cause No.
10
24-2-13933-8 KNT.
11
Sec. 231. 2025 c 424 s 231 (uncodified) is amended to read as
12
follows:
13
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($5,820,000))
15
$5,945,000
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($6,060,000))
17
$6,160,000
18
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($29,824,000))
19
$42,024,000
20
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $68,000
21
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($41,772,000))
22
$54,197,000
23
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
24
conditions and limitations: $99,000 of the general fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $99,000 of the general fund—
26
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
27
grants to federally recognized tribes of Washington to support
28
culturally
appropriate
vocational
rehabilitation
services,
29
independent living, youth supports, and adaptive technologies for
30
tribal members who are blind, low-visioned, or deaf-blind.
31
Sec. 232. 2025 c 424 s 232 (uncodified) is amended to read as
32
follows:
33
FOR THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . $18,000
35
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($180,070,000))
36
$164,366,000
37
p. 301
SB 5998
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($38,716,000))
1
$38,761,000
2
Unemployment Compensation Administration Account—
3
Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($307,077,000))
4
$310,756,000
5
Administrative Contingency Account—State
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($44,230,000))
7
$47,622,000
8
Employment Service Administrative Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($126,348,000))
10
$127,958,000
11
Family and Medical Leave Insurance Account—State
12
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($192,400,000))
13
$194,236,000
14
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Account—State
15
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($49,760,000))
16
$49,891,000
17
Workforce Education Investment Account—State
18
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$26,000
19
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($938,645,000))
20
$933,634,000
21
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
22
conditions and limitations:
23
(1) The department is directed to maximize the use of federal
24
funds. The department must update its budget annually to align
25
expenditures with anticipated changes in projected revenues.
26
(2) $6,397,000 of the long-term services and supports trust
27
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
28
the
long-term
services
and
support
trust
program
information
29
technology project and is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
30
review provided in section 701 of this act.
31
(3) Within existing resources, the department must reassess its
32
ongoing staffing and funding needs for the paid family medical leave
33
program and submit documentation of the updated need to the governor
34
and appropriate committees of the legislature by October 1st of each
35
fiscal year.
36
(4) Within existing resources, the department shall report the
37
following to the legislature and the governor by October 15th of each
38
fiscal year:
39
p. 302
SB 5998
(a) An inventory of the department's programs, services, and
1
activities, identifying federal, state, and other funding sources for
2
each;
3
(b) Federal grants received by the department, segregated by line
4
of business or activity, for the most recent five fiscal years, and
5
the applicable rules;
6
(c) State funding available to the department, segregated by line
7
of business or activity, for the most recent five fiscal years;
8
(d) A history of staffing levels by line of business or activity,
9
identifying sources of state or federal funding, for the most recent
10
five fiscal years;
11
(e) A projected spending plan for the employment services
12
administrative account and the administrative contingency account.
13
The spending plan must include forecasted revenues and estimated
14
expenditures under various economic scenarios.
15
(5) $4,684,000 of the administrative contingency account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for career connected learning grants
17
as provided in RCW 28C.30.050, including sector intermediary grants,
18
technical assistance and support grants, and administrative expenses
19
associated with grant administration.
20
(6)(a) (($9,154,000)) $14,255,000 of the employment service
21
administrative account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
22
replacement of the WorkSource integrated technology platform. The
23
replacement
system
must
support
the
workforce
administration
24
The text is cut here.
As enrolled or final
1,540,176 characters · the first 721,887 are shown
CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT
ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5998
Chapter 268, Laws of 2026
(partial veto)
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
OPERATING BUDGET—SUPPLEMENTAL
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 1, 2026
Passed by the Senate March 12, 2026
Yeas 28 Nays 21
DENNY HECK
President of the Senate
Passed by the House March 12, 2026
Yeas 54 Nays 43
LAURIE JINKINS
Speaker of the House of
Representatives
CERTIFICATE
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of
the
Senate
of
the
State
of
Washington, do hereby certify that
the
attached
is
ENGROSSED
SUBSTITUTE
SENATE
BILL
5998
as
passed by the Senate and the House
of Representatives on the dates
hereon set forth.
SARAH BANNISTER
Secretary
Approved April 1, 2026 10:06 AM with
the exception of certain items that
were vetoed (see veto message).
FILED
April 1, 2026
BOB FERGUSON
Governor of the State of Washington
Secretary of State
State of Washington
AN ACT Relating to fiscal matters; amending RCW 28B.15.210,
1
28B.15.310,
28B.35.370,
28B.50.360,
28B.76.526,
29B.60.080,
2
38.40.210, 41.24.030, 41.45.060, 41.45.070, 43.07.130, 43.41.399,
3
43.43.839, 43.43.944, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.88.030,
4
43.88.055, 43.105.342, 43.216.828, 43.280.130, 43.330.767, 50.24.014,
5
70.168.040,
70.170.080,
70A.15.1010,
70A.65.260,
70A.200.140,
6
71A.20.170,
74.39A.032,
74.46.561,
82.87.030,
89.16.020,
and
7
90.48.465; amending 2025 c 424 ss 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,
8
108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122,
9
123, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137,
10
138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151,
11
152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207,
12
208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,
13
222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235,
14
236, 237, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312,
15
401, 402, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 511, 512, 513,
16
515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 601, 605, 606, 607, 608,
17
609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 701, 702, 704,
18
713, 719, 722, 723, 727, 709, 729, 732, 740, 726, 714, 801, 805, 901,
19
907, 909, and 913 (uncodified); adding new sections to 2025 c 424
20
(uncodified); making appropriations; and declaring an emergency.
21
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
22
ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5998
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Passed Legislature - 2026 Regular Session
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Senate Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Robinson and
Nobles; by request of Office of Financial Management)
READ FIRST TIME 02/25/26.
p. 1
ESSB 5998.SL
PART I
1
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
2
Sec. 101. 2025 c 424 s 101 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($61,985,000))
6
$62,240,000
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($65,250,000))
8
$66,649,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($127,235,000))
10
$128,889,000
11
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
12
conditions and limitations: $250,000 of the general fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for expenses of
14
the joint legislative-executive committee on budget transparency and
15
fiscal sustainability established in section 907 of this act,
16
including any contracts authorized pursuant to section 907(4) of this
17
act.
18
Sec. 102. 2025 c 424 s 102 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE SENATE
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($45,521,000))
22
$45,533,000
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($50,984,000))
24
$51,948,000
25
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($96,505,000))
26
$97,481,000
27
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
28
conditions and limitations: $250,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for expenses of
30
the joint legislative-executive committee on budget transparency and
31
fiscal sustainability established in section 907 of this act,
32
including any contracts authorized pursuant to section 907(4) of this
33
act.
34
Sec. 103. 2025 c 424 s 103 (uncodified) is amended to read as
35
follows:
36
p. 2
ESSB 5998.SL
FOR THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE
1
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,910,000))
3
$13,966,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,910,000))
5
$13,966,000
6
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
7
conditions and limitations:
8
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the joint
9
legislative audit and review committee may adjust the due dates for
10
projects included on the committee's 2025-2027 work plan as necessary
11
to efficiently manage workload.
12
(2)(a) $400,000 of the performance audits of government account—
13
state appropriation is for the joint legislative audit and review
14
committee to review the department of children, youth, and families
15
juvenile rehabilitation programs as listed on the committee's
16
approved work plan, including:
17
(i) Review the department of children, youth, and families
18
juvenile rehabilitation program's existing processes and staffing
19
methodology used for determining adequate staffing ratios to meet the
20
confinement and rehabilitative needs of the juveniles and ensure
21
public safety;
22
(ii)
Review
procedures
and
protocols
for
professional
23
development, hiring and recruitment, and training for staff serving
24
youth in juvenile rehabilitation institutions, with a focus on how
25
staff are trained to implement rehabilitative practices;
26
(iii) Review youth access to programming, treatment, and services
27
including, but not limited to, educational programming, treatment and
28
services for youth experiencing substance use disorder, behavioral
29
health treatment, available reentry services such as housing, job
30
training, and other supports, access to technology services, family
31
and community connections, and other programming and services offered
32
by
the
department
to
provide
youth
with
rehabilitation
and
33
restorative interventions;
34
(iv) Review existing security and safety measures, including the
35
use
of
disciplinary
procedures
for
total
isolation
and
room
36
confinement, adopted by the department and their effectiveness in
37
meeting the unique needs of the juvenile population in the custody of
38
the department;
39
p. 3
ESSB 5998.SL
(v) Review how often and how many youth face new juvenile or
1
adult criminal offense charges, convictions, or both while residing
2
at
juvenile
rehabilitation
institutions
and
potential
future
3
consequences that may occur as a result such as sentence extension,
4
likelihood of recidivism, health impacts, and effects regarding
5
criminal records;
6
(vi) Assess gender equity regarding education, employment, and
7
career options for female youth;
8
(vii) Review how staffing impacts youth-on-youth conflict and
9
safety;
10
(viii) Review best practices from other states regarding security
11
and safety measures, programming opportunities, reentry supports,
12
staff training and professional development, and staffing ratios, and
13
identify options that may be feasible to adopt in Washington state to
14
increase public safety and the security, programming options,
15
treatment services, and rehabilitation mission of the department's
16
juvenile rehabilitation institutions;
17
(ix) Review the department's existing processes for responding to
18
critical incidents, including communication and cooperation with
19
local law enforcement, and identify areas for improvement; and
20
(x) Review the impacts of changes in average daily population,
21
longer lengths of stay, longer sentences, increases in maximum age of
22
release, increases in more serious offense types and adult sentences,
23
and related effects of chapter 322, Laws of 2019.
24
(b) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall report
25
its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate
26
committees of the legislature by June 30, 2026. The report shall
27
include recommendations on supporting the juvenile rehabilitation
28
program's efforts to gradually move young people from carceral
29
settings to least restrictive environments to improve positive
30
reentry outcomes.
31
(3) $400,000 of the performance audits of government account—
32
state appropriation is for the joint legislative audit and review
33
committee to evaluate the ignition interlock device revolving account
34
including the compliance and monitoring results associated with the
35
device requirements, as listed on the committee's approved work plan.
36
The evaluation must include but is not limited to the following:
37
(a) An assessment of the compliance rates for individuals with a
38
legal requirement to have an ignition interlock device installed on
39
their vehicle;
40
p. 4
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) A review of impediments of barriers to individual compliance
1
with ignition interlock device installation and use requirements;
2
(c) An examination of state and local agency performance in
3
monitoring and enforcing ignition interlock device requirements; and
4
(d) Prioritized recommendations of potential procedural, policy,
5
or statutory changes, including additional fiscal resources to state
6
or local agencies which will improve ignition interlock device
7
compliance rates. The joint legislative and audit review committee
8
must prioritize the evaluation of compliance and results associated
9
with the state's ignition interlock device requirements in its work
10
plan for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
11
(4) $150,000 of the performance audits of government account—
12
state appropriation is for the joint legislative audit and review
13
committee to review the department of natural resources long-term
14
forest health planning and sustainable harvest approach as listed on
15
the committee's approved work plan.
16
(5) Within the amount appropriated in this section, the joint
17
legislative audit and review committee shall conduct the audit
18
required under Second Substitute House Bill No. 1715 (energy
19
standard/comply cost).
20
(6)(a) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall
21
review auditing, accountability, and risk management practices across
22
Washington's state agencies. The review may consider:
23
(i) Existing internal controls, oversight processes, a sample of
24
state programs that oversee and administer grants, loans and
25
contracts, and the role of the state auditor, internal auditors
26
within agencies, and the office of financial management in preventing
27
fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement;
28
(ii) Gaps, weaknesses, or inefficiencies in current auditing and
29
accountability practices;
30
(iii) A comparison of Washington's auditing and accountability
31
practices to those of other states, highlighting models, strategies,
32
or tools that have proven effective elsewhere; and
33
(iv) Options for enhancing statewide accountability that are
34
produced in clear and accessible language, highlighting actionable
35
steps that could improve accountability and stewardship of public
36
funds.
37
(b) The committee shall report on the results of the performance
38
audit, including findings and recommendations, to the legislature by
39
June 30, 2027.
40
p. 5
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 104. 2025 c 424 s 104 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE LEGISLATIVE EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM COMMITTEE
3
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,607,000))
5
$5,627,000
6
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,607,000))
7
$5,627,000
8
Sec. 105. 2025 c 424 s 105 (uncodified) is amended to read as
9
follows:
10
FOR THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE SYSTEMS COMMITTEE
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($23,263,000))
12
$23,261,000
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($22,084,000))
14
$22,213,000
15
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($45,347,000))
16
$45,474,000
17
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
18
conditions and limitations:
19
(1) Within the amounts provided in this section, the joint
20
legislative systems committee shall provide information technology
21
support, including but not limited to internet service, for the
22
district offices of members of the house of representatives and the
23
senate.
24
(2) $1,003,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 is provided solely for purchasing IT equipment for the
26
Pritchard building.
27
Sec. 106. 2025 c 424 s 106 (uncodified) is amended to read as
28
follows:
29
FOR THE OFFICE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LABOR RELATIONS
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($919,000))
31
$925,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($933,000))
33
$969,000
34
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,852,000))
35
$1,894,000
36
p. 6
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 107. 2025 c 424 s 107 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ACTUARY
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $404,000
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . $422,000
5
State Health Care Authority Administrative Account—
6
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $318,000
7
Department of Retirement Systems Expense Account—
8
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($7,684,000))
9
$7,717,000
10
School Employees' Insurance Administrative Account—
11
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265,000
12
Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers'
13
Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . $50,000
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($9,093,000))
15
$9,176,000
16
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
17
conditions and limitations:
18
(1) The select committee on pension policy shall study and report
19
on the tax, legal, actuarial, pension policy, and administrative
20
implications of merging the legacy pension systems as contemplated in
21
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5085 (closed retirement plans) and
22
terminating plan 1 of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters'
23
retirement system as contemplated in Substitute House Bill No. 2034
24
(LEOFF 1 restatement). The department of retirement systems, the
25
attorney general's office, the office of the state treasurer, the
26
Washington state investment board, and the office of the state
27
actuary shall provide the select committee on pension policy with
28
assistance as requested. The select committee on pension policy shall
29
submit a report to include key findings to the fiscal committees of
30
the legislature by January 9, 2026.
31
(2) $50,000 of the volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers'
32
administrative account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
33
office to review the board of volunteer firefighters and reserve
34
officers relief and pension funds and evaluate whether the current
35
annual allocation of fire insurance premium tax provides sufficient
36
funding, together with member and employer contributions, to meet the
37
plan's systematic actuarial required contributions while mitigating
38
p. 7
ESSB 5998.SL
the risk of excess funding. The office shall provide findings to the
1
appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2026.
2
Sec. 108. 2025 c 424 s 108 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE STATUTE LAW COMMITTEE
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($6,429,000))
6
$6,226,000
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($6,245,000))
8
$6,506,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($12,674,000))
10
$12,732,000
11
Sec. 109. 2025 c 424 s 109 (uncodified) is amended to read as
12
follows:
13
FOR THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($6,568,000))
15
$6,629,000
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($6,926,000))
17
$7,246,000
18
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,494,000))
19
$13,875,000
20
Sec. 110. 2025 c 424 s 111 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE SUPREME COURT
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($15,979,000))
24
$15,976,000
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($16,247,000))
26
$16,230,000
27
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($32,226,000))
28
$32,206,000
29
The legislature respectfully requests that by November 1, 2026,
30
the family well-being community collaborative work group of the
31
supreme court commission on children in foster care provide a report
32
to the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding the work
33
group's recommendations for court processes for child welfare cases
34
without removal from the home.
35
p. 8
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 111. 2025 c 424 s 112 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,935,000))
4
$2,934,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,863,000))
6
$2,880,000
7
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,798,000))
8
$5,814,000
9
Sec. 112. 2025 c 424 s 113 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE COURT OF APPEALS
12
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($27,987,000))
13
$27,976,000
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($28,640,000))
15
$28,629,000
16
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($56,627,000))
17
$56,605,000
18
*Sec. 113. 2025 c 424 s 114 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE COURTS
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($108,147,000))
22
$108,793,000
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($109,947,000))
24
$115,553,000
25
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $2,209,000
26
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $681,000
27
Judicial Stabilization Trust Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($36,639,000))
29
$37,784,000
30
Judicial Information Systems Account—State
31
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($79,530,000))
32
$83,437,000
33
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
34
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $940,000
35
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($338,093,000))
36
$349,397,000
37
p. 9
ESSB 5998.SL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1) The distributions made under this section and distributions
3
from the county criminal justice assistance account made pursuant to
4
section 801 of this act constitute appropriate reimbursement for
5
costs for any new programs or increased level of service for purposes
6
of RCW 43.135.060.
7
(2)(a) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
9
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
10
distribution to county juvenile court administrators for the costs
11
associated with processing and case management of truancy, children
12
in need of services, and at-risk youth referrals. The administrator
13
for
the
courts,
in
conjunction
with
the
juvenile
court
14
administrators, shall develop an equitable funding distribution
15
formula. The formula must neither reward counties with higher than
16
average per-petition/referral processing costs nor shall it penalize
17
counties with lower than average per-petition/referral processing
18
costs.
19
(b) Each fiscal year during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, each
20
county shall report the number of petitions processed and the total
21
actual costs of processing truancy, children in need of services, and
22
at-risk youth petitions. Counties shall submit the reports to the
23
administrator for the courts no later than 45 days after the end of
24
the
fiscal
year.
The
administrator
for
the
courts
shall
25
electronically transmit this information to the chairs and ranking
26
minority members of the house of representatives and senate fiscal
27
committees no later than 60 days after a fiscal year ends. These
28
reports are informational in nature and are not for the purpose of
29
distributing funds.
30
(c) In the report required under this subsection for fiscal year
31
2026, the administrator for the courts shall additionally recommend
32
reforms to the distribution of costs associated with processing and
33
case management of truancy, children in need of services, and at-risk
34
youth referrals that would:
35
(i) Improve outcomes for children in the juvenile court system;
36
(ii)
More
efficiently
cover
costs
for
juvenile
court
37
administrators;
38
(iii) Reduce abuses of the juvenile court system; and
39
p. 10
ESSB 5998.SL
(iv) Provide more efficient use of state dollars in the juvenile
1
court system.
2
(3) $3,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2027 is provided solely for distribution to superior courts
4
(juvenile court administrators) for early intervention and prevention
5
services that support and provide direct and wrap-around services for
6
truant and at-risk youth, children in need of services, and their
7
families. The administrator for the courts, in conjunction with the
8
juvenile court administrators, shall develop an equitable funding
9
distribution formula. Funding must be used solely for services for
10
youth in the county juvenile justice system, which may include
11
staffing used to provide direct services to youth, but may not be
12
used for general court staff salaries.
13
(4) (($6,000,000)) $6,625,000 of the judicial stabilization trust
14
account—state appropriation is provided solely for distribution to
15
local courts for costs associated with the court-appointed attorney
16
and visitor requirements set forth in the uniform guardianship act,
17
chapter 11.130 RCW. If the amount provided in this subsection is
18
insufficient to fully fund the local court costs, distributions must
19
be reduced on a proportional basis to ensure that expenditures remain
20
within the available funds provided in this subsection.
21
(((4))) (5) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
23
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the administrative
24
office of the courts to use as matching funds to distribute to small
25
municipal and county courts, located in a rural county as defined in
26
RCW 43.160.020, for the purpose of increasing security for court
27
facilities. Grants must be used solely for security equipment and
28
services for municipal, district, and superior courts and may not be
29
used for staffing or administrative costs.
30
(((5))) (6) $5,937,000 of the judicial stabilization trust
31
account—state appropriation is provided solely to establish a direct
32
refund process to individuals to refund legal financial obligations,
33
collection costs, and document-verified costs paid to third parties
34
previously paid by defendants whose convictions have been vacated by
35
court order due to the State v. Blake ruling. Superior court clerks,
36
district court administrators, and municipal court administrators
37
must certify and send to the office the amount of any refund ordered
38
by the court. The court order must either contain the amount of the
39
p. 11
ESSB 5998.SL
refund or provide language for the clerk or court administrator to
1
certify to the office the amount to be refunded to the individual.
2
(((6))) (7) $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026 and $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for activities of the office
5
relating to the resentencing or vacating convictions of individuals
6
and refund of legal financial obligations and costs associated with
7
the State v. Blake ruling. In addition to contracting with cities and
8
counties for the disbursement of funds appropriated for resentencing
9
costs, the office must:
10
(a) Collaborate with superior court clerks, district court
11
administrators,
and
municipal
court
administrators
to
prepare
12
comprehensive reports, based on available court records, of all cause
13
numbers impacted by State v. Blake going back to 1971. Such reports
14
must include the refund amount related to each cause number;
15
(b) In collaboration with the office of public defense and the
16
office of civil legal aid, establish a process that can be used by
17
individuals
seeking
a
refund,
provide
individuals
information
18
regarding the application process necessary to claim a refund, and
19
issue payments from the refund bureau to individuals certified in
20
subsection (((5))) (6) of this section; and
21
(c) Collaborate with counties and municipalities to adopt
22
standard coding for application to State v. Blake convictions and to
23
develop a standardized practice regarding vacated convictions.
24
(((7))) (8) $7,563,000 of the judicial stabilization trust
25
account—state appropriation is provided solely to assist counties and
26
cities with costs of complying with the State v. Blake decision that
27
arise from their role in operating the state's criminal justice
28
system, including resentencing, vacating prior convictions for simple
29
drug possession, to include cannabis and possession of paraphernalia,
30
and certifying refunds of legal financial obligations and collections
31
costs. The office shall contract with counties and cities for
32
judicial, clerk, defense, and prosecution expenses for these purposes
33
if requested by a county or city. A county or city may designate the
34
office to use available funding to administer a vacate process, or a
35
portion of the vacate process, on behalf of the county or city. The
36
office must collaborate with counties and cities to adopt standard
37
coding for application to Blake convictions and to develop a
38
standardized practice regarding vacated convictions.
39
p. 12
ESSB 5998.SL
(((8))) (9) $4,188,000 of the judicial stabilization trust
1
account—state appropriation is provided solely for decision-making
2
assistance pursuant to chapter 267, Laws of 2024 (2SSB 5825). During
3
the
fiscal
biennium,
in
conformity
with
RCW
2.72.030,
the
4
administrative office of the courts shall collect uniform and
5
consistent data on decision making assistance to include, but not
6
limited to: The number of requests for decision making assistance
7
received from hospitals, the number of guardianships and less
8
restrictive alternatives to guardianships provided, the support and
9
housing provided, and any other data related to case monitoring and
10
management.
11
(((9))) (10) $242,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
13
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1163 (firearms purchase). ((If the
14
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
15
subsection shall lapse.
16
(10) $520,000)) (11) $1,040,000 of the judicial stabilization
17
trust account—state appropriation is provided solely for pilot self-
18
help centers in two courthouses, one on each side of the state.
19
Within the amount provided in this subsection, by December 31, 2026,
20
the administrator for the courts shall report to the fiscal
21
committees of the legislature on whether self-help centers should be
22
expanded to additional counties or remain in the counties selected
23
for the pilot project, or whether funding for the pilot project
24
should be discontinued at the end of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
25
(12) $249,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $133,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
28
Substitute House Bill No. 1391 (court alternatives/youth). ((If the
29
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
30
subsection shall lapse.))
31
(13) $600,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $1,094,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 ((is)) are provided solely for the statewide fiscal
34
impact on Thurston county courts. It is the intent of the legislature
35
that this policy will be continued in subsequent fiscal biennia.
36
(14) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
p. 13
ESSB 5998.SL
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to address data quality issues
1
across Washington state court management systems.
2
(15) $12,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 is provided solely for the administrative office of the
4
courts for data management and research related to conducting
5
statewide research on the proportionality of court charges in
6
Washington state based on race and ethnicity.
7
(16) $440,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill No.
9
5868 (superior court judges). If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
10
2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
11
(17) $1,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute House
13
Bill No. 2355 (domestic workers). If the bill is not enacted by June
14
30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
15
(18) $188,000 of the judicial information systems account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
17
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6066 (crash prevention zones). If
18
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
19
subsection shall lapse.
20
(19) $11,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
21
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second
22
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6070 (recovery of missing persons). If the
23
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
24
subsection shall lapse.
25
(20) $10,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
27
Bill No. 5855 (law enf. face coverings) and Engrossed Substitute
28
Senate Bill No. 6002 (driver privacy).
29
*Sec. 113 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 114. 2025 c 424 s 115 (uncodified) is amended to read as
30
follows:
31
FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($83,336,000))
33
$80,837,000
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($84,113,000))
35
$87,547,000
36
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $40,000
37
p. 14
ESSB 5998.SL
Judicial Stabilization Trust Account—State
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($19,056,000))
2
$19,054,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($186,505,000))
4
$187,478,000
5
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1) $900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the purpose of improving the
10
quality of trial court public defense services as authorized by
11
chapter 10.101 RCW. The office of public defense must allocate these
12
amounts so that $450,000 per fiscal year is distributed to counties,
13
and $450,000 per fiscal year is distributed to cities, for grants
14
under chapter 10.101 RCW.
15
(2) $2,632,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $2,812,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of public defense
18
to administer contracts for appellate attorneys to cover a backlog of
19
case assignments and increasing workload associated with indigent
20
appeals. The office shall provide training for contracted attorneys.
21
(3)(a) $8,615,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—
22
state appropriation is provided solely to:
23
(i) Assist counties and cities with public defense services
24
related to vacating the convictions of defendants and/or resentencing
25
for defendants whose convictions or sentences are affected by the
26
State v. Blake decision. The office of public defense will:
27
(A) Provide statewide attorney training, technical assistance,
28
data analysis and reporting, and quality oversight, to administer
29
financial assistance for public defense costs related to State v.
30
Blake impacts;
31
(B) Maintain a triage team to provide statewide support to the
32
management and flow of hearings for individuals impacted by the State
33
v. Blake decision; and
34
(C)
Assist
counties
and
cities
in
providing
counsel
for
35
defendants seeking to vacate a conviction and/or be resentenced under
36
State v. Blake. Assistance shall be allocated to counties and cities
37
based upon a formula established by the office of public defense.
38
Counties may receive assistance by applying for grant funding and/or
39
p. 15
ESSB 5998.SL
designating the office of public defense to contract directly with
1
counsel. The office of public defense shall contract directly with
2
counsel to assist cities under this subsection; and
3
(ii) Administer statutory duties under RCW 2.70.200 through the
4
simple possession advocacy and representation program.
5
(b) Of the amounts provided in this subsection, the office of
6
public defense may utilize up to $5,000 for fiscal year 2026 and
7
$5,000 for fiscal year 2027 to address emergency needs for clients
8
served by the simple possession advocacy and representation program.
9
Temporary, limited assistance may be made available to address short
10
term urgent needs that, if unaddressed, could cause clients to miss
11
court dates or fail to engage in court-ordered services. The office
12
of public defense shall establish eligibility criteria and an
13
expedited
process
for
reviewing
financial
assistance
requests
14
submitted by SPAR program contractors.
15
(4) $40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of public defense
18
to address emergency safety assistance and other urgent needs for
19
clients served by the parents representation program. Temporary,
20
limited assistance may be made available for short-term housing,
21
utilities, transportation, food assistance, and other urgent needs
22
that, if unaddressed, could adversely impact dependency case outcomes
23
and impede successful family reunification. The office of public
24
defense shall utilize eligibility criteria and an expedited process
25
for reviewing financial assistance requests submitted by parents
26
representation program contractors.
27
(5) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the parents for parents
30
program, as established by RCW 2.70.060 through 2.70.090. Funds must
31
be used to maintain and improve the parents for parents service
32
model, including host organizations and county coordinators.
33
(6) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 is provided solely for the office of public defense to
35
contract
with
a
nonprofit
organization
in
eastern
Washington
36
providing peer-led reentry services such as peer coaching, basic
37
needs,
housing
resources,
behavioral
health
treatment,
family
38
support, civic engagement, and voting education. The organization
39
p. 16
ESSB 5998.SL
must have a history of collaboration with the department of
1
corrections to provide trainings on trauma to individuals reentering
2
the community after incarceration. The organization shall provide
3
comprehensive trainings, resources and referrals to individuals with
4
a history of reentry from incarceration.
5
(7)
(($13,600,000))
$12,700,000
of
the
general
fund—state
6
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($13,600,000)) $12,700,000 of
7
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
8
provided solely for the office of public defense to administer funds
9
to counties and cities pursuant to formulas established in RCW
10
10.101.050 through 10.101.080.
11
(8) $1,808,000 of the judicial stabilization trust account—state
12
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter 293,
13
Laws of 2024 (2SSB 5780).
14
(9) $102,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $102,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
17
Senate Bill No. 5149 (early childhood court prg.). ((If the bill is
18
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
19
shall lapse.))
20
Sec. 115. 2025 c 424 s 116 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE OFFICE OF CIVIL LEGAL AID
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($66,083,000))
24
$66,084,000
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($64,483,000))
26
$69,355,000
27
Judicial Stabilization Trust Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,464,000
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($132,030,000))
30
$136,903,000
31
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
32
conditions and limitations:
33
(1) $8,611,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and (($8,611,000)) $9,430,000 of the general fund—state
35
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
36
appointed counsel program for children and youth in dependency cases
37
under RCW 13.34.212(3) in accordance with revised practice, caseload,
38
p. 17
ESSB 5998.SL
and training standards adopted by the supreme court commission on
1
children in foster care. The amounts provided in this subsection
2
incudes
funding
for
implementation
of
Senate
Bill
No.
5761
3
(dependency/attorney appt.).
4
(2) $2,579,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $2,579,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the provision of civil legal
7
information, advice, and representation for tenants at risk of
8
eviction but not yet eligible for appointed counsel services under
9
RCW 59.18.640.
10
(3) $19,612,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2026 and (($16,898,000)) $19,898,000 of the general fund—
12
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
13
appointed counsel program for tenants in unlawful detainer cases
14
established in RCW 59.18.640. The office of civil legal aid shall
15
assign priority to providing legal representation to indigent tenants
16
in those counties in which the most evictions occur and to indigent
17
tenants who are disproportionately at risk of eviction, as provided
18
in RCW 59.18.640.
19
(4) An amount not to exceed $40,000 of the general fund—state
20
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and an amount not to exceed
21
$40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027
22
may be used to provide telephonic legal advice and assistance to
23
otherwise eligible persons who are 60 years of age or older on
24
matters authorized by RCW 2.53.030(2) (a) through (k) regardless of
25
household income or asset level.
26
(5) $604,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $607,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to the office of civil legal aid
29
to maintain a kinship care legal advice phone line and support
30
program. The program provides guidance and legal advice to kinship
31
caregivers on topics including kinship care, guardianship, the child
32
welfare system, and issues related to child custody.
33
(6) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of civil legal
36
aid to continue civil legal aid services for survivors of domestic
37
violence, including legal services for protection order proceedings,
38
family law cases, immigration assistance, and other civil legal
39
p. 18
ESSB 5998.SL
issues arising from or related to the domestic violence they
1
experienced.
2
(7) $1,007,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and (($1,022,000)) $1,272,000 of the general fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
5
of civil legal aid to continue the statewide reentry legal aid
6
project as established in section 115(12), chapter 357, Laws of 2020.
7
(8) $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of chapter
10
328, Laws of 2024 (E2SSB 6109).
11
(9) $783,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and (($783,000)) $1,566,000 of the general fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
14
of civil legal aid to establish a program for the provision of civil
15
legal services to medicaid-eligible long-term care residents being
16
discharged from a provider-owned setting.
17
Sec. 116. 2025 c 424 s 117 (uncodified) is amended to read as
18
follows:
19
FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($23,479,000))
21
$23,752,000
22
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($23,590,000))
23
$23,478,000
24
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $634,000
25
Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,215,000
27
GOV Central Service Account—State Appropriation. . . (($20,473,000))
28
$20,653,000
29
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
30
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $854,000
31
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($70,611,000))
32
$71,586,000
33
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
34
conditions and limitations:
35
(1) $1,146,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $1,146,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
p. 19
ESSB 5998.SL
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of the education
1
ombuds.
2
(2) $20,473,000 of the GOV central service account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for the office of equity.
4
(3) $1,187,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $1,187,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
7
House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the bill is
8
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
9
shall lapse.)) Within amounts provided in this subsection:
10
(a)
(($1,136,000))
$1,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
11
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($1,137,000)) $1,000,000 of
12
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
13
provided solely for flexible funding to support children in crisis.
14
Uses of the flexible funding include, but are not limited to:
15
(i) Residential, housing, or wraparound supports that facilitate
16
the safe discharge of children in crisis from hospitals;
17
(ii) Support for families and caregivers to mitigate the risk of
18
a child going into or returning to a state of crisis;
19
(iii) Respite and relief services for families and caregivers
20
that would assist in the safe discharge of a child in crisis from a
21
hospital, or prevent or mitigate a child's future hospitalization due
22
to crisis; or
23
(iv) Any support or service that would expedite a safe discharge
24
of a child in crisis from an acute care hospital or that would
25
prevent or mitigate a child's future hospitalization due to crisis.
26
(b)
Flexible
funding
expenditures
may
not
be
used
for
27
administrative expenses.
28
(c) The project director in Substitute House Bill No. 1272
29
(children in crisis program) must approve any expenditures of
30
flexible funding.
31
(4) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
32
Washington state office of equity must cofacilitate the Washington
33
digital equity forum with the statewide broadband office.
34
(5) $328,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
35
year 2026 and $318,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
36
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Senate
37
Bill No. 5032 (juvenile rehab ombuds). ((If the bill is not enacted
38
p. 20
ESSB 5998.SL
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
1
lapse.))
2
(6) $7,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $7,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Senate
5
Bill No. 5199 (DCYF oversight board comp.). ((If the bill is not
6
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
7
shall lapse.))
8
(7)(a) $240,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
10
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the governor to invite
11
federally
recognized
tribes,
local
governments,
agricultural
12
producers, commercial and recreational fisher organizations, business
13
organizations,
salmon
recovery
organizations,
forestry
and
14
agricultural
organizations,
and
environmental
organizations
to
15
participate in a process facilitated by an independent entity to
16
develop recommendations on proposed changes in policy and spending
17
priorities to improve riparian habitat to ensure salmon and steelhead
18
recovery.
19
(i) The independent entity must develop recommendations on
20
furthering riparian funding and policy including, but not limited to,
21
strategies that can attract private investment in improving riparian
22
habitat and developing a regulatory or compensation strategy if
23
voluntary programs do not achieve concrete targets.
24
(ii) Preliminary recommendations shall be submitted to the
25
legislature and governor by June 1, 2026, with a final report by
26
November 15, 2026.
27
(b) The amounts provided in fiscal year 2027 are provided solely
28
for
the
task
force
to
develop
proposals
to
implement
the
29
recommendations submitted in (a) of this subsection. The independent
30
entity must convene a group of interested members of the legislature
31
to provide the task force with background information regarding the
32
recommendations submitted to the legislature, and to support the
33
development of the implementation proposals. A report outlining the
34
implementation proposals is due to the governor and the appropriate
35
committees of the legislature by November 15, 2026.
36
(c) The office of the governor may contract for an independent
37
facilitator. The contract is exempt from the competitive procurement
38
requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
39
p. 21
ESSB 5998.SL
(8) $234,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation is
1
provided solely for implementation of Second Substitute House Bill
2
No. 2429 (youth behavioral health). If the bill is not enacted by
3
June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
4
(9)(a) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
5
governor or the governor's staff designee shall, in alignment with
6
the
Washington
thriving
strategic
plan
developed
under
RCW
7
74.09.4951(6), convene a work group of representatives from the
8
health care authority, the department of children, youth, and
9
families, the department of social and health services, and the
10
department of health to address the rise in the number of child
11
welfare critical incidents. The work group shall:
12
(i) Coordinate to identify all available substance use disorder
13
treatment options for families receiving child welfare services as
14
defined in RCW 74.13.020 and child protective services as defined in
15
RCW 26.44.020;
16
(ii) Establish a process to make substance use disorder treatment
17
options for families receiving child welfare services as defined in
18
RCW 74.13.020 and child protective services as defined in RCW
19
26.44.020 readily available to child welfare workers as defined in
20
RCW 74.14B.010;
21
(iii) Establish a process for child welfare workers as defined in
22
RCW 74.14B.010 to identify the unmet treatment needs of families they
23
are working with;
24
(iv) Identify resources that would allow families receiving child
25
welfare services and child protection services to obtain readily
26
available access to:
27
(A) Medication-assisted treatment;
28
(B) Medications for opioid use disorder; and
29
(C)
Family-centered
residential
and
intensive
outpatient
30
treatment; and
31
(v) Identify policy or statutory barriers to substance use
32
disorder treatment options for families receiving child welfare
33
services as defined in RCW 74.13.020 and child protective services as
34
defined in RCW 26.44.020 and provide publicly available information
35
regarding these barriers and possible solutions to overcome these
36
barriers.
37
(b) By December 1, 2026, the work group shall report to the
38
appropriate committees of the legislature regarding its findings and
39
any recommendations.
40
p. 22
ESSB 5998.SL
(10) $430,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $430,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of corrections
3
ombuds to provide staffing for the construction training pathways
4
oversight committee, established in RCW 43.06C.700.
5
Sec. 117. 2025 c 424 s 118 (uncodified) is amended to read as
6
follows:
7
FOR THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($1,356,000))
9
$1,471,000
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($1,416,000))
11
$1,544,000
12
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $90,000
13
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,862,000))
14
$3,105,000
15
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
16
conditions and limitations: Within the amounts appropriated in this
17
section, the office of the lieutenant governor shall conduct a review
18
of retail or commercial properties with substantial potential for
19
redevelopment as residential or mixed-use properties providing market
20
rate and affordable housing supply, and identify state or local
21
legislative actions that would reduce costs and accelerate delivery
22
of new housing supply. The office shall solicit letters of interest
23
from the owners or developers of such properties to be received no
24
later than September 1, 2025. By December 1, 2025, the office must
25
review the letters of interest and submit a report to the appropriate
26
committees of the legislature identifying state or local legislative
27
actions including, but not limited to, regulatory and tax incentives,
28
permit streamlining, infrastructure assistance, support for local
29
development agreements, or other actions that would accelerate
30
delivery and reduce costs of new housing supply.
31
Sec. 118. 2025 c 424 s 119 (uncodified) is amended to read as
32
follows:
33
FOR THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COMMISSION
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($4,501,000))
35
$4,499,000
36
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,851,000))
37
p. 23
ESSB 5998.SL
$4,397,000
1
Public Disclosure Transparency Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,208,000))
3
$4,708,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,560,000))
5
$13,604,000
6
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
7
conditions and limitations:
8
(1) No moneys may be expended from the appropriations in this
9
section to establish an electronic directory, archive, or other
10
compilation of political advertising unless explicitly authorized by
11
the legislature.
12
(2) $2,170,000 of the public disclosure transparency account—
13
state appropriation is provided solely for the public disclosure
14
commission for the purpose of improving the ability of the public to
15
access information about political campaigns, lobbying, and elected
16
officials, and facilitating accurate and timely reporting by the
17
regulated community. The commission must report to the office of
18
financial management and fiscal committees of the legislature by
19
October 31st of each year detailing information on the public
20
disclosure transparency account. The report shall include, but is not
21
limited to:
22
(a) An investment plan of how funds would be used to improve the
23
ability
of
the
public
to
access
information
about
political
24
campaigns, lobbying, and elected officials, and facilitate accurate
25
and timely reporting by the regulated community;
26
(b) A list of active projects as of July 1st of the fiscal year.
27
This must include a breakdown of expenditures by project and expense
28
type for all current and ongoing projects;
29
(c) A list of projects that are planned in the current and
30
following fiscal year and projects the commission would recommend for
31
future funding. The commission must identify priorities, and develop
32
accountability
measures
to
ensure
the
projects
meet
intended
33
purposes; and
34
(d) Any other metric or measure the commission deems appropriate
35
to track the outcome of the use of the funds.
36
*Sec. 119. 2025 c 424 s 120 (uncodified) is amended to read as
37
follows:
38
p. 24
ESSB 5998.SL
FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($33,025,000))
2
$33,186,000
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($40,763,000))
4
$43,258,000
5
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,822,000))
6
$8,816,000
7
Public Records Efficiency, Preservation, and Access
8
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($12,854,000))
9
$12,890,000
10
Charitable Organization Education Account—State
11
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,305,000
12
Washington State Library Operations Account—State
13
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($14,891,000))
14
$14,933,000
15
Local Government Archives Account—State
16
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,783,000))
17
$11,821,000
18
Election Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $4,499,000
19
Personnel Service Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($1,685,000))
20
$1,684,000
21
Secretary of State's Revolving Nonappropriated
22
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,697,000
23
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($129,627,000))
24
$135,089,000
25
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
26
conditions and limitations:
27
(1)
(($16,998,000))
$2,498,000
of
the
general
fund—state
28
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($21,450,000)) $12,196,000 of
29
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
30
provided solely to reimburse counties for the state's share of
31
primary and general election costs and the costs of conducting
32
mandatory recounts on state measures. Counties shall be reimbursed
33
only for those costs that the secretary of state validates as
34
eligible for reimbursement.
35
(2) Any reductions to funding for the Washington talking book and
36
Braille library may not exceed in proportion any reductions taken to
37
the funding for the library as a whole.
38
p. 25
ESSB 5998.SL
(3) $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for humanities Washington
3
speaker's bureau community conversations.
4
(4) $114,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $114,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for election reconciliation
7
reporting.
Funding
provides
for
one
staff
to
compile
county
8
reconciliation reports, analyze the data, and to complete an annual
9
statewide election reconciliation report for every state primary and
10
general election. The report must be submitted annually on July 31,
11
to legislative policy and fiscal committees. The annual report must
12
include statewide analysis and by county analysis on the reasons for
13
ballot rejection and an analysis of the ways ballots are received,
14
counted, rejected and cure data that can be used by policymakers to
15
better understand election administration.
16
(5) $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 ((and)), $870,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
18
for fiscal year 2027, and $1,740,000 of the secretary of state's
19
revolving account are provided solely for staff dedicated to the
20
maintenance and operations of the voter registration and election
21
management system. These staff will manage database upgrades,
22
database maintenance, system training and support to counties, and
23
triage and customer service to system users.
24
(6) $8,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $8,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for:
27
(a) Funding the security operations center, including identified
28
needs for expanded operations, systems, technology tools, training
29
resources;
30
(b) Additional staff dedicated to the cyber and physical security
31
of election operations at the office and county election offices;
32
(c) Expanding security assessments, threat monitoring, enhanced
33
security training; and
34
(d) Providing grants to county partners to address identified
35
threats and expand existing grants and contracts with other public
36
and private organizations such as the Washington military department,
37
national guard, private companies providing cyber security, and
38
county election offices.
39
p. 26
ESSB 5998.SL
(7) $580,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $580,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office's migration of
3
its applications and systems to Azure cloud environments, and is
4
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
5
section 701 of this act.
6
(8) $154,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $154,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington state library
9
branch at Green Hill school.
10
(9) $81,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
11
year 2026 and $81,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for intrusion detection systems
13
that prevent election security breaches.
14
(10) $57,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 is provided solely for artifact preservation at Lakeland
16
Village.
17
(11) $237,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill No.
19
5077 (agency voter registration). ((If the bill is not enacted by
20
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
21
(12) $2,226,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Senate
23
Joint Resolution No. 8201 (investments/LTSS accounts). ((If the
24
resolution is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
25
this subsection shall lapse.))
26
(13) $189,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2027, $1,259,000 of the Washington state library operations
28
account—state appropriation, and $2,697,000 of the secretary of
29
state's revolving account—state appropriation are provided solely for
30
the activities and operations of the Washington state talking book
31
and braille library.
32
(14) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for humanities Washington's
35
prime time family reading program. Funding must be focused on
36
utilizing instructors, and securing additional books if needed, while
37
collaborating with area libraries and schools to ensure the six-week
38
p. 27
ESSB 5998.SL
programs address those students who have fallen behind in reading
1
scores and require special, small-group attention to catch up.
2
*Sec. 119 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 120. 2025 c 424 s 121 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($852,000))
6
$851,000
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($833,000))
8
$836,000
9
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($506,000))
10
$508,000
11
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,191,000))
12
$2,195,000
13
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
14
conditions and limitations:
15
(1) The office shall assist the department of enterprise services
16
on providing the government-to-government training sessions for
17
federal, state, local, and tribal government employees. The training
18
sessions shall cover tribal historical perspectives, legal issues,
19
tribal sovereignty, and tribal governments. Costs of the training
20
sessions shall be recouped through a fee charged to the participants
21
of each session. The department of enterprise services shall be
22
responsible for all of the administrative aspects of the training,
23
including the billing and collection of the fees for the training.
24
(2) The office must report to and coordinate with the department
25
of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment act
26
accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
27
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
28
gas emission reductions, the office must use a department of ecology
29
approved calculator tool or methodology.
30
Sec. 121. 2025 c 424 s 122 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE COMMISSION ON ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN AFFAIRS
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($628,000))
34
$629,000
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($619,000))
36
p. 28
ESSB 5998.SL
$623,000
1
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,247,000))
2
$1,252,000
3
Sec. 122. 2025 c 424 s 123 (uncodified) is amended to read as
4
follows:
5
FOR THE STATE TREASURER
6
State Treasurer's Service Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($24,224,000))
8
$25,221,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($24,224,000))
10
$25,221,000
11
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
12
conditions and limitations:
13
$250,000
of
the
state
treasurer's
service
account—state
14
appropriation is provided for the office to enhance local government
15
access to infrastructure financing as provided in subsections (1)
16
through (3) of this section.
17
(1) The office shall analyze how public banking tools can be
18
applied to leverage and extend existing legislative appropriations
19
for infrastructure. This analysis must include, but need not be
20
limited to, consideration of how revolving loan funds such as the
21
public works assistance account, the clean water state revolving
22
fund, and the drinking water state revolving fund, can be leveraged.
23
Agencies that administer local government infrastructure funding,
24
such as the public works board and the departments of commerce,
25
ecology, and health, are encouraged to collaborate with the office in
26
this analysis. Examples of public banking tools that the office may
27
consider include tax-exempt and taxable revenue bonds, credit
28
enhancements, certificates of participation, and local government
29
investment pools.
30
(2) The office must conduct outreach to local governments to
31
identify
any
barriers
they
are
facing
in
accessing
current
32
infrastructure financing programs and any additional administrative,
33
governance, educational, or other tools that they identify as
34
potentially helpful in accessing financing. The outreach should also
35
identify any gaps in current funding programs for infrastructure that
36
could
be
addressed
to
help
local
governments
address
their
37
communities' infrastructure needs.
38
p. 29
ESSB 5998.SL
(3) The office must provide an update with any recommendations to
1
the relevant committees of the legislature by June 30, 2027.
2
Sec. 123. 2025 c 424 s 124 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE STATE AUDITOR
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $723,000
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($737,000))
7
$739,000
8
Auditing Services Revolving Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($18,024,000))
10
$18,130,000
11
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
12
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($81,000))
13
$2,944,000
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($19,565,000))
15
$22,536,000
16
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
17
conditions and limitations:
18
(1) $1,870,000 of the performance audit of government account—
19
state appropriation is provided solely for staff and related costs to
20
verify the accuracy of reported school district data submitted for
21
state funding purposes; conduct school district program audits of
22
state-funded public school programs; establish the specific amount of
23
state funding adjustments whenever audit exceptions occur and the
24
amount is not firmly established in the course of regular public
25
school audits; and to assist the state special education safety net
26
committee when requested.
27
(2) (($730,000)) $663,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
28
for fiscal year 2026 and (($730,000)) $663,000 of the general fund—
29
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for law
30
enforcement audits pursuant to RCW 43.101.460 and 43.101.465.
31
(3) $825,000 of the auditing services revolving account—state
32
appropriation is provided solely for accountability and risk based
33
audits.
34
(4) It is the intent of the legislature that savings assumed in
35
this section from an underspend in audit services be one-time in the
36
2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
37
p. 30
ESSB 5998.SL
(5) $1,000,000 of the performance audits of governments account—
1
state appropriation is provided solely for a review and performance
2
audit of the commercial shellfish program. A preliminary report is
3
due to the policy and fiscal committees of the legislature and the
4
governor by June 30, 2027. It is the intent of the legislature to
5
provide funding in the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium for completion of a
6
final report. The state auditor shall work collaboratively with the
7
department of health and the fiscal committees of the legislature on
8
determining the parameters and scope of the performance review and
9
audit.
10
(6)
$2,000,000
of
the
performance
audits
of
government
11
nonappropriated account—state appropriation is provided to augment
12
cybersecurity audits of state agencies and local governments with
13
additional penetration testing through a security contractor.
14
Sec. 124. 2025 c 424 s 126 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($40,286,000))
18
$40,003,000
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($34,616,000))
20
$38,821,000
21
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($29,506,000))
22
$29,496,000
23
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($104,000))
24
$254,000
25
Public Service Revolving Account—State Appropriation. (($6,568,000))
26
$6,610,000
27
New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,934,000))
29
$1,945,000
30
Medicaid Fraud Penalty Account—State Appropriation. . (($8,735,000))
31
$8,731,000
32
Child Rescue Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000
33
Legal Services Revolving Account—State Appropriation (($435,096,000))
34
$436,367,000
35
Local Government Archives Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,161,000))
37
$1,167,000
38
p. 31
ESSB 5998.SL
Tobacco Prevention and Control Account—State
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($275,000))
2
$276,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($558,481,000))
4
$563,870,000
5
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1) The attorney general shall report each fiscal year on actual
8
legal services expenditures and actual attorney staffing levels for
9
each agency receiving legal services. The report shall be submitted
10
to the office of financial management and the fiscal committees of
11
the senate and house of representatives no later than ninety days
12
after the end of each fiscal year. As part of its by agency report to
13
the legislative fiscal committees and the office of financial
14
management, the office of the attorney general shall include
15
information detailing the agency's expenditures for its agency-wide
16
overhead and a breakdown by division of division administration
17
expenses.
18
(2) Prior to entering into any negotiated settlement of a claim
19
against the state that exceeds five million dollars, the attorney
20
general shall notify the director of the office of financial
21
management and the chairs and ranking members of the senate committee
22
on ways and means and the house of representatives committee on
23
appropriations.
24
(3) The attorney general shall annually report to the fiscal
25
committees of the legislature all new cy pres awards and settlements
26
and all new accounts, disclosing their intended uses, balances, the
27
nature of the claim or account, proposals, and intended timeframes
28
for the expenditure of each amount. The report shall be distributed
29
electronically and posted on the attorney general's web site. The
30
report shall not be printed on paper or distributed physically.
31
(4) $1,981,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $1,981,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for multi-year arbitrations of
34
the state's diligent enforcement of its obligations to receive
35
amounts withheld from tobacco master settlement agreement payments.
36
(5) $958,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 ((and $958,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for implementation of a
39
p. 32
ESSB 5998.SL
program for receiving and responding to tips from the public
1
regarding risks or potential risks to the safety or well-being of
2
youth, called the YES tip line program. Risks to safety or well-being
3
may include, but are not limited to, harm or threats of harm to self
4
or others, sexual abuse, assault, rape, bullying or cyberbullying,
5
substance use, and criminal acts. Any person contacting the YES tip
6
line, whether for themselves or for another person, must receive
7
timely assistance and not be turned away. The program must operate
8
within the guidelines of this subsection.
9
(a) During the development and implementation of the YES tip line
10
program the attorney general shall convene an advisory committee
11
consisting of representatives from the Washington state patrol, the
12
department of health, the health care authority, the office of the
13
superintendent
of
public
instruction,
the
Washington
student
14
achievement council, the Washington association of educational
15
service districts, and other participants the attorney general
16
appoints.
17
(b) The attorney general shall develop and implement policies and
18
processes for:
19
(i) Assessing tips based on the level of severity, urgency, and
20
assistance needed using best triage practices including the YES tip
21
line;
22
(ii) Risk assessment for referral of persons contacting the YES
23
tip line to service providers;
24
(iii) Threat assessment that identifies circumstances requiring
25
the YES tip line to alert law enforcement, mental health services, or
26
other first responders immediately when immediate emergency response
27
to a tip is warranted;
28
(iv) Referral and follow-up on tips to schools or postsecondary
29
institution teams, local crisis services, law enforcement, and other
30
entities;
31
(v) YES tip line information data retention and reporting
32
requirements;
33
(vi) Ensuring the confidentiality of persons submitting a tip and
34
to allow for disclosure when necessary to respond to a specific
35
emergency threat to life; and
36
(vii) Systematic review, analysis, and reporting by the YES tip
37
line program of YES tip line data including, but not limited to,
38
reporting program utilization and evaluating whether the YES tip line
39
is being implemented equitably across the state.
40
p. 33
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) The YES tip line shall be operated by a vendor selected by
1
the attorney general through a competitive contracting process. The
2
attorney general shall ensure that the YES tip line program vendor
3
and its personnel are properly trained and resourced. The contract
4
must require the vendor to be bound by confidentiality policies
5
developed by the office. The contract must also provide that the
6
state of Washington owns the data and information produced from the
7
YES tip line and that vendor must comply with the state's data
8
retention, use, and security requirements.
9
(d) The YES tip line program must develop and maintain a
10
reference and best practices tool kit for law enforcement and mental
11
health officials that identifies statewide and community mental
12
health resources, services, and contacts, and provides best practices
13
and strategies for investigators to use in investigating cases and
14
assisting youths and their parents and guardians.
15
(e) The YES tip line program must promote and market the program
16
and YES tip line to youth, families, community members, schools, and
17
others statewide to build awareness of the program's resources and
18
the YES tip line. Youth perspectives must be included and consulted
19
in tip line development and implementation including creating
20
marketing campaigns and materials required for the YES tip line
21
program. The insights of youth representing marginalized and minority
22
communities must be prioritized for their invaluable insight. Youths
23
are
eligible
for
stipends
and
reasonable
allowances
for
24
reimbursement, lodging, and travel expenses as provided in RCW
25
43.03.220.
26
(6) $7,000,000 of the legal services revolving fund—state
27
appropriation is provided solely for additional legal services to
28
address additional legal services necessary for dependency actions
29
where the state and federal Indian child welfare act (ICWA) apply.
30
The office must report to the fiscal committees of the legislature
31
within 90 days of the close of the fiscal year the following
32
information for new cases initiated in the previous fiscal year to
33
measure quantity and use of this funding:
34
(a) The number and ((proportion of)) percent of dependency and
35
permanency cases ((where the state and federal Indian child welfare
36
act (ICWA) applies as compared to non-ICWA new cases)) in which ICWA
37
applies as compared to those in which they do not apply; and
38
(b) ((The amount of time spent advising on, preparing for court,
39
and litigating issues and elements related to ICWA's requirements as
40
p. 34
ESSB 5998.SL
compared to the amount of time advising on, preparing for court, and
1
litigating issues and elements that are not related to ICWA's
2
requirements;
3
(c) The length of state and federal Indian child welfare act
4
cases as compared to non-ICWA cases measured by time or number of
5
court hearings; and
6
(d) Any other information or metric the office determines is
7
appropriate to measure the quantity and use of the funding in this
8
subsection)) The amount of attorney and staff time spent on
9
dependency and permanency cases in which ICWA applies compared to
10
time spent on dependency and permanency cases in which ICWA does not
11
apply.
12
(7) $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026 and $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for legal services related to
15
the defense of the state and its agencies in a federal environmental
16
cleanup action involving the Quendall terminals superfund site.
17
(8) $216,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $216,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for personnel and associated
20
costs to implement and maintain functional operations such as
21
support, records management and disclosure, victim liaisons, and
22
information technology for the clemency and pardons board.
23
(9) $905,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026 and $906,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of chapter
26
299, Laws of 2024 (hate crimes & bias incidents).
27
(10)(a) $253,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and $165,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
30
of the attorney general, jointly with the department of health, to
31
operate a task force to provide recommendations to establish a
32
comprehensive public health and community-based framework to combat
33
extremism and mass violence.
34
(b) The office of the attorney general must, in consultation with
35
the department of health, appoint a minimum of 10 members to the task
36
force representing different stakeholder groups including, but not
37
limited to:
38
p. 35
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) Community organizations working to address the impacts of or
1
to assist those who are affected by extremism and mass violence;
2
(ii) Law enforcement organizations that gather data about or work
3
to combat extremism and mass violence; and
4
(iii) Public health and nonprofit organizations that work to
5
address the impacts of extremism and mass violence.
6
(c) The office of the attorney general and the department of
7
health may each have no more than one voting member on the task
8
force.
9
(d) The office of the attorney general must provide staff support
10
for the task force.
11
(e) Any reimbursement for nonlegislative members of the task
12
force is subject to chapter 43.03 RCW.
13
(f) The task force must submit a final report to the governor and
14
appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026. The
15
final report must include legislative and policy recommendations for
16
establishing the comprehensive framework.
17
(g) No aspect of this subsection should be construed as a
18
directive to alter any aspect of criminal law, create new criminal
19
penalties, or increase criminal law enforcement.
20
(11) $107,000 of the legal services revolving fund—state
21
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
22
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-term services trust). ((If the
23
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
24
subsection shall lapse.))
25
(12)
$22,000
of
the
legal
services
revolving
fund—state
26
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
27
Senate Bill No. 5149 (early childhood court prg.). ((If the bill is
28
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
29
shall lapse.))
30
(13) $480,000 of the legal services revolving fund—state
31
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill
32
No. 5463 (industrial insurance/duties). ((If the bill is not enacted
33
by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall
34
lapse.))
35
(14)
$34,000
of
the
legal
services
revolving
fund—state
36
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
37
Senate Bill No. 5501 (employee driving requirement). ((If the bill is
38
p. 36
ESSB 5998.SL
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
1
shall lapse.))
2
(15) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington state office
5
of the attorney general to support the continuation of the Washington
6
state missing and murdered indigenous women and people task force and
7
truth and healing tribal advisory committee.
8
(16) $553,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
10
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5217 (pregnancy accommodations).
11
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
12
this subsection shall lapse.))
13
(17) $45,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 is provided solely for the office to support the
15
underground economy task force created in section 906, chapter 376,
16
Laws of 2024.
17
(18) $44,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
18
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
19
Substitute House Bill No. 1409 (clean fuels program). ((If the bill
20
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
21
subsection shall lapse.))
22
(19) $49,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026, $49,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2027, and $58,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
25
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Second
26
Substitute House Bill No. 1359 (criminal insanity). ((If the bill is
27
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
28
shall lapse.
29
(21))) (20) $545,000 of the legal services revolving account—
30
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
31
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1163 (firearms purchase).
32
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
33
this subsection shall lapse.
34
(22))) (21) $33,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
35
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
36
Substitute House Bill No. 1524 (isolated employees). ((If the bill is
37
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
38
shall lapse.
39
p. 37
ESSB 5998.SL
(23))) (22) $294,000 of the public service revolving account—
1
state appropriation and $40,000 of the legal services revolving
2
account—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
3
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1514 (low carbon thermal energy).
4
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
5
in this subsection shall lapse.
6
(24))) (23) $29,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
8
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1213 (paid family & medical leave).
9
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
10
this subsection shall lapse.
11
(25))) (24) $94,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2026 and $94,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
13
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
14
Substitute House Bill No. 1217 (residential tenants). ((If the bill
15
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
16
subsection shall lapse.
17
(26))) (25) $394,000 of the public service revolving account—
18
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
19
Engrossed
Substitute
House
Bill
No.
1522
(utility
wildfire
20
mitigation). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
21
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
22
(27))) (26) $40,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
23
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
24
Substitute House Bill No. 1644 (working minors). ((If the bill is not
25
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
26
shall lapse.
27
(28))) (27) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
29
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of the
30
attorney general to coordinate the receipt of agency reporting
31
requirements pursuant to sections 201, 210, 219, 221, 230, 233, and
32
601 of this act.
33
(28) $31,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
34
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
35
House Bill No. 2355 (domestic workers). If the bill is not enacted by
36
June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
37
(29) $40,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and $285,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
p. 38
ESSB 5998.SL
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
1
Substitute House Bill No. 2105 (immigrant workers). If the bill is
2
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this subsection
3
shall lapse.
4
(30) $31,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
5
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
6
Substitute House Bill No. 2479 (unpaid wage recovery). If the bill is
7
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
8
shall lapse.
9
(31) $1,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $1,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
12
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1750 (voting rights act claims). If
13
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in
14
this subsection shall lapse.
15
(32) $10,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026, $148,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027, and $31,000 of the legal services revolving account
18
—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
19
Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill No. 1710 (voting rights
20
compliance). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts
21
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
22
(33) $89,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
23
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
24
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6302 (public works/finishing trade). If
25
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
26
subsection shall lapse.
27
(34) $193,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2027 and $22,000 of the legal services revolving account—state
29
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
30
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6002 (driver privacy). If the bill is not
31
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this subsection
32
shall lapse.
33
Sec. 125. 2025 c 424 s 127 (uncodified) is amended to read as
34
follows:
35
FOR THE CASELOAD FORECAST COUNCIL
36
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . $2,395,000
37
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,369,000))
38
p. 39
ESSB 5998.SL
$2,386,000
1
Workforce Education Investment Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $367,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,131,000))
4
$5,148,000
5
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1) $367,000 of the workforce education investment account—state
8
appropriation is provided solely to forecast the caseload for the
9
Washington college grant program.
10
(2) Within existing resources, the caseload forecast council
11
shall produce an unofficial forecast of the long-term caseload for
12
juvenile rehabilitation as a courtesy.
13
(3) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the council
14
must forecast the number of people eligible for the apple health
15
expansion for Washington residents with incomes at or below 138
16
percent of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration
17
status.
18
Sec. 126. 2025 c 424 s 128 (uncodified) is amended to read as
19
follows:
20
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
21
The appropriations in sections 129 through 134 ((of this act)),
22
chapter 424, Laws of 2025 and sections 127 through 132 of this act
23
are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
24
(1) Repayments of outstanding mortgage and rental assistance
25
program loans administered by the department under RCW 43.63A.640
26
shall be remitted to the department, including any current revolving
27
account
balances.
The
department
shall
collect
payments
on
28
outstanding loans, and deposit them into the state general fund.
29
Repayments of funds owed under the program shall be remitted to the
30
department according to the terms included in the original loan
31
agreements.
32
(2)
The
department
is
authorized
to
suspend
issuing
any
33
nonstatutorily required grants or contracts of an amount less than
34
$1,000,000 per year.
35
(3)(a) The appropriations to the department of commerce in this
36
act must be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
37
this act. However, after May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act,
38
p. 40
ESSB 5998.SL
the department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for
1
fiscal year 2026 among programs after approval by the director of the
2
office of financial management. However, the department may not
3
transfer state appropriations that are provided solely for a
4
specified purpose, except that provisoed amounts may be transferred
5
among programs if they are transferred in their entirety.
6
(b) Within 30 days after the close of fiscal year 2026, the
7
department must provide the office of financial management and the
8
fiscal committees of the legislature with an accounting of any
9
transfers under this subsection. The accounting shall include a
10
narrative explanation and justification of the changes, along with
11
expenditures and allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both
12
before and after any allotment modifications or transfers. The
13
department must also provide recommendations for revisions to
14
appropriations to better align funding with the new budget structure
15
for the department in this act and to eliminate the need for transfer
16
authority in future budgets.
17
(4) The department must report to and coordinate with the
18
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
19
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
20
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
21
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
22
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
23
*Sec. 127. 2025 c 424 s 129 (uncodified) is amended to read as
24
follows:
25
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—COMMUNITY SERVICES
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($72,053,000))
27
$82,488,000
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($55,043,000))
29
$77,894,000
30
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($143,496,000))
31
$150,490,000
32
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($5,396,000))
33
$25,000
34
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($25,005,000))
35
$55,005,000
36
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
37
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,439,000
38
p. 41
ESSB 5998.SL
Community Reinvestment Account—State Appropriation. . . . $60,000,000
1
Domestic Violence Co-Responder Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,326,000
3
Domestic Violence Prevention Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000,000
5
Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Crimes
6
Investigation and Prosecution Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,680,000
8
Lead Paint Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($1,690,000))
9
$1,694,000
10
((Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
11
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000))
12
Prostitution Prevention and Intervention Account—
13
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$26,000
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($373,915,000))
15
$441,067,000
16
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
17
conditions and limitations:
18
(1) $9,975,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 and $9,975,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to resolution
21
Washington to build statewide capacity for alternative dispute
22
resolution centers and dispute resolution programs that guarantee
23
that citizens have access to low-cost resolution as an alternative to
24
litigation.
25
(2) Within existing resources, the department shall provide
26
administrative and other indirect support to the developmental
27
disabilities council.
28
(3) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 and $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington new Americans
31
program. The department may require a cash match or in-kind
32
contributions to be eligible for state funding.
33
(4) $797,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $797,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
36
with a private, nonprofit organization to provide developmental
37
disability ombuds services.
38
p. 42
ESSB 5998.SL
(5) $557,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $557,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to design and
3
administer the achieving a better life experience program.
4
(6) $9,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $9,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
7
with
organizations
and
attorneys
to
provide
either
legal
8
representation or referral services for legal representation, or
9
both, to indigent persons who are in need of legal services for
10
matters related to their immigration status. Persons eligible for
11
assistance
under
any
contract
entered
into
pursuant
to
this
12
subsection must be determined to be indigent under standards
13
developed under chapter 10.101 RCW.
14
(7) $1,332,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $1,332,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the operations of the long-
17
term care ombudsman program.
18
(8) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
21
with a nonprofit entity located in Seattle that focuses on poverty
22
reduction and racial equity to convene and staff a poverty reduction
23
workgroup steering committee comprised of individuals that have lived
24
experience with poverty. Funding provided in this section may be used
25
to reimburse steering committee members for travel, child care, and
26
other costs associated with participation in the steering committee.
27
(9) $8,618,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and (($8,618,000)) $6,463,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
30
department to continue the Washington state office of firearm safety
31
and violence prevention, including the creation of a state and
32
federal grant funding plan to direct resources to cities that are
33
most impacted by community violence. Of the amounts provided in this
34
subsection:
35
(a) $5,318,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 ((and $5,318,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
37
for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for grants to support
38
existing programs and capacity building for new programs providing
39
p. 43
ESSB 5998.SL
evidence-based violence prevention and intervention services to youth
1
who are at high risk to perpetrate or be victims of firearm violence
2
and who reside in areas with high rates of firearm violence as
3
provided in RCW 43.330A.050.
4
(i) Priority ((shall)) may be given to programs that partner with
5
the University of Washington, school of medicine, department of
6
psychiatry and behavioral sciences for training and support to
7
deliver culturally relevant family integrated transition services
8
through use of credible messenger advocates.
9
(ii) The office may enter into agreement with the University of
10
Washington or another independent entity with expertise in evaluating
11
community-based grant-funded programs to evaluate the grant program's
12
effectiveness.
13
(iii) The office ((shall)) may enter into agreement to provide
14
funding to the University of Washington, school of medicine,
15
department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences to directly deliver
16
trainings and support to programs providing culturally relevant
17
family integrated transition services through use of credible
18
messenger and to train a third-party organization to similarly
19
support those programs.
20
(iv) Of the amounts provided under (a) of this subsection,
21
$250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026
22
((and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2027 are)) is provided solely for a certified credible messenger
24
program that does work in at least three regions of Washington state
25
to train and certify credible messengers to implement a culturally
26
responsive, evidence-based credible messenger violence prevention and
27
intervention services program.
28
(b) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 ((and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided to support safe storage programs
31
and suicide prevention outreach and education efforts across the
32
state.
33
(10) $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,250,000
of
the
general
fund—state
35
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
36
department to administer grants to diaper banks for the purchase of
37
diapers, wipes, and other essential baby products, for distribution
38
to families in need. The department must give priority to providers
39
p. 44
ESSB 5998.SL
serving or located in marginalized, low-income communities or
1
communities of color; and providers that help support racial equity.
2
Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $150,000 of the general
3
fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for
4
a grant to a Federal Way-based nonprofit diaper bank.
5
(11)(a) (($25,000,000)) $55,000,000 of the climate commitment
6
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
7
administer grant funding through the existing ((network)) providers
8
of federal low-income home energy assistance program grantees to
9
provide low-income households with energy utility bill assistance.
10
(b) To qualify for assistance, a household must be below 80
11
percent of the area median income and living in a community that
12
experiences high environmental health disparities.
13
(c) Under the grant program, each household accessing energy bill
14
assistance must be offered an energy ((assessment)) questionnaire
15
that includes determining the household's need for clean cooling and
16
heating system upgrades that improve safety and efficiency while
17
meeting Washington's climate goals. If beneficial, households may be
18
offered grant funding to cover the replacement of inefficient,
19
outdated, or unsafe home heating and cooling systems with more energy
20
efficient electric heating and cooling technologies, such as heat
21
pumps.
22
(d) Of the amounts provided in this subsection, no more than 60
23
percent of the funding may be utilized by the department to target
24
services to multifamily residential buildings across the state that
25
experience high energy use, where a majority of the residents within
26
the building are below 80 percent of the area median income and the
27
community experiences high environmental health disparities.
28
(e) Of the amounts provided under (a) of this subsection,
29
$5,000,000 of the climate commitment account—state appropriation is
30
provided for members of tribes or tribal organizations.
31
(f) In serving low-income households who rent or lease a
32
residence, the department must establish processes to ensure that the
33
rent for the residence is not increased and the tenant is not evicted
34
as a result of receiving assistance under the grant program.
35
(((f))) (g) The department must incorporate data collected while
36
implementing this program into future energy assistance reports as
37
required under RCW 19.405.120. The department may publish information
38
on its website on the number of furnace or heating and cooling system
39
p. 45
ESSB 5998.SL
replacements,
including
replacements
within
multifamily
housing
1
units.
2
(((g))) (h) The department may utilize a portion of the funding
3
provided within this subsection to create an electronic application
4
system.
5
(12) $140,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $140,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
the
developmental
8
disabilities council.
9
(13) $20,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2026 ((is)), $19,355,000 of the general fund—state
11
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, $1,000,000 of the domestic
12
violence prevention account—state appropriation, and $1,000,000 of
13
the domestic violence co-responder account—state appropriation are
14
provided solely for grants to crime victims service providers. The
15
department must distribute the funding in a manner that is consistent
16
with the office of crime victims advocacy's state plan. Of the
17
amounts provided in this subsection:
18
(a) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2027 is for grants for crime victim advocacy services for
20
victims of crimes perpetrated by juvenile offenders.
21
(b) $1,000,000 of the domestic violence prevention account—state
22
appropriation and $1,000,000 of the domestic violence co-responder
23
account—state appropriation are for services for victims of domestic
24
violence.
25
(14) The department may submit the report required under section
26
1115(50)(b) of this act by October 1, 2025.
27
(15) The department may submit the report required under section
28
1115(124)(d) of this act by October 1, 2025.
29
(((17))) (16) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
30
for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
32
department to provide grants to nonprofit organizations including,
33
but not limited to, religious nonprofits, "by and for" organizations,
34
or cultural community centers, to fund the physical security or
35
repair of such institutions. Grant recipients must substantiate that
36
their site or sites have been subject to or at risk of physical
37
attacks, threats, vandalism, or damages based on their mission,
38
ideology, or beliefs and demonstrate a need for investments in
39
p. 46
ESSB 5998.SL
physical security enhancements, construction or renovation, target
1
hardening, preparedness planning, training, or exercises.
2
(((20))) (17) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
5
a nonprofit community-based organization to provide youth mental and
6
behavioral health education and support services. Services may
7
include,
but
are
not
limited
to,
employment,
mental
health,
8
counseling, tutoring, and mentoring. The grant recipient must be a
9
community-based organization located in Granger operating a Spanish
10
language public radio station with the mission of addressing the
11
social, educational, and health needs of Spanish-speaking residents
12
of central and eastern Washington.
13
(((21))) (18) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
14
for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state
15
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
16
a nonprofit organization within the city of Tacoma that provides
17
social services and educational programming to assist Latino and
18
indigenous communities in honoring heritage and culture through the
19
arts, and in overcoming barriers to social, political, economic, and
20
cultural community development. Grant funding may be used for
21
activities including, but not limited to, providing family support
22
services for bilingual, bicultural clients.
23
(((22))) (19) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
24
for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
26
a nonprofit organization to provide legal aid in subjects including,
27
but not limited to, criminal law and civil rights cases for
28
underserved populations focusing on Black gender-diverse communities.
29
The grant recipient must be a nonprofit organization with offices in
30
Seattle and Tacoma and with a mission to provide intersectional legal
31
and social services for Black intersex and gender-diverse communities
32
in Washington.
33
(((23))) (20) $60,000,000 of the community reinvestment account—
34
state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
35
distribute grants for economic development, civil and criminal legal
36
assistance, community-based violence intervention and prevention
37
services, and reentry services programs, and to implement Engrossed
38
Second Substitute House Bill No. 2523 (community reinvestment prg.).
39
p. 47
ESSB 5998.SL
In making distributions under this subsection, the department must
1
award funds among these program areas in similar proportions to
2
awards made during the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium for these purposes.
3
(((24))) (21) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state
5
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to
6
a nonprofit organization to support the development of and outreach
7
for community-led mental health support groups and classes serving
8
individuals and families throughout Washington state, with special
9
focus on Latino communities, rural areas, and tribes. The grant
10
recipient must be a nonprofit organization that serves as the
11
Washington state office of a national grassroots mental health
12
organization dedicated to building better lives for individuals
13
affected by mental health conditions.
14
(((25))) (22) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
15
for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
17
department, in consultation with the state commission on African
18
American affairs, to contract with a qualified research entity to
19
conduct the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush study on
20
reparative action for Washington state's descendants of victims of
21
United States chattel slavery.
22
(a) The department shall verify and contract, in consultation
23
with the commission on African American affairs, that the contracted
24
research entity or research team possesses expertise in reparations,
25
historical analysis, public policy development, and must have the
26
following:
27
(i) A researcher who possesses a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced
28
degree in history, African American studies, sociology, American
29
studies, ethnic studies, law, economics, public policy, or a related
30
field with a direct focus on reparations or United States chattel
31
slavery;
32
(ii) Verifiable expertise in writing peer-reviewed academic
33
studies, publications, or policy reports related to reparations,
34
historical analysis, public policy development, or economic valuation
35
for direct descendants of United States chattel slavery victims;
36
(iii) Expertise in calculating the present value of uncompensated
37
slave labor for direct victims of United States chattel slavery;
38
p. 48
ESSB 5998.SL
(iv) Substantial knowledge of the history and doctrine of United
1
States chattel slavery reparations and the ability to develop a
2
process
requiring
Washington
residents
seeking
reparations
to
3
demonstrate direct descent from individuals enslaved in the United
4
States between 1776 and 1865;
5
(v)
Demonstrated
commitment
to
reviewing
and
recommending
6
reparations public policy;
7
(vi) Professional expertise in the field of reparative justice;
8
(vii) A composition that, to the greatest extent possible,
9
reflects the diversity of individuals with direct lived experience
10
related to the subject matter of the study; and
11
(viii) An experienced genealogist on their research team.
12
(b) The department, in consultation with the state commission on
13
African American affairs shall commission and oversee the Charles
14
Mitchell and George Washington Bush study on reparative action for
15
Washington state's descendants of victims of United States chattel
16
slavery, which shall examine the historical injustices of United
17
States
chattel
slavery
and
their
enduring
impact
on
direct
18
descendants, particularly as they relate to Washington state laws and
19
policies. The study must include, but is not limited to the
20
following:
21
(i) Identification, compilation, and synthesization of historical
22
records concerning the institution of United States chattel slavery
23
(1619–1865), including its vestiges within the laws and economic and
24
social practices of Oregon and Washington territories (1848–1889)
25
against freed persons and their direct descendants;
26
(ii) An assessment of Washington territory and the state of
27
Washington's
historical
and
present
role
in
perpetuating
28
discriminatory
practices
through
laws,
policies,
and
economic
29
structures against direct descendants of the victims of United States
30
chattel slavery, particularly in economic opportunity, education, and
31
criminal justice;
32
(iii) Appropriate reparative remedies based on study findings,
33
including, but not limited to:
34
(A)
Identified
highlights
for
contributions
to
federal
35
discussions
on
reparations,
including
proposed
frameworks
for
36
calculating and awarding reparations at the national level;
37
(B) The identification of existing Washington state laws and
38
policies that continue to disproportionately harm direct descendants
39
p. 49
ESSB 5998.SL
of United States enslaved persons and recommendations for their
1
reform or repeal;
2
(C) Proposed methods for calculating, structuring, and awarding
3
compensation, including both direct cash payments and alternative
4
measures
such
as
enacting
appropriate
recommended
state-level
5
investments in educational access, economic opportunity, and criminal
6
justice reforms; and
7
(D) A cost-benefit analysis for Washington state on the impact of
8
enacting
appropriate,
recommended
reparative
investments
in
9
education, economic opportunity, and criminal justice for the direct
10
descendants of United States chattel slavery victims; and
11
(iv) Utilization of the social determinants of health framework,
12
as outlined by the healthy people 2030 initiative under the United
13
States department of health and human services, to assess economic,
14
educational, and social disparities with the goal of informing
15
Washington state-level policy recommendations.
16
(c) The department, in consultation with the state commission on
17
African American affairs, shall transmit the selected research entity
18
or research team's following reports:
19
(i) A preliminary report to the legislature by June 30, 2026,
20
detailing researcher qualifications, study scope, methodology, and an
21
outline plan for continued community engagement plan throughout the
22
study;
23
(ii) An interim report by December 31, 2026, providing updates on
24
the study's progress and any initial findings; and
25
(iii) A final report by June 30, 2027, presenting findings and
26
recommendations to the legislature, the governor, and Washington
27
state's federal delegation.
28
(d) The department may receive and utilize gifts, grants, or
29
endowments from public, private, or philanthropic sources for the
30
sole purpose of the study.
31
(((26))) (23) $1,169,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for fiscal year 2026 and $1,169,000 of the general fund—state
33
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
34
implementation of chapter 462, Laws of 2023 (domestic violence).
35
(((27) $54,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $54,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of the
38
existing structure tax incentive program.)) (24) $2,750,000 of the
39
p. 50
ESSB 5998.SL
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided
1
solely for a contract with a public or private entity for the purpose
2
of public safety and security activities related to the 2026 world
3
cup event. Funding may be provided for law enforcement and fire
4
department resources, emergency management, traffic control, and
5
security
at
official
event
venues,
including
fields
and
fan
6
activation areas.
7
(((29))) (25) $1,426,000 of the lead paint account—state
8
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
9
Senate Bill No. 5494 (lead-based paint). ((If the bill is not enacted
10
by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
11
(33))) (26) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a King county-
13
based nonprofit that exclusively serves foreign-trained physicians to
14
help foreign-trained physicians prepare for work in a United States
15
clinical setting. Funds may be used to operate an educational
16
outreach
program
to
help
medical
providers
and
institutions
17
understand the medical doctor: clinical experience program and for
18
stipends for foreign-trained physicians to take medical exams and for
19
other professional development.
20
(((38) $8,326,000)) (27) $2,326,000 of the domestic violence co-
21
responder
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
22
implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 1498 (domestic viol. co-
23
responders). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
24
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
25
(28) $5,000,000 of the domestic violence co-responder account—
26
state appropriation is provided solely for programs to address
27
domestic violence, including services for victims and perpetrators of
28
domestic violence. Of the amount provided in this subsection:
29
(a) $4,000,000 of the domestic violence co-responder account—
30
state appropriation is for grants to county prosecutor offices for
31
victim and witness advocates and related services. The office of
32
crime victims advocacy must, in consultation with the Washington
33
association of prosecuting attorneys, distribute funds in a manner
34
that prioritizes counties most adversely impacted by the relative
35
reductions in funding attributable to chapter 449, Laws of 2023 (ESHB
36
1169). The office must distribute funds as expeditiously as possible.
37
(b) $350,000 of the domestic violence co-responder account—state
38
appropriation is to continue research in Washington state on the use
39
p. 51
ESSB 5998.SL
of internal family systems as a modality for domestic violence
1
intervention treatment. The department must contract with a health
2
care system affiliated with a university that has received state
3
funding to conduct research in Washington state on the use of
4
internal
family
systems
as
a
modality
for
domestic
violence
5
intervention treatment.
6
(c) $400,000 of the domestic violence co-responder account—state
7
appropriation is for a contract with a research university to
8
continue a randomized control trial comparing the strength at home
9
program to standard domestic violence intervention treatment methods
10
used in Washington state. The research university must have completed
11
a
randomized
control
trial
of
domestic
violence
intervention
12
treatment at joint base Lewis-McChord.
13
(d) $250,000 of the domestic violence co-responder account—state
14
appropriation is for the department, in consultation with the health
15
care authority, to contract with one or more training entities for
16
the development of three separate courses of instruction related to
17
the provision of peer support services to persons who have
18
experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
19
The department shall collaborate with people with lived and living
20
experience in the development of the courses. The courses must
21
supplement the instruction received by certified peer support
22
specialists and incorporate competencies that are typically taught in
23
training programs for victim advocates, including safety planning; a
24
foundational understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, or
25
human trafficking, as applicable; and advocacy across legal, medical,
26
social services, and other systems.
27
(e) Any funds not expended under (a) through (d) of this
28
subsection may be used for the domestic violence co-responder grant
29
program established in RCW 43.280.135.
30
(29)(a) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for a contract with a statewide
32
organization with a mission of developing new and innovative ways to
33
combat organized retail crime to implement a program to respond to
34
organized retail crime, with a focus on diversion-oriented programs.
35
(b) The contract recipient must establish three program sites.
36
The contract recipient must make a reasonable effort to establish at
37
least one site east of the Cascade mountains. No single site may use
38
more than $300,000 of the funding provided under this subsection.
39
p. 52
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) The contract recipient must use the funds to coordinate
1
community efforts to enhance responses to organized retail crime
2
within each site area. Coordination must include the following
3
entities: Cities, counties, or affiliated associations with programs
4
focused on diversion and restitution; local retail stores; law
5
enforcement agencies; local prosecutors and public defense; and
6
therapeutic courts. Funding may also be used for planning and other
7
activities to achieve a targeted response to reported retail crimes
8
from diversion programs or law enforcement agencies.
9
(d) The contract recipient must provide a report to the
10
department by June 15, 2027, on the number of responses to retail
11
crime and the number of diversions initiated for each site, data
12
regarding
the
role
of
local
prosecutors
at
each
site,
and
13
opportunities and challenges in retail crime response and diversion
14
identified by program participants. The department must submit the
15
report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by June 30,
16
2027.
17
(30) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2027 is provided solely for the department, in coordination with
19
the office of the governor and the department of health, to support
20
access to protected health care services, as defined in chapter 7.115
21
RCW, that are at risk of disruption.
22
(31) $275,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2027 is provided solely for a Washington state mentoring
24
organization to continue its public-private partnerships providing
25
technical assistance and training to mentoring programs that serve
26
at-risk youth.
27
*Sec. 127 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 128. 2025 c 424 s 130 (uncodified) is amended to read as
28
follows:
29
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—HOUSING
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($309,054,000))
31
$299,770,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($304,114,000))
33
$289,443,000
34
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($65,412,000))
35
$65,529,000
36
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $5,832,000
37
p. 53
ESSB 5998.SL
Home Security Fund Account—State Appropriation. . . (($248,615,000))
1
$248,705,000
2
Affordable Housing for All Account—State
3
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($91,728,000))
4
$91,835,000
5
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,448,000))
7
$2,042,000
8
Apple Health and Homes Account—State Appropriation. . . . $6,496,000
9
Covenant Homeownership Account—State Appropriation. . . $200,000,000
10
Washington Housing Trust Account—State Appropriation. (($11,295,000))
11
$35,408,000
12
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,240,162,000))
13
$1,245,060,000
14
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
15
conditions and limitations:
16
(1) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027, and $2,000,000 of the Washington housing trust
19
account—state appropriation are provided solely for services to
20
homeless families and youth through the Washington youth and families
21
fund.
22
(2) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027, and $2,000,000 of the home security fund—state
25
appropriation are provided solely for the administration of the grant
26
program required in chapter 43.185C RCW, linking homeless students
27
and their families with stable housing.
28
(3) $11,252,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal
year
2026
and
$11,252,000
of
the
general
fund—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for housing
31
assistance,
including
long-term
rental
subsidies,
permanent
32
supportive housing, and low- and no-barrier housing beds, for
33
unhoused individuals. Priority must be given to individuals with a
34
mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or other complex
35
conditions; individuals with a criminal history; and individuals
36
transitioning from behavioral health treatment facilities or local
37
jails.
38
p. 54
ESSB 5998.SL
(4)(a) $12,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $12,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $37,000,000 of the affordable housing for
3
all account—state appropriation are provided solely for grants to
4
support the building operation, maintenance, and service costs of
5
permanent supportive housing projects or units within housing
6
projects serving individuals and families that have or will receive
7
funding from the housing trust fund—state account or other public
8
capital funding that:
9
(i) Is dedicated as permanent supportive housing units;
10
(ii) Is occupied by low-income households with incomes at or
11
below 30 percent of the area median income; and
12
(iii) Requires a supplement to rent income to cover ongoing
13
property operating, maintenance, and service expenses.
14
(b) Permanent supportive housing projects receiving federal
15
operating
subsidies
that
do
not
fully
cover
the
operation,
16
maintenance, and service costs of the projects are eligible to
17
receive grants as described in this subsection.
18
(c) The department may use a reasonable amount of funding
19
provided in this subsection to administer the grants.
20
(d)
If
Engrossed
Second
Substitute
Senate
Bill
No.
6027
21
(affordable housing funding) is enacted by June 30, 2026, grants
22
awarded beginning July 1, 2026, must be administered in a manner that
23
is consistent with the requirements of the bill.
24
(e) Within amounts provided in this subsection, the department
25
must provide staff support for the permanent supportive housing
26
operations, maintenance, and services forecast. The department must
27
develop a model to estimate demand for operating, maintenance, and
28
services costs for permanent supportive housing units that qualify
29
for grant funding under (a) of this subsection. The model shall
30
incorporate
factors
including
the
number
of
qualifying
units
31
currently in operation; the number of new qualifying units assumed to
32
come online since the previous forecast and the timing of when those
33
units will become operational; the impacts of enacted or proposed
34
investments in the capital budget on the number of new potentially
35
qualifying units; the number of units supported through a grant
36
awarded under (a) of this subsection; the historical actual per unit
37
average grant awards under (a) of this subsection; reported data from
38
housing providers on actual costs for operations, maintenance, and
39
p. 55
ESSB 5998.SL
services; and other factors identified as appropriate for estimating
1
the demand for maintenance, operations, and services for qualifying
2
permanent
supportive
housing
units.
The
forecast
methodology,
3
updates, and methodology changes must be conducted in coordination
4
with staff from the department, the office of financial management,
5
and the appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature. The
6
forecast must be updated each February and November during the fiscal
7
biennium and the department must submit a report to the legislature
8
summarizing the updated forecast based on actual awards made under
9
(a) of this subsection and the completed construction of new
10
qualifying units.
11
(5) $7,000,000 of the home security fund—state appropriation is
12
provided solely for the office of homeless youth prevention and
13
protection programs to:
14
(a) Expand outreach, services, and housing for homeless youth and
15
young adults including but not limited to secure crisis residential
16
centers, crisis residential centers, and HOPE beds, so that resources
17
are equitably distributed across the state;
18
(b) Contract with other public agency partners to test innovative
19
program models that prevent youth from exiting public systems into
20
homelessness; and
21
(c) Support the development of an integrated services model,
22
increase performance outcomes, and enable providers to have the
23
necessary skills and expertise to effectively operate youth programs.
24
(6) $3,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $3,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of homeless youth
27
to build infrastructure and services to support a continuum of
28
interventions, including but not limited to prevention, crisis
29
response, and long-term housing, to reduce youth homelessness in
30
communities identified as part of the anchor community initiative.
31
(7) $1,913,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $1,912,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of homeless youth
34
to contract with one or more nonprofit organizations to provide youth
35
services and young adult housing on a multi-acre youth campus located
36
in the city of Tacoma. Youth services include, but are not limited
37
to, HOPE beds and crisis residential centers to provide temporary
38
shelter and permanency planning for youth under the age of 18. Young
39
p. 56
ESSB 5998.SL
adult housing includes, but is not limited to, rental assistance and
1
case management for young adults ages 18 to 24. The department shall
2
submit ((an annual)) a biennial report to the legislature on the use
3
of the funds. The report is due ((annually on June 30th)) every even
4
year on October 31st. The report shall include but is not limited to:
5
(a) A breakdown of expenditures by program and expense type,
6
including the cost per bed;
7
(b) The number of youth and young adults helped by each program;
8
(c) The number of youth and young adults on the waiting list for
9
programs, if any; and
10
(d) Any other metric or measure the department deems appropriate
11
to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the funds.
12
(8)(a) $68,550,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal
year
2026
and
$68,550,000
of
the
general
fund—state
14
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
15
essential needs and housing support program and related services.
16
(b) The department may use a portion of the funds provided in
17
this subsection to continue the pilot program established in section
18
127(106), chapter 357, Laws of 2020 (addressing the immediate housing
19
needs of low or extremely low-income elderly or disabled adults in
20
certain counties who receive social security disability or retirement
21
income).
22
(c) The department must ensure the timely redistribution of the
23
funding provided in this subsection among entities or counties to
24
reflect
actual
caseload
changes
as
required
under
RCW
25
43.185C.220(5)(c).
26
(d) The department may use a portion of the funds provided in
27
this subsection to provide housing supports for individuals enrolled
28
in
the
foundational
community
supports
initiative
who
are
29
transitioning off of benefits under RCW 74.04.805 due to increased
30
income or other changes in eligibility.
31
(9) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027, and $4,500,000 of the home security fund—state
34
appropriation are provided solely for the consolidated homeless grant
35
program. Of the amounts provided in this subsection((:
36
(a) $4,500,000 of the home security fund—state appropriation is
37
provided solely for permanent supportive housing targeted at those
38
families who are chronically homeless and where at least one member
39
p. 57
ESSB 5998.SL
of the family has a disability. The department will also connect
1
these families to medicaid supportive services.
2
(b))), $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for diversion services for
5
those families and individuals who are at substantial risk of losing
6
stable housing or who have recently become homeless and are
7
determined to have a high probability of returning to stable housing.
8
(10) $1,007,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,007,000
of
the
general
fund—state
10
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
11
department
to
administer
a
transitional
housing
program
for
12
nondependent homeless youth.
13
(11)(a) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
15
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
16
of homeless youth prevention and protection programs to administer
17
flexible funding to serve eligible youth and young adults. The
18
flexible funding administered under this subsection may be used for
19
the immediate needs of eligible youth or young adults. An eligible
20
youth or young adult may receive support under this subsection more
21
than once.
22
(b) Flexible funding provided under this subsection may be used
23
for purposes including but not limited to:
24
(i) Car repair or other transportation assistance;
25
(ii) Rental application fees, a security deposit, or short-term
26
rental assistance;
27
(iii) Offsetting costs for first and last month's rent and
28
security deposits;
29
(iv) Transportation costs to go to work;
30
(v) Assistance in obtaining photo identification or birth
31
certificates; and
32
(vi) Other uses that will support the eligible youth or young
33
adult's
housing
stability,
education,
or
employment,
or
meet
34
immediate basic needs.
35
(c) The flexible funding provided under this subsection may be
36
provided to:
37
(i) Eligible youth and young adults. For the purposes of this
38
subsection, an eligible youth or young adult is a person under age 25
39
p. 58
ESSB 5998.SL
who is experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness,
1
including but not limited to those who are unsheltered, doubled up or
2
in unsafe living situations, exiting inpatient programs, or in
3
school;
4
(ii) Community-based providers assisting eligible youth or young
5
adults in attaining safe and stable housing; and
6
(iii) Individuals or entities, including landlords, providing
7
safe housing or other support designed to lead to housing for
8
eligible youth or young adults.
9
(12) $607,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $607,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to assist
12
homeowners at risk of foreclosure pursuant to chapter 61.24 RCW.
13
Funding provided in this section may be used for activities to
14
prevent mortgage or tax lien foreclosure, housing counselors, a
15
foreclosure
prevention
hotline,
legal
services
for
low-income
16
individuals,
mediation,
and
other
activities
that
promote
17
homeownership. The department may contract with other foreclosure
18
fairness program state partners to carry out this work.
19
(13) $1,400,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,400,000
of
the
general
fund—state
21
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office
22
of homeless youth to administer a competitive grant process to award
23
funding to licensed youth shelters, HOPE centers, and crisis
24
residential centers to provide behavioral health support services for
25
youth in crisis, and to increase funding for current grantees.
26
(14) $55,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2026 ((and $55,500,000)), $31,500,000 of the general fund
28
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $24,000,000 of the
29
Washington housing trust account—state appropriation are provided
30
solely for the department to continue grant funding for emergency
31
housing and shelter capacity and associated supports such as street
32
outreach, diversion services, short-term rental assistance, hotel and
33
motel vouchers, housing search and placement, and housing stability
34
case management. Entities eligible for grant funding include local
35
governments and nonprofit entities. The department may use existing
36
programs, such as the consolidated homelessness grant program, to
37
award funding under this subsection. Grants provided under this
38
subsection must be used to maintain or increase current emergency
39
p. 59
ESSB 5998.SL
housing capacity, funded by the shelter program grant and other
1
programs, as practicable due to increased costs of goods, services,
2
and
wages.
Emergency
housing
includes
transitional
housing,
3
congregate or noncongregate shelter, sanctioned encampments, or
4
short-term hotel or motel stays.
5
(15)(a) $45,050,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal
year
2026
and
$45,050,000
of
the
general
fund—state
7
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a targeted
8
grant program to transition persons residing in encampments to safer
9
housing opportunities, with an emphasis on ensuring individuals
10
living unsheltered reach permanent housing solutions. Eligible grant
11
recipients include local governments and nonprofit organizations
12
operating to provide housing or services. The department may provide
13
funding to state agencies to ensure individuals accessing housing
14
services are also able to access other wrap-around services that
15
enable them to obtain housing such as food, personal identification,
16
and other related services. Local government and nonprofit grant
17
recipients may use grant funding to provide outreach, housing, case
18
management, transportation, site monitoring, and other services
19
needed to assist individuals residing in encampments and on public
20
rights-of-way with moving into housing.
21
(b) When awarding grants under (a) of this subsection, the
22
department must prioritize applicants that focus on ensuring an
23
expeditious path to or remaining in sustainable permanent housing
24
solutions, and that demonstrate an understanding of working with
25
individuals to identify their optimal housing type and level of
26
ongoing services through the effective use of outreach, engagement,
27
and temporary lodging and permanent housing placement.
28
(c) Grant recipients under (a) of this subsection must enter into
29
a memorandum of understanding with the department, and other state
30
agencies if applicable, as a condition of receiving funds. Memoranda
31
of understanding must specify the responsibilities of the grant
32
recipients
and
the
state
agencies
and
must
include
specific
33
measurable outcomes for each entity signing the memorandum. The
34
department must publish all signed memoranda on the department's
35
website and must publish updates on outcomes for each memorandum at
36
least every 90 days, while taking steps to protect the privacy of
37
individuals served by the program. At a minimum, outcomes must
38
include:
39
p. 60
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) The number of people actually living in any encampment
1
identified for intervention by the department or grantees;
2
(ii)
The
demographics
of
those
living
in
any
encampment
3
identified for intervention by the department or grantees;
4
(iii) The duration of engagement with individuals living within
5
encampments;
6
(iv) The types of housing options that were offered;
7
(v) The number of individuals who accepted offered housing;
8
(vi) Any reasons given for why individuals declined offered
9
housing;
10
(vii) The types of assistance provided to move individuals into
11
offered housing;
12
(viii) Any services and benefits in which an individual was
13
successfully enrolled; and
14
(ix) The housing outcomes of individuals who were placed into
15
housing every six months after placement.
16
(d) Grant recipients under (a) of this subsection may not
17
transition individuals from encampments or close encampments unless
18
they have provided extensive outreach and offered each individual
19
temporary lodging or permanent housing that matches the actual
20
situation and needs of each person, is noncongregate whenever
21
possible, and takes into consideration individuals' immediate and
22
long-term needs and abilities to achieve and maintain housing
23
stability. Grant recipients who initially match an individual to
24
temporary lodging must make efforts to transition the person to a
25
permanent housing placement within six months except under unusual
26
circumstances. The department must establish criteria regarding the
27
safety, accessibility, and habitability of housing options to be
28
offered by grant recipients to ensure that such options are private,
29
sanitary, healthy, and dignified, and that grant recipients provide
30
options that are well-matched to an individual's assessed needs.
31
(e) Funding granted to eligible recipients under (a) of this
32
subsection may not be used to supplant or replace existing funding
33
provided for housing or homeless services.
34
(16) $200,000,000 of the covenant homeownership account—state
35
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of the covenant
36
homeownership program.
37
(17) Before awarding or entering into grants or contracts for the
38
2025-2027 fiscal biennium for homeless housing and service programs
39
that are funded from the home security fund account or the affordable
40
p. 61
ESSB 5998.SL
housing for all account, the department must first consult with local
1
governments and eligible grantees to ensure that funding from these
2
accounts is used to maintain the quantity and types of homeless
3
housing and services funded in local communities as of February 28,
4
2025. The department may take into consideration local document
5
recording
fee
balances
and
individual
county
fluctuations
in
6
recording fee collections when allocating state funds. The department
7
must redeploy funds to other nonprofit and county grantees if
8
originally granted amounts are not expended or committed within a
9
reasonable timeline. The department may then provide funding to
10
eligible entities to undertake the activities described in RCW
11
36.22.250(4)(b), such as funding for project-based vouchers and other
12
assistance necessary to support permanent supportive housing as
13
defined in RCW 36.70A.030 or as administered by the office of apple
14
health and homes created in RCW 43.330.181.
15
(18) $425,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $425,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the continuation of existing
18
contracts with a nonprofit organization to increase housing supply
19
and equitable housing outcomes by advancing affordable housing
20
options, including affordable homeownership or affordable rental
21
housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, shelter, or
22
housing funded through the apple health and homes program, that are
23
co-located with community services such as education centers, health
24
clinics, nonprofit organizations, social services, or community
25
spaces or facilities, available to residents or the public, on
26
underutilized or tax-exempt land. Contract funding may be used for
27
costs including, but not limited to, identifying properties and
28
implementing strategies to accelerate the development of affordable
29
housing,
conducting
affordable
housing
site
predevelopment
30
activities, providing technical assistance on topics related to
31
affordable
housing
development,
facilitating
collaboration
and
32
codevelopment between affordable housing and community partners, and
33
conducting community engagement activities.
34
(19) $58,802,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal
year
2026
and
$58,802,000
of
the
general
fund—state
36
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for grants to
37
counties, cities, and other entities receiving contracts pursuant to
38
RCW 43.185C.080(3) for homeless housing programs and services
39
p. 62
ESSB 5998.SL
including, but not limited to, emergency housing and shelter,
1
temporary housing, permanent supportive housing programs, and other
2
homeless housing services and initiatives, including those funded
3
through the document recording fee collected pursuant to RCW
4
36.22.250. Grant funds must be prioritized for maintaining existing
5
levels of service and preventing the closure of existing beds or
6
programs.
7
(20) Within existing resources, the department must review
8
current policies and practices regarding reimbursement documentation
9
requirements for grant and contract recipients, with a focus on
10
requirements for grants made under subsection (4) of this section and
11
RCW 36.22.250(5), to improve the efficiency of the reimbursement
12
process and streamline compliance processes for grants and contract
13
recipients while continuing to manage risks related to financial
14
controls
and
federal
requirements.
In
reviewing
policies
and
15
practices, the department may consider implementing process changes
16
and other approaches, including but not limited to risk-based tiering
17
of requirements for grant and contract recipients.
18
(21) Within existing resources, the department must consult with
19
permanent
supportive
housing
providers
awarded
grants
under
20
subsection (4) of this section or RCW 36.22.250(5) to provide
21
awardees
the
opportunity
to
provide
feedback
and
develop
22
recommendations on topics including, but not limited to, allowable
23
expenditures under these grant programs, statewide application
24
benchmarks for operations and maintenance costs per unit and services
25
costs
per
tenant,
and
opportunities
to
streamline
grant
26
administration.
27
(22) $229,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $229,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of the mobile
30
home community sales program.
31
(23) $107,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $55,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
34
Senate Bill No. 5298 (mobile home community sale). ((If the bill is
35
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
36
shall lapse.))
37
(24) $33,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and $33,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
p. 63
ESSB 5998.SL
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
1
Senate Bill No. 5587 (affordable housing dev.). ((If the bill is not
2
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
3
shall lapse.))
4
(25) $400,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a Pierce county-based
6
nonprofit with emergency shelters in Pierce, King, Thurston, and
7
Kitsap counties which provides a comprehensive approach to addressing
8
the root causes of homelessness to sustain emergency shelters.
9
(26) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a south King county-based
11
nonprofit family center for families experiencing homelessness to
12
maintain services, including emergency shelter beds.
13
(27) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 is provided solely for a grant to a King county-based
15
nonprofit organization that runs at least two emergency shelters with
16
at least 500 beds to help families stay housed while researchers
17
study the effects of direct rental assistance on families.
18
(((29))) (28) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
19
for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state
20
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
21
implementation of chapter 408, Laws of 2023 (ESSB 5599). The entirety
22
of this amount is provided for the office of homeless youth for
23
prevention and protection programs to provide supportive care grants
24
to organizations to address the needs of youth seeking protected
25
health care services.
26
(((30))) (29) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
27
for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state
28
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
29
implementation
of
Engrossed
House
Bill
No.
1217
(residential
30
tenants). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
31
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
32
(30) $63,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to support the task force on the
35
establishment
of
a
department
of
housing,
which
may
include
36
conducting research and consulting experts, facilitating task force
37
convenings, and preparing the report and recommendations. The
38
department may contract with a third party to complete this work.
39
p. 64
ESSB 5998.SL
(31)(a) $15,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for grants to permanent
2
supportive
housing
providers
for
operations,
maintenance,
and
3
services costs.
4
(b) To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, a permanent
5
supportive housing provider must:
6
(i) Verify that they received a funding award for a permanent
7
supportive housing project through the United States department of
8
housing and urban development continuum of care grant program for
9
federal fiscal year 2024;
10
(ii) Verify that they have received either a lesser award or no
11
award for a permanent supportive housing project through the
12
continuum of care grant program for federal fiscal year 2025;
13
(iii) Demonstrate the level of financial support necessary to
14
maintain the same level of operations, maintenance, and services for
15
the permanent supportive housing project as was funded through their
16
federal fiscal year 2024 award; and
17
(iv) Provide a letter of support from the provider's local
18
continuum of care lead entity certifying the expiration date of the
19
previous federal continuum of care contract for the permanent
20
supportive housing project.
21
(c) When allocating grants under this subsection, the department
22
must prioritize projects that have received funding from the
23
Washington housing trust fund, local low-income housing capital
24
investment programs, or the federal low-income housing tax credit
25
program.
26
(d) When determining the amount to be awarded to a given project,
27
the department may incorporate inflationary increases in addition to
28
the project's actual award for federal fiscal year 2024.
29
(e) The department must accept applications on a rolling basis
30
throughout fiscal year 2027 or until all funds have been awarded.
31
(f) The department must notify the local continuum of care lead
32
entity of a project upon making a grant award.
33
(32) $94,000 of the affordable housing for all account—state
34
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
35
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6027 (affordable housing funding).
36
If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in
37
this subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 65
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 129. 2025 c 424 s 131 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—LOCAL GOVERNMENT
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($30,488,000))
4
$20,670,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($27,669,000))
6
$20,523,000
7
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($55,565,000))
8
$55,665,000
9
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($1,137,000))
10
$1,170,000
11
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($22,589,000))
12
$23,079,000
13
Community Preservation and Development Authority
14
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,016,000))
15
$5,775,000
16
Growth Management Planning and Environmental Review
17
Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,681,000))
18
$5,829,000
19
Liquor Excise Tax Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $1,402,000
20
Liquor Revolving Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($6,850,000))
21
$6,851,000
22
Model Toxics Control Stormwater Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
24
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
25
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,136,000
26
Public Facilities Construction Loan Revolving
27
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,596,000))
28
$1,621,000
29
Public Works Assistance Account—State Appropriation. . (($9,030,000))
30
$9,277,000
31
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($167,259,000))
32
$156,098,000
33
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
34
conditions and limitations:
35
(1) The department shall administer its growth management act
36
technical assistance and pass-through grants so that smaller cities
37
and counties receive proportionately more assistance than larger
38
cities or counties.
39
p. 66
ESSB 5998.SL
(2)
$6,827,000
of
the
liquor
revolving
account—state
1
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
2
the municipal research and services center of Washington.
3
(3) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to produce
6
the biennial report identifying a list of projects to address
7
incompatible developments near military installations as provided in
8
RCW 43.330.520.
9
(4) $1,160,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $1,159,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the statewide broadband
12
office established in RCW 43.330.532.
13
(5) $9,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 and (($9,000,000)) $6,088,000 of the general fund—state
15
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
16
department for grants for updating and implementing comprehensive
17
plans
and
development
regulations
in
order
to
implement
the
18
requirements of the growth management act.
19
(a) In allocating grant funding to local jurisdictions, awards
20
must be based on a formula, determined by the department, to ensure
21
that grants are distributed equitably among cities and counties.
22
Grants will be used primarily to fund the review and update
23
requirements for counties and cities required by RCW 36.70A.130.
24
Funding provided on this formula basis shall cover additional county
25
and city costs, if applicable, to implement chapter 254, Laws of 2021
26
(emergency shelters & housing) and to implement chapter 368, Laws of
27
2023 (land use permitting/local).
28
(b) ((Within the amounts not utilized under (a) of this
29
subsection, the department shall establish a competitive grant
30
program to implement requirements of the growth management act.
31
(c) Up to $500,000 per biennium may be allocated toward growth
32
management policy research and development or to assess the ongoing
33
effectiveness of existing growth management policy.
34
(d) The department must develop a process for consulting with
35
local
governments,
affected
stakeholders,
and
the
appropriate
36
committees of the legislature to establish emphasis areas for
37
competitive grant distribution and for research priorities.
38
p. 67
ESSB 5998.SL
(e))) $149,000 of the amounts appropriated in this subsection for
1
fiscal year 2026 is for the department to develop recommendations for
2
the integration of special purpose districts into the state's growth
3
management planning framework. The department must provide a final
4
report with recommendations to the governor's office and the
5
appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2025.
6
(6) Within the amounts provided in this section, the department
7
must publish on its website housing data needed to complete housing
8
needs assessments required by RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a). The data shall
9
include:
10
(a) Housing profiles for each county and city in the state,
11
including cost burden, vacancy, and income;
12
(b) Data to assess racially disparate impacts, exclusion, and
13
displacement; and
14
(c) A dashboard to display data in an easily accessible format.
15
(7) $847,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and $847,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to increase middle housing.
18
(8)
$22,544,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
19
appropriation is provided solely for local government climate
20
planning implementation.
21
(9) $67,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 and $67,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the noise abatement program
24
for qualifying port districts.
25
(10) (($2,750,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for a contract with a public or
27
private entity for the purpose of public safety and security
28
activities related to the 2026 world cup event. Funding may be
29
provided for law enforcement and fire department resources, emergency
30
management, traffic control, and security at official event venues,
31
including fields and fan activation areas.
32
(13))) $375,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026 and $375,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
34
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely as pass-through funding to
35
Walla Walla Community College for its water and environmental center.
36
(((14) $500,000)) (11) $2,875,000 of the community preservation
37
and development authority account—state appropriation is provided
38
solely
for
the
Central
district
community
preservation
and
39
p. 68
ESSB 5998.SL
development authority established in RCW 43.167.070 to carry out the
1
duties and responsibilities set forth in RCW 43.167.030.
2
(((15) $500,000)) (12) $2,875,000 of the community preservation
3
and development authority account—state appropriation is provided
4
solely for the Pioneer Square-International district community
5
preservation and development authority established in RCW 43.167.060
6
to carry out the duties and responsibilities set forth in RCW
7
43.167.030.
8
(((17) $1,809,000)) (13) $1,729,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($2,008,000)) $2,965,000 of
10
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
11
provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second Substitute
12
House Bill No. 1096 (lot splitting), Second Substitute House Bill No.
13
1183 (building codes), Third Substitute House Bill No. 1491 (transit-
14
oriented housing dev), Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No.
15
5148 (GMA housing element), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5184
16
(minimum parking requirements), Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5471
17
(middle housing), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5509 (child
18
care center siting), Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5559 (UGA subdivision
19
process), and Substitute Senate Bill No. 5587 (affordable housing
20
dev).
21
(14) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to administer grants
23
to local governments to update their permit review processes.
24
(15)
$490,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
25
appropriation is provided solely for the department to administer
26
grants to assist local governments to support siting and permitting
27
of clean energy projects in the state.
28
(16) $202,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to adopt guidelines
30
for measures and criteria for use by counties and cities in the
31
implementation progress reports required by chapter 192, Laws of
32
2022.
33
(17) $131,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second
35
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6026 (residential development/zones). If
36
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
37
subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 69
ESSB 5998.SL
(18) $54,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $54,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of the
3
existing structure tax incentive program.
4
(19) $49,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
6
Bill No. 6309 (high cap. transit permits). If the bill is not enacted
7
by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
8
(20) $110,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
10
Bill No. 6355 (electric transmission system). If the bill is not
11
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
12
shall lapse.
13
(21) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to engage with the
15
department
of
archaeology
and
historic
preservation
in
the
16
development of a model ordinance for archaeological and cultural
17
resource protection.
18
(22) $73,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second
20
Substitute House Bill No. 2418 (permit review). If the bill is not
21
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
22
shall lapse.
23
(23) $366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Third
25
Substitute House Bill No. 1960 (renewable energy). If the bill is not
26
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
27
shall lapse.
28
(24)(a) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
30
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to
31
conduct a study regarding financial incentives to reduce the
32
financial burden associated with the seismic retrofit of unreinforced
33
masonry buildings.
34
(b) The study must, at a minimum, include impact analysis and
35
policy recommendations for:
36
(i) The modification and expansion of the special valuation tax;
37
(ii) The expansion of current use taxation;
38
p. 70
ESSB 5998.SL
(iii) Opportunities for time-limited exemptions under state
1
property tax, excise tax, sales tax, business and occupation tax, or
2
other tax structures;
3
(iv) The use of valuation of special assessments and assessment
4
zones; and
5
(v) The identification of financial incentives for tax-exempt
6
entities, such as schools, nonprofits, and religious organizations.
7
(c) The department must request input from the state association
8
of county assessors, a professional society representing architects
9
in Washington, a nonprofit organization representing structural
10
engineers in Washington, the department of revenue, and the joint
11
legislative audit and review committee.
12
(d) The department must submit a report to the appropriate
13
committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
14
*Sec. 130. 2025 c 424 s 132 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($15,018,000))
18
$14,919,000
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($15,522,000))
20
$14,800,000
21
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,153,000))
22
$8,191,000
23
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($1,269,000))
24
$1,282,000
25
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
26
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,706,000))
27
$3,709,000
28
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
29
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,831,000))
30
$3,813,000
31
Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment Fund Match
32
Transfer Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . (($22,220,000))
33
$10,000,000
34
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $951,000
35
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $765,000
37
Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund—Federal
38
p. 71
ESSB 5998.SL
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $567,000
1
Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,851,000))
3
$1,851,000
4
Statewide Tourism Marketing Account—State
5
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,021,000
6
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($77,307,000))
7
$63,869,000
8
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
9
conditions and limitations:
10
(1) $4,152,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
11
year 2026 and (($4,152,000)) $4,000,000 of the general fund—state
12
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for associate
13
development organizations. ((During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium,
14
the department shall consider an associate development organization's
15
total
resources
when
making
contracting
and
fund
allocation
16
decisions, in addition to the schedule provided in RCW 43.330.086.
17
The department may distribute the funding as follows:
18
(a)
For
associate
development
organizations
serving
urban
19
counties, which are counties other than rural counties as defined in
20
RCW 82.14.370, a locally matched allocation of up to $1.00 per
21
capita, totaling no more than $300,000 per organization; and
22
(b) For associate development organizations in rural counties, as
23
defined in RCW 82.14.370, a $1.00 per capita allocation with a base
24
allocation of $50,000.))
25
(2) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the northwest agriculture
28
business center.
29
(3)(a) $1,335,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,335,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the small
32
business export assistance program, for the department to establish
33
representation in key international markets that will provide the
34
greatest opportunities for increased trade and investment for small
35
businesses in the state of Washington, and for a grant to a business
36
center that provides confidential, no-cost, one-on-one, client-
37
centered assistance to small businesses to expand outreach in
38
underserved communities, especially Black, indigenous, and people of
39
p. 72
ESSB 5998.SL
color-owned businesses, providing targeted assistance where needed.
1
Funding may also be used to collaborate with the department, the
2
Washington economic development association, and others to develop a
3
more effective and efficient service delivery system for Washington's
4
women and minority-owned small businesses.
5
(b) Of the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, $400,000
6
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is
7
provided to address the impact of tariffs on Washington jobs and
8
exports, which may include diversification of trade partnerships,
9
enhancing
sector
innovation
and
supply
chain
resilience,
and
10
supporting the recruitment and retention of trade driven enterprises.
11
The department must provide a progress report to the legislature and
12
the governor on its activities under this subsection (3)(b) by
13
November 1, 2026.
14
(4) $60,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $60,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to submit the
17
necessary Washington state membership dues for the Pacific Northwest
18
economic region.
19
(5) $1,219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $1,219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to identify
22
and invest in strategic growth areas, support key sectors, and align
23
existing economic development programs and priorities. The department
24
must consider Washington's position as the most trade-dependent state
25
when identifying priority investments. The department must engage
26
states and provinces in the northwest as well as associate
27
development
organizations,
small
business
development
centers,
28
chambers of commerce, ports, and other partners to leverage the funds
29
provided. Sector leads established by the department must include the
30
industries of: (a) Aerospace; (b) clean technology and renewable and
31
nonrenewable energy; (c) wood products and other natural resource
32
industries; (d) information and communication technology; (e) life
33
sciences and global health; (f) maritime; (g) military and defense;
34
and (h) creative industries. The department may establish these
35
sector leads by hiring new staff, expanding the duties of current
36
staff, or working with partner organizations and or other agencies to
37
serve in the role of sector lead.
38
p. 73
ESSB 5998.SL
(6) (($22,220,000)) $10,000,000 of the Andy Hill cancer research
1
endowment fund match transfer account—state appropriation is provided
2
solely for the Andy Hill cancer research endowment program. Amounts
3
provided in this subsection may be used for grants and administration
4
costs.
5
(7) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 ((and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for a grant to assist
8
people with limited incomes in urban areas of the state start and
9
sustain small businesses. The grant recipient must be a nonprofit
10
organization involving a network of microenterprise organizations and
11
professionals to support micro entrepreneurship and access to
12
economic development resources.
13
(8) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 and (($1,000,000)) $700,000 of the general fund—state
15
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a
16
nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to provide grants,
17
capacity building, and technical assistance support to a network of
18
microenterprise
development
organizations.
The
microenterprise
19
development organizations will support rural and urban Black,
20
indigenous and people of color owned businesses, veteran owned
21
businesses, and limited resourced and other hard to serve businesses
22
with five or fewer employees throughout the state with business
23
training, technical assistance, and microloans.
24
(9) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to strengthen capacity of the
27
keep Washington working act work group established in RCW 43.330.510.
28
(((11))) (10) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
29
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the city of Seattle to
30
lease space for nonprofit and academic institutions to incubate
31
technology business startups, especially those focusing on artificial
32
intelligence and develop and teach curricula to skill up workers to
33
use artificial intelligence as a business resource.
34
(((12))) (11) $500,000 of the climate commitment account—state
35
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
36
a nonregulatory coalition located in Seattle that supports the
37
strategic
development
and
activation
of
Washington
state's
38
participation in the West Coast wide-floating offshore wind supply
39
p. 74
ESSB 5998.SL
chain
through
a
collaborative
approach.
The
department
and
1
nonregulatory coalition shall identify economic, community, and
2
workforce development opportunities resulting from Washington state's
3
participation in the offshore wind supply chain through conducting
4
convenings, workshops, and studies as appropriate.
5
(((13))) (12) Sufficient amounts are provided in this section for
6
the department to administer a grant program to cannabis licensees
7
holding a license issued after July 1, 2024, who meet the social
8
equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335. The department must
9
award grants primarily based on the strength of the social equity
10
plans
submitted
by
cannabis
licensees
but
may
also
consider
11
additional criteria if deemed necessary or appropriate by the
12
department. Technical assistance activities eligible for funding
13
include, but are not limited to:
14
(a) Assistance navigating the cannabis licensure process;
15
(b) Cannabis-business specific education and business plan
16
development;
17
(c) Regulatory compliance training;
18
(d) Financial management training and assistance in seeking
19
financing;
20
(e) Strengthening a social equity plan as defined in RCW
21
69.50.101; and
22
(f) Connecting social equity applicants with established industry
23
members and tribal cannabis enterprises and programs for mentoring
24
and other forms of support.
25
(13)(a) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the department to develop a
27
statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan.
28
(b) At a minimum, the plan shall include the following:
29
(i) Goals and strategies for state-supported economic development
30
activities in the state, utilizing analysis of economic and industry
31
data;
32
(ii) A state economic profile, examining such factors as
33
demographics, workforce characteristics, industry landscape, and
34
regional and tribal economics, infrastructure, and assets;
35
(iii) Economic challenges and opportunities;
36
(iv) Updates on the small business resiliency program and other
37
programs addressing the overall needs of businesses;
38
(v) Equity and community wealth building efforts;
39
(vi) Metrics for measuring outcomes; and
40
p. 75
ESSB 5998.SL
(vii) An implementation plan.
1
(c) The department must submit a report to the appropriate
2
committees of the legislature that includes the completed plan by
3
June 30, 2027.
4
*Sec. 130 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
*Sec. 131. 2025 c 424 s 133 (uncodified) is amended to read as
5
follows:
6
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—ENERGY AND INNOVATION
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($3,601,000))
8
$1,949,000
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,522,000))
10
$2,949,000
11
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($39,799,000))
12
$115,636,000
13
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($106,000))
14
$133,000
15
Building Code Council Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $19,000
16
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($54,112,000))
17
$47,729,000
18
Community and Economic Development Fee Account—State
19
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $160,000
20
Energy Efficiency Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . $20,000
21
Low-Income Weatherization and Structural
22
Rehabilitation Assistance Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,416,000))
24
$1,423,000
25
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($166,000))
27
$91,000
28
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Account—State
29
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $556,000
30
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($102,921,000))
31
$170,665,000
32
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
33
conditions and limitations:
34
(1) The department is authorized to require an applicant to pay
35
an application fee to cover the cost of reviewing the project and
36
preparing an advisory opinion on whether a proposed electric
37
p. 76
ESSB 5998.SL
generation project or conservation resource qualifies to meet
1
mandatory conservation targets.
2
(2) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to build a mapping and
5
forecasting tool that provides locations and information on charging
6
and refueling infrastructure as required in chapter 300, Laws of 2021
7
(zero emissions transp.). The department shall collaborate with the
8
interagency electric vehicle coordinating council established in
9
chapter 182, Laws of 2022 (transportation resources) when developing
10
the tool and must work to meet benchmarks established in chapter 182,
11
Laws of 2022 (transportation resources).
12
(3) (($5,000,000))(a) $4,510,000 of the climate commitment
13
account—state appropriation is provided solely for grants to support
14
port districts, counties, cities, towns, special purpose districts,
15
any other municipal corporations or quasi-municipal corporations, and
16
tribes to support siting and permitting of clean energy projects in
17
the state. Eligible uses of grant funding provided in this section
18
include supporting predevelopment work for sites intended for clean
19
energy projects, land use studies, conducting or engaging in planning
20
efforts such as planned actions and programmatic environmental impact
21
statements, and staff to improve permit timeliness and certainty.
22
(b) In carrying out the provisions of this subsection, the
23
department must prioritize grants in jurisdictions where transmission
24
constraints or rapid load growth threaten reliability and timely
25
achievement of statewide clean energy transformation act requirements
26
and greenhouse gas targets. The department should use information to
27
which it has access to make this determination.
28
(4)(a) (($500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2026)) $800,000 of the climate commitment account—state
30
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
31
((one or more of the western national laboratories, or a similar
32
independent research organization, in consultation with state and
33
federal energy agencies, stakeholders, and relevant utilities,)) an
34
entity or firm with necessary expertise to conduct an analysis for
35
new
electricity
generation,
transmission,
ancillary
services,
36
efficiency and storage sufficient to offset those ((presently))
37
provided by the lower Snake river dams. The analysis should include a
38
list of requirements for a replacement portfolio that diversifies and
39
p. 77
ESSB 5998.SL
improves the resilience and maintains the reliability and adequacy of
1
the electric power system, is consistent with the state's statutory
2
and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation, and is
3
((supplementary to the resources)) optimized into regional resource
4
needs that will be required to replace fossil fuels in the electrical
5
generation,
transportation,
industry,
and
buildings
sectors.
6
Consistent with Washington executive order 24-06, the analysis should
7
also be responsive to and consistent with the objectives of the
8
Columbia basin restoration initiative (CBRI). The department and its
9
contractor's assessment will include quantitative analysis based on
10
available data as well as qualitative input gathered from impacted
11
tribal and other governments, the Northwest power and conservation
12
council, relevant utilities, and other key stakeholders. The analysis
13
((must include)) should consider the following:
14
(i) Expected trends for demand, and distinct scenarios that
15
examine potential outcomes for electricity demand, generation, and
16
storage
technologies
development((,
land
use
and
land
use
17
constraints)), and cost through 2050, as well as ((the most))
18
relevant recent ((analysis)) analyses of future resource adequacy and
19
reliability, including the range of energy needs, resources available
20
during the next 20 years, new resources that need to be developed,
21
and adequacy and reliability analysis;
22
(ii) A resource portfolio approach in which a combination of
23
((commercially available)) generating resources, energy efficiency,
24
conservation, and demand response programs, transmission resources,
25
and
other
programs
and
resources
that
((would
be
necessary
26
prerequisites)) are commercially available at the time when they are
27
needed to replace the power and grid reliability services otherwise
28
provided by the lower Snake river dams and the time frame needed to
29
put those resources into operation;
30
(iii) ((Identification of generation and transmission siting
31
options consistent with the overall replacement resource portfolio,
32
in
coordination
with
other
state
processes
and
requirements
33
supporting the planning of clean energy and transmission siting;
34
(iv) An evaluation of alternatives for the development, ownership
35
and operation of the replacement resource portfolio;
36
(v))) Examination of possible impacts and opportunities that
37
might result from the renewal of the Columbia river treaty, revisions
38
of
the
Bonneville
power
administration
preference
contracts,
39
implementation of the western resource adequacy program (WRAP),
40
p. 78
ESSB 5998.SL
expansion of the western day ahead power markets, and other changes
1
in operation and governance of the regional electric power system,
2
consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements of the clean
3
energy transformation act;
4
(((vi)
Identification
of
revenue
and
payment
structures
5
sufficient to maintain reliable and affordable electricity supplies
6
for ratepayers, with emphasis on overburdened communities;
7
(vii))) (iv) Development of distinct scenarios that examine
8
different potential cost and timeline potentials for development and
9
implementation of identified generation, storage, and transmission
10
needs ((and options including planning, permitting, design, and
11
construction, including relevant federal authorities,)) consistent
12
with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the clean energy
13
transformation act; and
14
(((viii))) (v) Quantification of impacts to greenhouse gas
15
emissions including life-cycle emissions analysis associated with
16
implementation of identified generation and transmission needs and
17
options
including
(((A)
planning,
permitting,
design,
and
18
construction, and, if relevant,)) emissions associated with the
19
acquisition of non-Washington state domestic or foreign sources of
20
electricity, ((and (B))) any additional operations of existing
21
fossil-fueled generating resources((; and
22
(ix) An inventory of electricity demand by state-owned or
23
operated facilities and information needed to complete a request for
24
proposals (RFP) to satisfy this demand through new nonhydro renewable
25
energy generation and/or conservation)), and the impact of forecasted
26
new load growth on greenhouse gas emissions.
27
(b) The department shall, to the extent determined practicable,
28
consider related analyses ((undertaken by the federal government as
29
part of the Columbia river system operation stay of litigation agreed
30
to in National Wildlife Federation et al. v. National Marine
31
Fisheries Service et al. in October 2021)) completed by the Pacific
32
Northwest
national
laboratory
on
the
lower
Snake
river
dams
33
contribution to grid services. The department shall also, to the
34
extent determined practicable, rely on methods, models, and data
35
consistent with those developed and relied upon by the Northwest
36
power and conservation council as part of its most recent power plan.
37
(c) The department shall provide ((a status update)) the final
38
report to the energy and environment committees of the legislature
39
and governor's office by June 30, ((2026)) 2027.
40
p. 79
ESSB 5998.SL
(5) (($13,088,000)) $11,452,000 of the climate commitment account
1
—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
2
administer a grant program to assist owners of public buildings in
3
covering the costs of conducting an investment grade energy audit for
4
those buildings. Public buildings include those owned by state and
5
local governments, tribes, and school districts.
6
(6)
$1,078,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for the department to develop plans
8
to test hydrogen combustion and resulting nitrogen oxides (NOx)
9
emissions, technical assistance for strategic end uses of hydrogen, a
10
feasibility assessment regarding underground storage of hydrogen in
11
Washington, and an environmental justice toolkit for hydrogen
12
projects.
13
(7)
$1,678,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
14
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter 344,
15
Laws of 2024 (public building materials), including to develop and
16
maintain a publicly accessible database for covered projects to
17
submit environmental and working conditions data, to convene a
18
technical work group, and to develop legislative reports.
19
(8)
$2,500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
20
appropriation is provided solely for the department for activities
21
that engage tribes or overburdened communities when siting renewable
22
energy generation or electrical transmission facilities in Washington
23
state. Of the amounts provided in this subsection:
24
(a)
$2,000,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
25
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
engagement
of
a
tribal
26
collaborative and participating tribes to identify areas with higher
27
and lower potential for avoiding conflicts with tribes when siting
28
renewable energy generation and electrical transmission facilities.
29
The effort must consider tribal renewable energy and transmission
30
needs, tribal sovereignty and rights, sensitive natural areas and
31
working lands, and the goal to minimize harm while maximizing
32
benefits to tribal communities. The department may contract for this
33
purpose.
34
(b)
$500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
35
appropriation is provided solely for the department to engage with
36
communities to create a framework and process to support early and
37
ongoing overburdened community input for the planning and development
38
of transmission corridors. This shall, to the extent feasible,
39
p. 80
ESSB 5998.SL
include identifying ways for overburdened communities to benefit from
1
transmission corridor development as well as ways to reduce and avoid
2
conflict
with
overburdened
communities
in
the
development
of
3
transmission corridors. Engagement activities may be coordinated with
4
the tribal collaborative described in section 133 of this act and
5
other relevant community engagement activities within the department.
6
(9)(a)
$200,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for a grant to continue the
8
Washington just and rapid transition climate tech program. The grant
9
will provide funding for the recruitment, development, business
10
training, and support of underserved climate technology innovators,
11
entrepreneurs, and organizations developing or deploying solutions in
12
the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable
13
transportation, and other technology solving for the environmental
14
challenges facing overburdened communities in Washington.
15
(b) Activities may include supporting entrepreneurs in preparing
16
for private investment; technical assistance for entrepreneurs
17
receiving state directed federal equity and debt capital; assistance
18
accessing or leveraging the use of federal funding; business coaching
19
and mentoring; and connections to technical and business resources.
20
(c) The grant recipient must be a nonprofit organization that has
21
been awarded, from the state of Washington, federal state small
22
business credit initiative funds for investment in Washington climate
23
tech entrepreneurs, and must also have experience managing investment
24
funding and providing entrepreneurial support programs and federal
25
funding assistance to early-stage climate start-ups and businesses
26
based in Washington. The grant recipient should have experience
27
providing services to individuals and companies led by individuals
28
from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, women, and individuals
29
residing in rural communities and have working partnerships with
30
state
research
universities,
climate
technology
industry
31
associations, and community-based organizations serving underserved
32
communities.
33
(10)
$300,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
34
appropriation is provided solely for the department to provide
35
assistance
and
develop
financing
recommendations
to
increase
36
transmission capacity in Washington. The department must use the
37
funding provided in this subsection to:
38
(a) Provide assistance to local and tribal governments regarding
39
the permitting of electric transmission projects which includes, but
40
p. 81
ESSB 5998.SL
is not limited to, providing easily accessible information on
1
advanced transmission technologies in Washington and identifying
2
applicable codes and ordinances that support transmission facilities
3
for the purpose of providing frameworks that local and tribal
4
governments may consider or adopt;
5
(b) Provide technical assistance to transmission operators for
6
increasing and enhancing transmission capacity with reconductoring
7
and other advanced transmission technologies; and
8
(c) Identify the appropriate finance mechanisms needed to improve
9
capacity to develop electric transmission in Washington. By November
10
1, 2025, the department must submit a report that analyzes financing
11
options for transmission projects and provides recommendations to the
12
governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature.
13
(11)
$163,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
14
appropriation is provided solely for the department to administer a
15
pilot program to provide grants and technical assistance to support
16
planning, predevelopment, and installation of commercial, dual-use
17
solar power demonstration projects. Eligible grant recipients may
18
include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, public
19
entities, and federally recognized tribes.
20
(12)(a) (($10,000,000)) $7,500,000 of the climate commitment
21
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to
22
administer a program to assist community-based organizations, local
23
governments, ports, tribes, and other entities to access federal tax
24
incentives and grants. Eligible entities for the program include, but
25
are
not
limited
to,
local
governments
in
Washington,
tribal
26
governments
and
tribal
entities,
community-based
organizations,
27
housing
authorities,
ports,
transit
agencies,
nonprofit
28
organizations, and for-profit businesses. The department shall
29
prioritize
assistance
that
benefits
vulnerable
populations
in
30
overburdened communities, with a goal of directing at least 25
31
percent of funds to this purpose.
32
(b) Within the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, the
33
department must contract with a nonprofit organization to provide the
34
following services:
35
(i) Development of tax guidance resources for clean energy tax
36
credits, including core legal documents to be used broadly across
37
stakeholders;
38
(ii) Providing tailored marketing materials for these resources
39
targeting underserved entities; and
40
p. 82
ESSB 5998.SL
(iii) Providing funds to subcontract with clean energy tax
1
attorneys to pilot office hours style support available to eligible
2
entities across the state.
3
(13)
$3,500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
4
appropriation is provided solely for the department to provide and
5
facilitate
access
to
energy
assistance
programs,
including
6
incentives, energy audits, and rebate programs to retrofit homes and
7
small businesses.
8
(14)
$250,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
10
a nonprofit entity that represents the maritime industry to develop
11
and publish a strategic framework regarding the production, supply,
12
and use of sustainable maritime fuels and deployment of low and zero-
13
emissions vessel technologies in Washington. Analyses will include
14
relevant human and environmental health and equity considerations.
15
Funding under this subsection may be used for activities including,
16
but
not
limited
to,
convening
stakeholders
and
building
17
organizational capacity. Stakeholder engagement pursuant to this
18
subsection shall include, at a minimum, engagement with federal and
19
state agencies, ports, industry, labor, research institutions,
20
nongovernmental organizations, and relevant federally recognized
21
tribes.
22
(((17))) (15) $450,000 of the climate commitment account—state
23
appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with
24
the Washington state academy of sciences to complete a study to
25
determine the value of distributed solar and storage in Washington
26
state. Including any factors that it finds relevant, the academy
27
shall develop policy recommendations and options for a methodology or
28
methodologies that utility regulators and governing bodies may use
29
after the statutory four percent net metering threshold is met. The
30
academy shall submit a final report to the department and the
31
utilities and transportation commission by October 1, 2026.
32
(((18))) (16) $197,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
33
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the department to
34
complete the final report of the electrical transmission workforce
35
needs study pursuant to section 1117(40) of this act. The department
36
must submit the final report of the study to the appropriate
37
committees of the legislature by November 1, 2025.
38
p. 83
ESSB 5998.SL
(17) $744,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
2
Bill No. 6355 (electric transmission system). If the bill is not
3
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
4
shall lapse.
5
*Sec. 131 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 132. 2025 c 424 s 134 (uncodified) is amended to read as
6
follows:
7
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE—PROGRAM SUPPORT
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($6,539,000))
9
$10,832,000
10
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,692,000))
11
$9,589,000
12
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $7,902,000
13
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($2,075,000))
14
$2,085,000
15
((Dedicated Cannabis Account—State
16
Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000))
17
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($1,753,000))
18
$1,627,000
19
((Growth Management Planning and Environmental
20
Review Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $148,000))
21
Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund—Federal
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $142,000
23
State Agency Office Relocation Pool Account—State
24
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $325,000
25
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($24,111,000))
26
$32,502,000
27
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
28
conditions and limitations:
29
(1) (($253,000)) $127,000 of the climate commitment account—state
30
appropriation is provided solely for the department to incorporate
31
equity and environmental justice into agency grant programs with the
32
goal of reducing programmatic barriers to vulnerable populations in
33
overburdened
communities
in
accessing
department
funds.
The
34
department shall prioritize grant programs receiving funds from the
35
accounts established under RCW 70A.65.240, 70A.65.250, 70A.65.260,
36
70A.65.270, and 70A.65.280.
37
p. 84
ESSB 5998.SL
(2)
$1,500,000
of
the
climate
commitment
account—state
1
appropriation is provided solely for the department to continue
2
implementation of chapter 70A.02 RCW.
3
(3) $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for language access activities,
6
which may include translation services, interpretation services, and
7
in-language material development.
8
(4) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department, in
11
collaboration with the office of financial management and relevant
12
partners, to conduct an evaluation of the short-term and long-term
13
facility needs to maximize usage and return on investment of the
14
Pacific tower property, as contracted to the department by the
15
Pacific
hospital
preservation
and
development
authority.
In
16
conducting the evaluation, the department may enter a contract, which
17
must be with an entity with expertise in space planning, financial
18
modeling, and public-sector real estate management. The department
19
must submit a final report of their evaluation by November 1, 2026.
20
The evaluation must include, but is not limited to:
21
(a) A floor-by-floor utilization assessment and restacking plan
22
that considers state agencies, local government partners, mission-
23
aligned nonprofits, and other appropriate tenants;
24
(b) An analysis of financial, operational, and contractual
25
factors affecting the building's financial sustainability, including
26
sublease structures and potential areas of duplicative payment or
27
cost overlap;
28
(c) Recommendations for optimizing space based on telework
29
trends, tenant readiness, and the building's physical and historic
30
constraints; and
31
(d) A long-term strategy to improve return on investment,
32
stabilize operating costs, and ensure alignment with the master lease
33
and the 2013 legislative intent for the facility.
34
Sec. 133. 2025 c 424 s 135 (uncodified) is amended to read as
35
follows:
36
FOR THE ECONOMIC AND REVENUE FORECAST COUNCIL
37
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($948,000))
38
p. 85
ESSB 5998.SL
$1,002,000
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($946,000))
2
$964,000
3
Lottery Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $50,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,944,000))
5
$2,016,000
6
Sec. 134. 2025 c 424 s 136 (uncodified) is amended to read as
7
follows:
8
FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($16,140,000))
10
$15,103,000
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($16,270,000))
12
$11,342,000
13
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($36,493,000))
14
$35,598,000
15
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($539,000))
16
$7,132,000
17
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($3,004,000))
18
$2,254,000
19
Performance Audits of Government Account—State
20
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000
21
Personnel Service Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($24,571,000))
22
$24,948,000
23
Higher Education Personnel Services Account—State
24
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,428,000))
25
$1,427,000
26
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
27
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300,000
28
Statewide Information Technology System Development
29
Revolving Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . (($154,207,000))
30
$272,275,000
31
Office of Financial Management Central Service
32
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($34,140,000))
33
$40,115,000
34
((Labor Relations Service Nonappropriated
35
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $11,797,000))
36
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($298,891,000))
37
$410,496,000
38
p. 86
ESSB 5998.SL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1)(a) The student achievement council and all institutions of
3
higher education as defined in RCW 28B.92.030 and eligible for state
4
financial aid programs under chapters 28B.92 and 28B.118 RCW shall
5
ensure that data needed to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of
6
state financial aid programs are promptly transmitted to the
7
education data center so that it is available and easily accessible.
8
The data to be reported must include but not be limited to:
9
(i) The number of Washington college grant and college bound
10
recipients;
11
(ii) Persistence and completion rates of Washington college grant
12
recipients and college bound recipients, disaggregated by institution
13
of higher education;
14
(iii) Washington college grant recipients grade point averages;
15
and
16
(iv) Washington college grant and college bound scholarship
17
program costs.
18
(b) The student achievement council shall submit student unit
19
record data for state financial aid program applicants and recipients
20
to the education data center.
21
(2)(a)
(($153,269,000))
$271,365,000
of
the
information
22
technology system development revolving account—state appropriation
23
is provided solely for the one Washington enterprise resource
24
planning statewide program phase 1A (agency financial reporting
25
system replacement) and is subject to the conditions, limitations,
26
and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
27
(b) Of the amount provided in this subsection:
28
(i) (($15,300,000)) $38,643,000 of the information technology
29
system development revolving account—state appropriation is provided
30
solely for a technology pool ((in fiscal year 2026)) to pay for phase
31
1A (agency financial reporting system replacement—core financials)
32
state agency costs due to legacy system remediation work associated
33
with impacted financial systems and interfaces. Of the amount
34
provided in this subsection (2)(b)(i), $12,087,000 is for costs in
35
fiscal year 2026, and $26,556,000 is for costs in fiscal year 2027.
36
The office of financial management must manage the pool, authorize
37
funds, track funds authorized and spent by agency by fiscal month,
38
and report after each fiscal month close on the agency spending to
39
p. 87
ESSB 5998.SL
Washington technology solutions so that the spending is included in
1
the statewide dashboard actual spending each fiscal month for phase
2
1A and included on the program dashboard for program actual spend;
3
(ii) (($27,563,000)) $49,962,000 of the information technology
4
system development revolving account—state appropriation is provided
5
solely for an agency readiness pool ((in fiscal year 2026)) to pay
6
for phase 1A (agency financial reporting system replacement-core
7
financials) state agency costs incurred in preparation for a
8
successful transition to phase 1A. Of the amount provided in this
9
subsection (2)(b)(ii), $21,775,000 is for costs in fiscal year 2026,
10
and $28,187,000 is for costs in fiscal year 2027. The office of
11
financial management must manage this pool, authorize funds, track
12
funds authorized and spent by agency by fiscal month, and report
13
after each fiscal month close on the agency spending to Washington
14
technology solutions so that the spending is included in the
15
statewide dashboard actual spending each fiscal month for phase 1A
16
and included on the program dashboard program actual spend; and
17
(iii) (($988,000)) $1,773,000 of the information technology
18
system development revolving account—state appropriation is provided
19
solely for an interagency agreement ((in fiscal year 2026)) with
20
Washington
technology
solutions
for
one
dedicated
information
21
technology consultant and two dedicated system architect staff. These
22
staff will work with state agencies to ensure preparation and timely
23
decommission of information technology systems that will no longer be
24
necessary post implementation of phase 1A (agency financial reporting
25
system replacement-core financials). Of the amount provided in this
26
subsection (2)(b)(iii), $988,000 is for costs in fiscal year 2026,
27
and $785,000 is for costs in fiscal year 2027.
28
(c) The one Washington solution and team must use an agile
29
development
model
holding
live
demonstrations
of
functioning
30
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
31
of two-week sprints.
32
(d) The one Washington solution must be capable of being
33
continually updated, as necessary.
34
(e) Beginning July 1, 2025, the office of financial management
35
shall provide written quarterly reports, within 30 calendar days of
36
the end of each fiscal quarter, to legislative fiscal committees and
37
the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee to
38
include how funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan
39
for the prior quarter by fiscal month and what the ensuing quarter
40
p. 88
ESSB 5998.SL
budget will be by fiscal month. All reporting must be separated by
1
phase of one Washington subprojects. The written report must also
2
include:
3
(i) A list of quantifiable deliverables scheduled for that
4
quarter, including those accomplished and the amount spent associated
5
with each deliverable, by fiscal month;
6
(ii) A report on the contract full-time equivalent charged
7
compared to the budget spending plan by fiscal month for each
8
contracted vendor, to include interagency agreements with other state
9
agencies, and what the ensuing contract equivalent budget spending
10
plan assumes by fiscal month;
11
(iii) A report identifying each state agency that applied for and
12
received technology pool resources under (b)(i) of this subsection,
13
the staffing equivalent used, and the actual spending by fiscal month
14
by agency compared to the budget spending plan by fiscal month;
15
(iv) A report identifying each state agency that applied for and
16
received agency readiness pool resources under (b)(ii) of this
17
subsection, the staffing equivalent used, and the actual spending by
18
fiscal month by agency compared to the budget spending plan by fiscal
19
month;
20
(v) A report on budget spending plan by fiscal month by phase
21
compared to actual spending by fiscal month, and the projected
22
spending plan by fiscal month for the ensuing quarter;
23
(vi) A report on current financial office performance metrics
24
that at least 10 state agencies use, to include the monthly
25
performance data, that began July 1, 2021;
26
(vii) ((A report identifying each mandatory go-live phase 1A
27
system by agency and system name, and the status on each system
28
readiness compliance to meet the go-live date as of the start of the
29
quarter and the percentage of compliance by the end of the quarter;
30
(viii))) An accounting of each known risk to the project
31
identified by Washington technology solutions, the assigned quality
32
assurance vendor, or the program during the last quarter, and then
33
how each of these risks were addressed during the last quarter, what
34
date each of these risks are anticipated to be resolved, and if the
35
risk will be unresolved in the ensuing quarter;
36
(((ix))) (viii) An accounting of any deliverables that were
37
changed in the last quarter noting start and anticipated end dates
38
before and after change, and any plans to change future deliverables
39
to include what the deliverable was, what the new deliverable is, why
40
p. 89
ESSB 5998.SL
the deliverable was or will be missed, what was done to mitigate this
1
delay, and what the revised deliverable date is; and
2
(((x))) (ix) The project roll-out schedule by phase to include
3
the date each phase will go live compared to the last known go-live
4
date. If the go-live date changed since the last quarterly report,
5
the report must reference the last go-live date compared to the new
6
one and include detail on why the schedule will be missed, how the
7
project mitigated additional delays, and what the additional time in
8
the schedule is anticipated to cost by fiscal year.
9
(f) Prior to the expenditure of the amounts provided in this
10
subsection, the director of the office of financial management must
11
review and approve the spending in writing.
12
(g) ((The legislature intends to provide additional funding for
13
fiscal year 2027 costs for phase 1A (agency financial reporting
14
system replacement) to be completed.))(i) Beginning April 1, 2026,
15
the office of financial management shall publish monthly snapshot
16
reports on the public facing one Washington website that show the
17
agency and system name noting if the system (on the snapshot date),
18
on go-live, will connect:
19
(A) Directly to workday; or
20
(B) Via the transformation layer.
21
(ii) The report must retain prior month reporting so that
22
historical snapshots by agency by system will be available until go-
23
live implementation.
24
(3) $250,000 of the office of financial management central
25
services account—state appropriation is provided solely for a
26
dedicated information technology budget staff for the work associated
27
with statewide information technology projects that at least are
28
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
29
section 701 of this act and are under the oversight of Washington
30
technology solutions. The staff will be responsible for providing a
31
monthly financial report after each fiscal month close to fiscal
32
staff of the senate ways and means and house appropriations
33
committees to reflect at least:
34
(a) Fund balance of the information technology pool account after
35
each fiscal month close;
36
(b) Amount by information technology project, differentiated if
37
in the technology pool or the agency budget, of what funding has been
38
approved to date and for the last fiscal month;
39
p. 90
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) Amount by agency of what funding has been approved to date
1
and for the last fiscal month;
2
(d) Total amount approved to date, differentiated if in the
3
technology pool or the agency budget, and for the last fiscal month;
4
(e) A projection for the information technology pool account by
5
fiscal month through the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium close, and a
6
calculation spent to date as a percentage of the total appropriation;
7
(f) A projection of each information technology project spending
8
compared to budget spending plan by fiscal month through the
9
2025-2027 fiscal biennium, and a calculation of amount spent to date
10
as a percentage of total project cost; and
11
(g) A list of agencies and projects that have not yet applied for
12
nor been approved for funding by the office of financial management.
13
(4) Within existing resources, the labor relations section shall
14
produce a report annually on workforce data and trends for the
15
previous fiscal year. At a minimum, the report must include a
16
workforce profile; information on employee compensation, including
17
salaries and cost of overtime; and information on retention,
18
including average length of service and workforce turnover.
19
(5) The office of financial management must report to and
20
coordinate with the department of ecology to track expenditures from
21
climate commitment act accounts, as defined and described in RCW
22
70A.65.300 and chapter 173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to
23
result in greenhouse gas emission reductions, the office must use a
24
department of ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
25
(6) Within existing resources, the office will maintain a data
26
portal to track state agency expenditures from climate commitment act
27
accounts as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
28
173-446B WAC. The data portal must be coordinated with the department
29
of ecology.
30
(7) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of chapter
33
245, Laws of 2022 (state boards, etc./stipends).
34
(8)(a) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the office of financial
36
management to complete a study of the future long-term uses of the
37
Olympic heritage behavioral health campus. The study must assess the
38
options for maximizing the facility's ability to receive federal
39
p. 91
ESSB 5998.SL
matching funds for services provided while contributing to the health
1
of the entire state behavioral health system based on community
2
needs. The study must examine Washington behavioral health system
3
trends, including demand and capacity for voluntary and involuntary
4
behavioral health in-patient treatment, forecasted bed need and
5
current and planned statewide capacity for civil and forensic state
6
hospital populations, short-term civil commitment capacity trends,
7
and trends in prosecutorial forensic referrals. The study must also
8
consider area provider admittance and refusal rates. The study must
9
include:
10
(i) An analysis on the types of services which could be provided
11
at the property, including but not limited to:
12
(A) Voluntary behavioral health treatment services, including
13
diversion, prediversion, and specialty services for people with co-
14
occurring conditions including substance use disorders, intellectual
15
or
developmental
disabilities,
traumatic
brain
disorders,
or
16
dementia;
17
(B) Services for patients that are deemed not guilty by reason of
18
insanity;
19
(C) Integrated service approaches that address medical, housing,
20
vocational, and other needs of behaviorally disabled individuals with
21
criminal
legal
involvement
or
likelihood
of
criminal
legal
22
involvement;
23
(D) Long-term involuntary treatment services for specialized
24
populations
such
as
those
with
developmental
disabilities
or
25
dementia;
26
(E) Short-term involuntary treatment services;
27
(F) Long-term involuntary treatment services for civil conversion
28
patients;
29
(G) Out-patient intensive behavioral health treatment including
30
partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care;
31
(H) Crisis response services; and
32
(I) Other services that will increase the state's ability to
33
comply with requirements for providing timely admission of competency
34
restoration patients into treatment beds;
35
(ii) Review of potential for additional capacity or services on
36
the entirety of the property, including any capital improvements
37
needed to expand services under the options described in (a)(i) of
38
this subsection;
39
p. 92
ESSB 5998.SL
(iii) Identification and evaluation of strategies to obtain
1
federal matching funding opportunities, specifically focusing on
2
innovative medicaid framework adjustments and the consideration of
3
necessary state plan amendments;
4
(iv)
Estimated
costs,
required
staffing
and
workforce
5
availability for each of the recommended types of services if
6
available; and
7
(v) Consideration of options for providers that can provide the
8
different services recommended at the facility and an analysis on the
9
cost differential and potential federal reimbursement for the
10
different providers. The office of financial management may consider
11
a variety of provider types or partners, including, but not limited
12
to:
13
(A) Tribal or local governments;
14
(B) Acute care hospitals already providing similar care;
15
(C) Providers contracted by the health care authority; and
16
(D) State-operated options.
17
(b) The office of financial management shall consult with the
18
University of Washington school of medicine, the health care
19
authority, and the department of social and health services in
20
developing and conducting the study.
21
(c) The office of financial management shall submit a final
22
report with its findings and recommendations to the governor and the
23
appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by
24
December 1, 2025.
25
(d) The office of financial management may contract with one or
26
more third parties and consult with other state entities to conduct
27
the study. The contract is exempt from the competitive procurement
28
requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
29
(9) $352,000 of the labor relations service nonappropriated
30
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
31
Senate Bill No. 5653 (fish and wildlife officers). ((If the bill is
32
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
33
shall lapse.))
34
(10)
$174,000
of
the
personnel
service
account—state
35
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
36
Senate Bill No. 5827 (veterans/discharge def.). If the bill is not
37
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
38
shall lapse.
39
p. 93
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 135. 2025 c 424 s 137 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . $25,000
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . $25,000
5
Administrative Hearings Revolving Account—State
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($72,878,000))
7
$74,063,000
8
Administrative Hearings Revolving Account—Local
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($72,890,000))
11
$74,125,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations:
14
(1) $809,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
15
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
16
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-term services trust).
17
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
18
this subsection shall lapse.))
19
(2) $24,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
20
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
21
Engrossed
Second
Substitute
Senate
Bill
No.
5217
(pregnancy
22
accommodations). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
23
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
24
(3) $56,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
25
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
26
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1213 (paid family and
27
medical leave protections). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
28
2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
29
(4) $39,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
30
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
31
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1644 (working minors). ((If the
32
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
33
subsection shall lapse.))
34
(5) $27,000 of the administrative hearings revolving account—
35
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
36
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6302 (public works/finishing
37
trade). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount
38
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
39
p. 94
ESSB 5998.SL
(6)(a) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 and $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the office of administrative
3
hearings to convene a committee for the purpose of developing
4
recommended changes to the current system and processes for claims
5
against the state, or against its officers, employees, or volunteers,
6
acting in such capacity, for damages arising out of tortious conduct.
7
The committee shall explore, review, and consider options to improve
8
existing systems and processes related to adjudicating claims for
9
tortious conduct against the state or its political subdivisions. The
10
committee shall prioritize recommendations that ensure a fair,
11
efficient, and trauma-informed process for claimants that reduce the
12
impacts to public costs arising from claims of tortious conduct
13
against the state or its political subdivisions. The committee, in
14
making recommendations, shall be balanced in its approach, ensuring
15
issues related to access to justice and the courts, meaningful
16
remedies for claimants, responsible stewardship of public dollars,
17
and transparency and accountability for the state are reflected.
18
(b) Members of the committee shall be appointed by the governor,
19
except as otherwise provided in this subsection. The members shall
20
consist of:
21
(i) A representative of the office of the attorney general,
22
appointed by the attorney general;
23
(ii) Two victims' advocates;
24
(iii) A mental health professional;
25
(iv) Three members of the public who have experience in a civil
26
justice advocacy organization;
27
(v) Two representatives from state agencies with a high volume of
28
tort cases;
29
(vi) A single representative for all counties, appointed by the
30
Washington state association of counties;
31
(vii) A single representative for all school districts, appointed
32
by the Washington schools risk management pool;
33
(viii) A representative of the office of financial management;
34
(ix) A representative from the department of enterprise services;
35
and
36
(x) A representative from the office of administrative hearings.
37
(c) In order to be expedient with this effort, the office of
38
administrative hearings may convene preliminary meetings with the
39
anticipated membership prior to all official appointments being
40
p. 95
ESSB 5998.SL
completed, provided that no work on recommendations may begin until
1
official appointments have been made.
2
(d) The duties of the committee shall include, but are not
3
limited to:
4
(i) Examining processes for claims for personal injury arising
5
from alleged tortious conduct against the state. This may also
6
include examining processes related to claims for personal injury
7
arising from alleged tortious conduct against the state's political
8
subdivisions. As part of its recommendations, the committee shall
9
provide guidance about the scope of any proposed changes and whether
10
they would apply solely to the state or to the state and its
11
political subdivisions;
12
(ii) Reviewing outcomes and best practices in other states for
13
adjudicating claims against the state or its political subdivisions
14
for damages arising out of allegations of tortious conduct;
15
(iii) Reviewing and providing recommendations to mitigate future
16
public costs through policy or other changes that would prevent or
17
reduce harm or injury to claimants before it occurs;
18
(iv) Ensuring that any recommendations developed by the committee
19
support training in trauma-informed practices, recognizing the
20
impacts of trauma on participants in the adjudication of claims, and
21
conducting proceedings in a manner that promotes fairness, safety,
22
and respect for all participants;
23
(v) To the extent the committee considers an alternative process
24
for adjudicating claims related to tortious conduct against the state
25
or its political subdivisions, developing recommendations regarding
26
neutral hearings officers; and
27
(vi) To the extent the committee considers an alternative process
28
for adjudicating claims related to tortious conduct against the state
29
or its political subdivisions, recommending rules or processes that
30
would govern the procedural conduct of hearings.
31
(e) The committee shall provide a report to the governor, the
32
appropriate committees of the legislature, and the interbranch
33
advisory committee by November 1, 2026. The report shall include
34
materials developed from its review of best practices in other
35
states, details on the work of the committee and the scope it
36
considered, and any recommendations the committee has for system or
37
process improvements.
38
p. 96
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 136. 2025 c 424 s 138 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE LOTTERY
3
Lottery Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . (($31,618,000))
4
$31,851,000
5
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($31,618,000))
6
$31,851,000
7
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
8
conditions and limitations:
9
(1) No portion of this appropriation may be used for acquisition
10
of gaming system capabilities that violate state law.
11
(2) Pursuant to RCW 67.70.040, the commission shall take such
12
action necessary to reduce retail commissions to an average of 5.1
13
percent of sales.
14
Sec. 137. 2025 c 424 s 139 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE COMMISSION ON HISPANIC AFFAIRS
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($1,173,000))
18
$1,174,000
19
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($1,199,000))
20
$1,207,000
21
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,372,000))
22
$2,381,000
23
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
24
conditions and limitations: $105,000 of the general fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $105,000 of the general fund—
26
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
27
grants to gang youth intervention specialists for a pilot program
28
within high schools in Washington. Grants may be provided without
29
using a competitive selection process.
30
Sec. 138. 2025 c 424 s 140 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE COMMISSION ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN AFFAIRS
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . (($559,000))
34
$560,000
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($541,000))
36
$545,000
37
p. 97
ESSB 5998.SL
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,100,000))
1
$1,105,000
2
Sec. 139. 2025 c 424 s 141 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF RETIREMENT SYSTEMS—OPERATIONS
5
Department of Retirement Systems Expense Account—
6
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($124,988,000))
7
$125,893,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($124,988,000))
9
$125,893,000
10
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
11
conditions and limitations:
12
(1) $45,493,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
13
account—state appropriation is provided solely for pension system
14
modernization, and is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
15
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
16
(2) $20,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
17
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
18
Senate Bill No. 5306 (pension credit for leave). ((If the bill is not
19
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
20
shall lapse.))
21
(3) $120,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
22
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
23
Engrossed
Second
Substitute
House
Bill
No.
2034
(LEOFF
1
24
restatement). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount
25
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
26
(4) $11,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
27
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
28
House Bill No. 2124 (lump sum retirement payments). If the bill is
29
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
30
shall lapse.
31
(5) $18,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
32
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
33
Engrossed House Bill No. 2179 (port workers PERS membership). If the
34
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
35
subsection shall lapse.
36
(6) $149,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
37
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
38
p. 98
ESSB 5998.SL
House Bill No. 2441 (survivor insurance/LEOFF). If the bill is not
1
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
2
shall lapse.
3
(7) $10,000 of the department of retirement systems expense
4
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
5
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5862 (TRS & PERS plan 1 COLA). If the bill
6
is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
7
subsection shall lapse.
8
Sec. 140. 2025 c 424 s 142 (uncodified) is amended to read as
9
follows:
10
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($431,882,000))
12
$468,206,000
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($448,347,000))
14
$508,236,000
15
Timber Tax Distribution Account—State Appropriation. . (($8,187,000))
16
$8,463,000
17
Business License Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($20,025,000))
18
$20,747,000
19
Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Litter Control
20
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $184,000
21
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
22
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $128,000
23
Financial Services Regulation Nonappropriated Fund—
24
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000,000
25
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($913,753,000))
26
$1,010,964,000
27
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
28
conditions and limitations:
29
(1) $1,661,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $1,661,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the implementation of
32
chapter 196, Laws of 2021 (capital gains tax).
33
(2) (($253,005,000)) $289,005,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($273,103,000)) $309,103,000
35
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
36
provided solely for implementation of chapter 195, Laws of 2021
37
p. 99
ESSB 5998.SL
(working families tax exempt.). Of the total amounts provided in this
1
subsection:
2
(a) $14,005,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal
year
2026
and
$14,103,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
5
administration of the working families tax exemption program; and
6
(b) (($239,000,000)) $275,000,000 of the general fund—state
7
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($259,000,000)) $295,000,000
8
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
9
provided solely for remittances under the working families tax
10
exemption program.
11
(3) $6,976,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $4,510,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to implement
14
2025 revenue legislation. Within the amounts provided in this
15
section, funding is sufficient for the department to implement
16
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5314 (capital gains tax) and Engrossed
17
Substitute House Bill No. 2061 (duty-free sales enterprises).
18
(4) $181,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 is provided solely to support the underground economy task
20
force created in section 906, chapter 376, Laws of 2024.
21
(5) Within existing resources, during the 2025-2027 fiscal
22
biennium, the department of revenue shall implement an expanded
23
voluntary disclosure program for all entities engaged in investment
24
activities that are not a banking, lending, or security business, as
25
defined in RCW 82.04.4281. Unless an audit has been commenced by the
26
department as of July 1, 2025, all such entities may participate in
27
the expanded voluntary disclosure program. During the 2025-2027
28
fiscal biennium, the department shall waive all penalties and
29
interest for participating entities of the expanded voluntary
30
disclosure program for the purpose of registering and collecting
31
revenue due from businesses.
32
(6) $59,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $1,522,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to implement
35
2026 revenue legislation.
36
(7) $42,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 and $10,196,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
39
p. 100
ESSB 5998.SL
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6346 (tax on millionaires). If the bill is
1
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this subsection
2
shall lapse.
3
(8) The general fund—state appropriation in this section shall be
4
reduced in accordance with the reduction in lease costs resulting
5
from the department's move into the Edna Lucile Goodrich state-owned
6
building. It is the intent of the legislature to continue this
7
reduction in subsequent fiscal biennia.
8
Sec. 141. 2025 c 424 s 143 (uncodified) is amended to read as
9
follows:
10
FOR THE BOARD OF TAX APPEALS
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,810,000))
12
$2,881,000
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,847,000))
14
$2,975,000
15
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,657,000))
16
$5,856,000
17
Sec. 142. 2025 c 424 s 144 (uncodified) is amended to read as
18
follows:
19
FOR THE OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN'S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . $3,611,000
21
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,677,000))
22
$3,671,000
23
Minority and Women's Business Enterprises Account—
24
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($8,350,000))
25
$8,436,000
26
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($15,638,000))
27
$15,718,000
28
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
29
conditions and limitations: The office of minority and women's
30
business enterprises shall consult with the Washington state office
31
of equity on the Washington state toolkit for equity in public
32
spending.
33
Sec. 143. 2025 c 424 s 145 (uncodified) is amended to read as
34
follows:
35
FOR THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
36
p. 101
ESSB 5998.SL
((General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . $300,000))
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($800,000))
2
$1,100,000
3
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($6,780,000))
4
$6,779,000
5
Insurance Commissioner's Regulatory Account—State
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($95,465,000))
7
$101,325,000
8
Insurance Commissioner's Fraud Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,851,000))
10
$5,253,000
11
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($108,196,000))
12
$114,457,000
13
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
14
conditions and limitations:
15
(1) $1,244,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account
16
—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to
17
continue
its
work
on
behavioral
health
parity
compliance,
18
enforcement, and provider network oversight. The commissioner may use
19
internal staff and contracted experts to oversee provider directories
20
and evaluate consumer access to services for mental health and
21
substance use disorders in state-regulated individual, small group,
22
and large group health plans.
23
(2) $350,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
24
state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to study
25
the feasibility of using a joint underwriting association to provide
26
property and liability insurance coverage for child care centers,
27
group foster homes, family child care homes, child and youth serving
28
organizations, and child placement services. The commissioner must
29
provide a report of findings to the appropriate policy committees of
30
the legislature by December 31, 2025.
31
(a) The commissioner shall collect information from entities
32
transacting insurance in the state and other sources to evaluate
33
feasibility, limitations, and options. Any authorized insurers,
34
unauthorized insurers, and risk retention groups contacted for
35
purposes of this study are required to provide the requested
36
information to the commissioner. The commissioner may confer with
37
government entities, insurers, and stakeholders as needed for the
38
feasibility study and report of findings.
39
p. 102
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) The commissioner may contract with actuaries and other
1
consultants,
as
needed,
to
analyze
data
gathered,
evaluate
2
feasibility, assess limitations, develop options and recommendations,
3
and prepare the report.
4
(c) The study shall evaluate, at a minimum:
5
(i) Concerns with the cost or availability of property and
6
liability coverage for child care centers, group foster homes, family
7
child care homes, child and youth serving organizations, and child
8
placement services;
9
(ii) Barriers that child care centers, group foster homes, family
10
child care homes, child and youth serving organizations, and child
11
placement services experience in accessing adequate property and
12
liability coverage;
13
(iii) Whether and how a joint underwriting association might suit
14
the property and liability coverage needs of child care centers,
15
group foster homes, family child care homes, child and youth serving
16
organizations, and child placement services, and any limitations of a
17
joint underwriting association in meeting the need; and
18
(iv) Statutory or implementation considerations relevant to
19
legislative deliberations regarding feasibility.
20
(3) $3,297,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account
21
—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to
22
enhance consumer education, outreach, counseling, and complaint
23
resolution for elders and persons with disabilities related to
24
medicare program enrollment and access to care through the senior
25
health insurance benefit advisor program. Activities under this
26
subsection may include but are not limited to: Contracts with
27
community-based organizations with language skills and relationships
28
with
medicare
beneficiaries;
permanent
or
part-time
staffing;
29
volunteer recruitment; and outreach activities.
30
(4) $187,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
31
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
32
Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5721 (automobile insurance). ((If the bill
33
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
34
subsection shall lapse.))
35
(5) $290,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
36
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
37
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5351 (dental insurance practices). ((If
38
p. 103
ESSB 5998.SL
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
1
subsection shall lapse.))
2
(6) $528,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
3
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the
4
commissioner to study insurers' use of credit history, credit-based
5
insurance scores, other rate factors that may have disparate impacts
6
on
Washington
residents,
and
alternatives
to
their
use,
in
7
determining personal insurance premiums, rates, or eligibility for
8
coverage, and the associated impacts to consumer costs and the
9
availability of insurance. The commissioner must provide a report of
10
findings to the appropriate policy committees of the legislature by
11
((November 1, 2026)) June 1, 2027.
12
(a) In conducting the study, the commissioner shall:
13
(i) Collect information from entities transacting personal
14
insurance as defined in RCW 48.19.035(1)(e), and any identified
15
authorized insurers are required to provide the requested information
16
to the commissioner;
17
(ii) Investigate and obtain any other relevant information that
18
may assist the commissioner with analyzing insurers' use of credit
19
history, credit-based insurance scoring models, other rate factors
20
that may disparately impact Washington residents, and alternatives to
21
their use, in determining personal insurance premiums, rates,
22
eligibility for coverage, and evaluating the associated impacts to
23
consumer costs and the availability of insurance;
24
(iii) Contract with actuarial and other consultants, as needed,
25
to:
26
(A) Analyze insurers' use of credit history, credit-based
27
insurance scoring models, or other rate factors that may disparately
28
impact Washington residents, in determining premiums, rates, and
29
eligibility for coverage for people of various races, ethnicities,
30
sexes, socioeconomic status, and national origins;
31
(B) Identify and analyze alternate rate factors that could be
32
used to determine premiums, rates, and eligibility for coverage that
33
neither rely on credit history or credit-based insurance scoring
34
models, nor disparately impact Washington residents of various races,
35
ethnicities, sexes, socioeconomic status, or national origins; and
36
(C) Analyze the likely impact of insurers' uses under (a)(iii)(A)
37
of this subsection and alternative rate factors identified under
38
(a)(iii)(B) of this subsection, on consumer costs, rates, premiums
39
eligibility for coverage, and availability of insurance for people of
40
p. 104
ESSB 5998.SL
various races, ethnicities, sexes, socioeconomic status, and national
1
origins; and
2
(iv) Develop for legislative consideration, policy options and
3
their likely impacts on consumer costs, premiums, rates, eligibility
4
for coverage, and the availability of personal insurance, of use of
5
rate plans that include and exclude credit history, credit-based
6
insurance scoring models, or other rate factors that may have a
7
disparate impact on Washington residents.
8
(b) Consistent with RCW 43.01.036, the commissioner shall submit
9
a final report by ((November 1, 2026)) June 1, 2027, with review
10
findings, policy options, and recommendations regarding allowance,
11
prohibition, or contingent use, of credit history, credit-based
12
insurance scoring models, other disparately impactful rating factors,
13
and alternatives to their use, for personal insurance, and the
14
associated impacts on consumer costs, premiums, rates, eligibility
15
for coverage, and availability of insurance for people of various
16
races,
ethnicities,
sexes,
socioeconomic
status,
and
national
17
origins.
18
(c) Data requested by, or provided to, the commissioner and the
19
commissioner's contracted consultants for the purpose of complying
20
with the study and reporting requirements in this subsection is
21
confidential by law and privileged and is not subject to public
22
disclosure under chapter 48.02.065(8) RCW. Nothing in this subsection
23
prohibits the commissioner from preparing and publishing reports,
24
analyses, or other documents using the data received under this
25
subsection so long as the data is in aggregate form and does not
26
permit the identification of information related to individual
27
companies. Data in the aggregate form is deemed public records
28
available for public inspection. Nothing in this subsection affects,
29
limits, or amends the commissioner's authority under chapter 48.37
30
RCW.
31
(7) $737,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
32
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
33
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-term services trust).
34
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
35
this subsection shall lapse.))
36
(8) $284,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
37
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
38
Substitute House Bill No. 1669 (prosthetic limb coverage). ((If the
39
p. 105
ESSB 5998.SL
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
1
subsection shall lapse.))
2
(9) $56,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
3
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
4
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5419 (reports of fire losses). ((If the
5
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
6
subsection shall lapse.))
7
(10) $157,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
8
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Senate
9
Bill No. 5108 (service contracts). ((If the bill is not enacted by
10
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
11
(11)(a) $250,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
12
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner,
13
in consultation with the health care authority, to complete an
14
analysis of the cost to implement an obesity treatment benefit as
15
described in Senate Bill No. 5353 (diabetes and obesity).
16
(b) The commissioner must contract with one or more consultants
17
to obtain utilization and cost data from the Washington state all
18
payer claims database and, if needed, Washington state health
19
carriers, as defined in RCW 48.43.005, necessary to provide an
20
estimate of the fiscal impact of including an obesity treatment
21
benefit in the commercial health plan market.
22
(c) The analysis must include, but is not limited to, a
23
utilization and cost analysis of each of the following services:
24
(i) Intensive health, behavioral, and lifestyle treatment;
25
(ii) Metabolic and bariatric surgery; and
26
(iii) Food and drug administration-approved obesity medication.
27
(d) The report should include projected costs in the individual,
28
small group and large group markets, separate and in the aggregate,
29
expressed both as total annual costs and per member per month costs
30
for plan years 2028 through 2029.
31
(e) The commissioner must report the findings of the analysis to
32
the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by
33
September 30, 2026.
34
(12) $350,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
35
state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to review
36
and evaluate the efficacy of current property protection class rating
37
methodologies and to study the feasibility of modernizing community
38
property classification rating schedules to more accurately reflect
39
p. 106
ESSB 5998.SL
the fire protection risk and available mitigations for a specific
1
property by December 31, 2025.
2
(13) $491,000 of the insurance commissioner's fraud account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to collaborate
4
with the Pierce county prosecuting attorney's office regarding the
5
criminal prosecution of matters investigated by the limited authority
6
peace officers employed by the commissioner.
7
(14) $100,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
8
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
9
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1686 (health care entity
10
registry). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
11
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
12
(15) $1,287,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
13
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
14
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1432 (mental health
15
services). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
16
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
17
(16) $14,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
18
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
19
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1971 (prescription hormone
20
therapy). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
21
provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
22
(17) $250,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
23
state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner to enter
24
into an interagency agreement with the health care authority to
25
support economic, actuarial, or other modeling related to design of a
26
universal health care system, as directed in RCW 41.05.840.
27
(18) (($116,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
28
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
29
Substitute House Bill No. 1392 (medicaid access program). If the bill
30
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
31
subsection shall lapse.
32
(19))) $273,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
33
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
34
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5579 (health/contract terminations). ((If
35
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
36
subsection shall lapse.
37
(20) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and $800,000)) (19) $1,100,000 of the general fund—state
39
p. 107
ESSB 5998.SL
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 ((are)) is provided solely to the
1
office of the insurance commissioner to defray costs during plan year
2
2026 incurred by carriers for coverage in qualified health plans of
3
state-mandated health benefits included in the state essential health
4
benefits benchmark plan as approved by the federal centers for
5
medicare and medicaid services on October 7, 2024, that are not
6
permitted to be treated as an essential health benefit under federal
7
law or regulation.
8
(((21))) (20) $368,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
9
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
10
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1516 (insurance/affordable units).
11
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in
12
this subsection shall lapse.))
13
(21)(a) $250,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory
14
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the commissioner
15
to enter into a contract with the William D. Ruckelshaus center to
16
design, convene, and facilitate a collaborative forum with respect to
17
contracting practices between health carriers and health care
18
providers and facilities described in (b) of this subsection for
19
fully insured health plans. The forum shall include participation
20
from:
21
(i) Representatives of licensed clinicians not affiliated with or
22
owned by hospitals or health carriers, such as physical, speech and
23
occupational therapists, chiropractors, advanced registered nurse
24
practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, licensed clinical
25
social workers, marriage and family counselors, mental health
26
counselors, and psychologists;
27
(ii) Representatives of health carriers, as defined in RCW
28
48.43.005;
29
(iii) Representatives of health care facilities, such as urban
30
hospitals, rural hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral
31
health agencies, tribal clinics and federally qualified health
32
centers;
33
(iv) A representative of the commissioner; and
34
(v) A representative of the health care authority.
35
(b) The forum shall be capped at 25 primary participants. The
36
Ruckelshaus Center shall work in collaboration with the insurance
37
commissioner
to
identify
and
select
participants
who
are
38
representative of interested organizations.
39
p. 108
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) The forum shall address issues related to one or more of the
1
following topic areas, which may be prioritized or sequenced:
2
(i) Credentialing of health care facilities and providers,
3
including the use of a uniform electronic process for collecting and
4
transmitting
necessary
provider-supplied
data
to
support
5
credentialing under RCW 48.165.035, information required by carriers
6
for credentialing, and timeliness of credentialing decisions;
7
(ii) Midcontract modifications of carrier payment, utilization
8
review, or other policies related to payment for or delivery of care
9
to enrollees; and
10
(iii) Contract negotiation practices with respect to rates, fee
11
schedules, or payment methodologies for payment to health care
12
providers and facilities.
13
(d) The forum shall submit a preliminary report to the
14
legislature by December 31, 2026, summarizing its progress to date.
15
(e) It is the intent of the legislature to continue funding the
16
collaborative forum in the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. The forum shall
17
submit a final report to the legislature by December 15, 2027,
18
detailing the outcome of its work and documenting areas of agreement,
19
disagreement, and any policy considerations or recommendations.
20
Consensus among participants is not required.
21
(22) $103,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
22
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
23
Substitute House Bill No. 2384 (continuing care retirement). If the
24
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
25
subsection shall lapse.
26
(23) $55,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
27
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
28
Substitute House Bill No. 2428 (life insurance policy lapses). If the
29
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
30
subsection shall lapse.
31
(24) $286,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
32
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
33
Engrossed
Second
Substitute
Senate
Bill
No.
5395
(prior
34
authorization/health). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026,
35
the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
36
(25) $396,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
37
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
38
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6248 (travel insurance). If the bill is
39
p. 109
ESSB 5998.SL
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
1
shall lapse.
2
(26) $856,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
3
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
4
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5845 (health carrier payments).
5
If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in
6
this subsection shall lapse.
7
(27) $61,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
8
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
9
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6183 (HIV antiviral drugs). If the bill is
10
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
11
shall lapse.
12
(28) $12,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
13
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
14
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1187 (delayed ambulance bills).
15
If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in
16
this subsection shall lapse.
17
(29) $108,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
18
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
19
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6182 (abortion savings program). If the
20
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
21
subsection shall lapse.
22
(30) $70,000 of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account—
23
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
24
Engrossed
Substitute
House
Bill
No.
2242
(preventive
health
25
services). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount
26
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
27
Sec. 144. 2025 c 424 s 146 (uncodified) is amended to read as
28
follows:
29
FOR THE STATE INVESTMENT BOARD
30
State Investment Board Expense Account—State
31
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($90,325,000))
32
$90,548,000
33
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($90,325,000))
34
$90,548,000
35
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
36
conditions and limitations: $170,000 of the state investment board
37
expense
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
38
p. 110
ESSB 5998.SL
implementation of Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201 (investment/LTSS
1
accounts). ((If the resolution is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
2
amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
3
Sec. 145. 2025 c 424 s 147 (uncodified) is amended to read as
4
follows:
5
FOR THE LIQUOR AND CANNABIS BOARD
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $620,000
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($638,000))
8
$637,000
9
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($3,210,000))
10
$3,249,000
11
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $75,000
12
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
13
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$14,486,000
14
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
15
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($14,966,000))
16
$14,892,000
17
Liquor Revolving Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($105,057,000))
18
$106,798,000
19
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($139,052,000))
20
$140,757,000
21
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
22
conditions and limitations:
23
(1) The liquor and cannabis board may require electronic payment
24
of the cannabis excise tax levied by RCW 69.50.535. The liquor and
25
cannabis board may allow a waiver to the electronic payment
26
requirement for good cause as provided by rule.
27
(2)
$8,208,000
of
the
liquor
revolving
account—state
28
appropriation is provided solely for the tax and fee systems
29
replacement and are subject to the conditions, limitations, and
30
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
31
(3) $117,000 of the liquor revolving account—state appropriation
32
is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Senate Bill No.
33
5206 (cannabis advertising). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
34
2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
35
(4) $165,000 of the liquor revolving account—state appropriation
36
is provided solely for implementation of Second Substitute Senate
37
p. 111
ESSB 5998.SL
Bill No. 5786 (liquor license fees). ((If the bill is not enacted by
1
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
2
(5)
$1,367,000
of
the
liquor
revolving
account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
4
Substitute House Bill No. 1515 (alcohol service in public). ((If the
5
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
6
subsection shall lapse.))
7
(6) $28,000 of the liquor revolving account—state appropriation
8
is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed House Bill No.
9
1602 (liquor food service options). ((If the bill is not enacted by
10
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
11
(7) Within existing resources appropriated in this section, by
12
December 1, 2025, the liquor and cannabis board, in consultation with
13
the department of commerce when specified in this subsection, shall
14
evaluate the cannabis social equity program as provided in this
15
subsection and submit a report to the governor and appropriate
16
committees of the legislature with findings and policy options. In
17
conducting the evaluation, the board shall provide opportunities for
18
public comment on the cannabis social equity program from communities
19
throughout Washington. The evaluation must include the following
20
components:
21
(a) A review of feedback received by the board in public comments
22
from individuals that the program is intended to benefit, the public,
23
and the cannabis industry;
24
(b) An examination of the issuance and reissuance of cannabis
25
retailer licenses that began before January 1, 2025, under the
26
provisions of chapter 236, Laws of 2020, including a comparative
27
analysis of the applicants who successfully secured a location and
28
were issued a cannabis retailer license relative to applicants whose
29
status remains pending but were issued a preliminary letter of
30
approval by the board;
31
(c) An examination, in consultation with the department of
32
commerce, of grants awarded and the mentorships provided under RCW
33
43.330.540 and opportunities for the alignment of the board's
34
implementation of the cannabis social equity program with the
35
department of commerce's implementation of RCW 43.330.540;
36
(d) The demographic information about owners of licensed cannabis
37
businesses who became licensed under the cannabis social equity
38
program, to the extent such information is available or obtainable by
39
the board;
40
p. 112
ESSB 5998.SL
(e) The identification of any provisions of law or rule and any
1
economic, market, or practical factors that effectively prevent or
2
hinder the successful opening, operation, and business success of
3
cannabis businesses licensed under the cannabis social equity
4
program; and
5
(f) An examination of the impact of provisions in laws and rules
6
on cannabis licensees in the cannabis social equity program with
7
respect to: (i) Permissible locations for the siting of licensed
8
cannabis
businesses,
including
distance
restrictions
in
RCW
9
69.50.331(8),
zoning
or
other
location
restrictions
in
local
10
government ordinances, and local written objections under RCW
11
69.50.331(11); (ii) the mobility of cannabis licenses to or between
12
jurisdictions; (iii) the ability of persons holding an existing
13
cannabis retailer license or title certificate for a cannabis
14
retailer business to apply for a cannabis license under a cannabis
15
social equity program, when the license or certificate holder is
16
located in a local jurisdiction that is subject to a ban or
17
moratorium on cannabis retail businesses; (iv) prioritizing license
18
applications through use of a third-party contractor, using a scoring
19
rubric developed by the board; (v) restrictions on the transfer or
20
assumption of a cannabis license issued through the cannabis social
21
equity program, other than to individuals or groups of individuals
22
who comply with the requirements for initial licensure as a social
23
equity applicant for a period of at least five years from the date of
24
initial licensure; and (vi) the definition of a "social equity
25
applicant."
26
Sec. 146. 2025 c 424 s 148 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
29
Public Service Revolving Account—State Appropriation. (($72,453,000))
30
$73,324,000
31
Public Service Revolving Account—Federal
32
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
33
Pipeline Safety Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . (($3,759,000))
34
$3,787,000
35
Pipeline Safety Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . (($3,473,000))
36
$3,472,000
37
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($79,785,000))
38
p. 113
ESSB 5998.SL
$80,683,000
1
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
2
conditions and limitations:
3
(1) Up to $800,000 of the public service revolving account—state
4
appropriation in this section is for the utilities and transportation
5
commission to supplement funds committed by a telecommunications
6
company to expand rural broadband service on behalf of an eligible
7
governmental entity. The amount in this subsection represents
8
payments collected by the utilities and transportation commission
9
pursuant to the Qwest performance assurance plan.
10
(2) $617,000 of the public service revolving account—state
11
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
12
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5284 (solid waste management). If
13
the bill in not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
14
subsection shall lapse.
15
(3) $239,000 of the public service revolving account—state
16
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
17
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5445 (local energy resilience). If the
18
bill in not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
19
subsection shall lapse.
20
(4) $39,000 of the public service revolving account—state
21
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
22
Substitute House Bill No. 1990 (utility disaster costs). ((If the
23
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
24
subsection shall lapse.))
25
(5) $71,000 of the public service revolving account—state
26
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
27
Substitute House Bill No. 1522 (utility wildfire mitigation). ((If
28
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
29
subsection shall lapse.))
30
(6) $202,000 of the public service revolving account—state
31
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
32
Substitute House Bill No. 1514 (low carbon thermal energy). ((If the
33
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
34
subsection shall lapse.))
35
(7) $404,000 of the public service revolving account—state
36
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Second
37
Substitute House Bill No. 1906 (water system rates). If the bill is
38
p. 114
ESSB 5998.SL
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
1
shall lapse.
2
(8) $79,000 of the public services revolving account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
4
Senate Bill No. 5982 (consumer-owned utilities). If the bill is not
5
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
6
shall lapse.
7
(9) $132,000 of the public service revolving account—state
8
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Substitute
9
Senate Bill No. 6355 (electric transmission system). If the bill is
10
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this subsection
11
shall lapse.
12
Sec. 147. 2025 c 424 s 149 (uncodified) is amended to read as
13
follows:
14
FOR THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($16,219,000))
16
$16,185,000
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($15,961,000))
18
$17,013,000
19
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($148,158,000))
20
$148,640,000
21
911 Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($55,114,000))
22
$65,656,000
23
Disaster Response Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($52,763,000))
24
$86,382,000
25
Disaster Response Account—Federal Appropriation. . . (($702,432,000))
26
$608,182,000
27
Military Department Rent and Lease Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,409,000
29
Military Department Active State Service Account—
30
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400,000
31
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
32
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($55,000))
33
$28,000
34
Oil Spill Prevention Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $855,000
35
Worker and Community Right to Know Fund—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,243,000))
37
$2,242,000
38
p. 115
ESSB 5998.SL
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($995,609,000))
1
$946,992,000
2
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
3
conditions and limitations:
4
(1) The military department shall submit a report to the office
5
of financial management and the legislative fiscal committees by
6
February 1st and October 31st of each year detailing information on
7
the disaster response account, including: (a) The amount and type of
8
deposits into the account; (b) the current available fund balance as
9
of the reporting date; and (c) the projected fund balance at the end
10
of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium based on current revenue and
11
expenditure patterns.
12
(2) $40,000,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation is
13
provided solely for homeland security, subject to the following
14
conditions:
Any
communications
equipment
purchased
by
local
15
jurisdictions or state agencies shall be consistent with standards
16
set by the Washington state interoperability executive committee.
17
(3)
(($11,000,000))
$16,500,000
of
the
911
account—state
18
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
financial
assistance
to
19
counties.
20
(4) $784,000 of the disaster response account—state appropriation
21
is provided solely for fire suppression training, equipment, and
22
supporting costs to national guard soldiers and airmen.
23
(5) $876,000 of the disaster response account—state appropriation
24
is provided solely for a dedicated access and functional needs
25
program manager, access and functional need services, and a dedicated
26
tribal liaison to assist with disaster preparedness and response.
27
(6) The department must report to and coordinate with the
28
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
29
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
30
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
31
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
32
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
33
(7)(a) $355,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the department to conduct a
35
study regarding statewide building code and construction standards
36
pertaining
to
earthquake
and
tsunami
resilience
as
well
as
37
recommendations for functional recovery of buildings and critical
38
infrastructure directly following an earthquake. In conducting the
39
p. 116
ESSB 5998.SL
study, the department must request input from the state building code
1
council and representatives of appropriate public and private sector
2
entities. The department may contract for all or a portion of the
3
study. The study must, at a minimum, include an assessment of:
4
(i) Functional recovery building code standards that are being
5
developed at the federal level, have been proposed or adopted in
6
other countries, states, or local jurisdictions with a high risk of
7
earthquakes, or are developed by public or private organizations with
8
expertise in earthquake performance standards and safety;
9
(ii) The levels of functional recovery supported by current state
10
and local building and construction codes;
11
(iii) The objectives, feasibility, necessary measures, and
12
estimated costs of adopting and implementing statewide functional
13
recovery building code standards, and how this assessment is impacted
14
by whether the standards:
15
(A) Are mandatory or voluntary;
16
(B) Apply to only certain types of structures and infrastructure
17
or prioritize certain types of structures and infrastructure;
18
(C) Apply to existing structures and infrastructure in addition
19
to new construction;
20
(D) Are intended to apply to only specific seismic hazard levels;
21
or
22
(E) Include nonstructural components as well as structural
23
systems;
24
(iv) How statewide standards for functional recovery would fit
25
into an all hazards approach for state emergency response and
26
recovery;
27
(v) Funding opportunities that provide for the coordination of
28
state and federal funds for the purposes of improving the state's
29
preparedness
for
functional
recovery
following
a
significant
30
earthquake or tsunami; and
31
(vi) Equity considerations for the development of statewide
32
building code standards for functional recovery.
33
(b) The department must submit a final report summarizing the
34
study's findings and including policy recommendations relating to
35
statewide building code standards for functional recovery to the
36
appropriate committees of the legislature by May 1, 2026.
37
(8) $2,500,000 of the 911 account—state appropriation is provided
38
solely for statewide 911 technology enhancements and is subject to
39
p. 117
ESSB 5998.SL
the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of section 701
1
of this act.
2
(9)(a) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the department to update and
4
complete the inventory and categorization of unreinforced masonry
5
buildings in Washington, as initially directed in section 1009,
6
chapter 298, Laws of 2018.
7
(b) In updating the inventory, the department must:
8
(i) Review existing survey and data sources, including the
9
state's historic resources database and Sanborn maps to identify and
10
confirm unreinforced masonry construction;
11
(ii) Conduct ground truthing of suspected unreinforced masonry to
12
confirm construction type and vulnerability; and
13
(iii) Upload unreinforced masonry data into the Washington system
14
for
architectural
and
archaeological
records
data
portal
and
15
dashboard to enable local jurisdictions to view, download, and use to
16
guide unreinforced masonry retrofit efforts, hazard mitigation plans,
17
and emergency management plans.
18
(c) The department must submit a preliminary report on the
19
progress of updating the inventory to the appropriate committees of
20
the legislature by June 30, 2027. The department must submit a final
21
report with the completed inventory to the appropriate committees of
22
the legislature by June 30, 2029. It is the intent of the legislature
23
to provide funding to complete the inventory and the final report in
24
the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium.
25
*Sec. 148. 2025 c 424 s 150 (uncodified) is amended to read as
26
follows:
27
FOR THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($2,765,000))
29
$2,764,000
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($2,740,000))
31
$2,811,000
32
Personnel Service Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($4,872,000))
33
$4,897,000
34
Higher Education Personnel Services Account—State
35
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,613,000))
36
$1,615,000
37
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,990,000))
38
p. 118
ESSB 5998.SL
$12,087,000
1
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
2
conditions and limitations:
3
(1) $61,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $41,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
6
Senate Bill No. 5503 (public employee bargaining). ((If the bill is
7
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
8
shall lapse.))
9
(2) $119,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $99,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
12
Substitute House Bill No. 1141 (ag. cannabis workers). ((If the bill
13
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
14
subsection shall lapse.))
15
(3) $41,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
17
Bill No. 5972 (correctional officers/arb.). If the bill is not
18
enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
19
shall lapse.
20
*Sec. 148 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 149. 2025 c 424 s 151 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY
23
Certified Public Accountants' Account—State
24
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,802,000))
25
$4,958,000
26
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,802,000))
27
$4,958,000
28
Sec. 150. 2025 c 424 s 152 (uncodified) is amended to read as
29
follows:
30
FOR THE BOARD FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
31
Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers'
32
Administrative Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($1,563,000))
33
$1,517,000
34
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,563,000))
35
$1,517,000
36
p. 119
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 151. 2025 c 424 s 153 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE FORENSIC INVESTIGATION COUNCIL
3
Death Investigations Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($841,000))
4
$840,000
5
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($841,000))
6
$840,000
7
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
8
conditions and limitations:
9
(1)(a)
$250,000
of
the
death
investigations
account—state
10
appropriation is provided solely for providing financial assistance
11
to local jurisdictions in multiple death investigations. The forensic
12
investigation council shall develop criteria for awarding these funds
13
for
multiple
death
investigations
involving
an
unanticipated,
14
extraordinary, and catastrophic event or those involving multiple
15
jurisdictions.
16
(b) Of the amount provided in this subsection, $30,000 of the
17
death investigations account—state appropriation is provided solely
18
for the Adams county crime lab to investigate a double homicide that
19
occurred in fiscal year 2021.
20
(2)
$210,000
of
the
death
investigations
account—state
21
appropriation is provided solely for providing financial assistance
22
to local jurisdictions in identifying human remains.
23
(3) The forensic investigation council must collaborate and work
24
with the Washington state patrol for the patrol to provide services
25
related to public records requests, to include responding to, or
26
assisting the council in responding to, public disclosure requests
27
received by the council.
28
Sec. 152. 2025 c 424 s 154 (uncodified) is amended to read as
29
follows:
30
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE SERVICES
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($18,229,000))
32
$18,118,000
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($17,985,000))
34
$16,929,000
35
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $102,000
36
Building Code Council Account—State Appropriation. . . (($2,266,000))
37
$2,678,000
38
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ESSB 5998.SL
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($1,308,000))
1
$2,808,000
2
Prescribed Fire Claims Account—State Appropriation. . . . $2,000,000
3
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($41,890,000))
4
$42,635,000
5
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations:
7
(1) $6,672,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and (($6,725,000)) $6,846,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
10
payment of facilities and services charges to include campus rent,
11
parking,
security,
contracts,
public
and
historic
facilities,
12
financial cost recovery, and capital projects surcharges allocable to
13
the
senate,
house
of
representatives,
statute
law
committee,
14
legislative
support
services,
and
joint
legislative
systems
15
committee. The department shall allocate charges attributable to
16
these agencies among the affected revolving funds. The department
17
shall maintain an interagency agreement with these agencies to
18
establish performance standards, prioritization of preservation and
19
capital improvement projects, and quality assurance provisions for
20
the delivery of services under this subsection. The legislative
21
agencies named in this subsection shall continue to have all of the
22
same rights of occupancy and space use on the capitol campus as
23
historically established.
24
(2) Before any agency may purchase a passenger motor vehicle as
25
defined in RCW 43.19.560, the agency must have approval from the
26
director of the department of enterprise services. Agencies that are
27
exempted from the requirement are the Washington state patrol,
28
Washington state department of transportation, and the department of
29
natural resources.
30
(3) From the fee charged to master contract vendors, the
31
department shall transfer to the office of minority and women's
32
business enterprises in equal monthly installments $1,500,000 in
33
fiscal year 2026 and $1,300,000 in fiscal year 2027.
34
(4) Within existing resources, the department, in collaboration
35
with Washington technology solutions, must provide a report to the
36
governor and fiscal committees of the legislative by October 31 of
37
each calendar year that reflects information technology contract
38
information based on a contract snapshot from June 30 of that same
39
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ESSB 5998.SL
calendar year, and must also include any contract that was active
1
since July 1 of the previous calendar year. The department will
2
coordinate to receive contract information for all contracts to
3
include those where the department has delegated authority so that
4
the report includes statewide contract information. The report must
5
contain a list of all information technology contracts to include the
6
agency name, contract number, vendor name, contract term start and
7
end dates, contract dollar amount in total, and contract dollar
8
amounts by state fiscal year. The report must also include, by
9
contract, the contract spending projections by state fiscal year for
10
each ensuing state fiscal year through the contract term, and note
11
the type of service delivered. The list of contracts must be provided
12
electronically in Excel and be sortable by all field requirements.
13
The
report
must
also
include
trend
analytics
on
information
14
technology contracts, and recommendations for reducing costs where
15
possible.
16
(5) $654,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 ((and $654,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for the department, in
19
collaboration with the state efficiency and environmental performance
20
program, to implement the zero emission vehicle strategy.
21
(6) $1,501,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year 2026 and $1,500,000 of the ((general fund—state appropriation
23
for fiscal year 2027)) climate commitment account—state appropriation
24
are provided solely for zero emission electric vehicle supply
25
equipment infrastructure at facilities to accommodate charging
26
station installation. The electric vehicle charging equipment must
27
allow for the collection of usage data and must be coordinated with
28
the state efficiency and environmental performance program. The
29
department must prioritize locations based on state efficiency and
30
environmental performance location priorities, and at least where
31
zero emission fleet vehicles are or are scheduled to be purchased.
32
The department must report when and where the equipment was
33
installed, usage data at each charging station, and the state
34
agencies and facilities that benefit from the installation of the
35
charging station to the fiscal committees of the legislature by June
36
30. The department shall collaborate with the interagency electric
37
vehicle coordinating council to implement this subsection and must
38
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ESSB 5998.SL
work to meet benchmarks established in chapter 182, Laws of 2022
1
(transportation resources).
2
(7)(a) $6,052,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal
year
2026
and
$6,052,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
5
contracting with a nonprofit organization to produce gavel-to-gavel
6
television coverage of state government deliberations and other
7
events statewide. The funding level for each year of the contract
8
shall be based on the amount provided in this subsection. The
9
nonprofit organization shall be required to raise contributions or
10
commitments to make contributions, in cash or in kind, in an amount
11
equal to 40 percent of the state contribution. The department may
12
make full or partial payment once all criteria in this subsection
13
have been satisfactorily documented.
14
(b) The legislature finds that the commitment of on-going funding
15
is necessary to ensure continuous, autonomous, and independent
16
coverage of public affairs. For that purpose, the department shall
17
enter into a contract with the nonprofit organization to provide
18
public affairs coverage.
19
(c)
The
nonprofit
organization
shall
prepare
an
annual
20
independent audit, an annual financial statement, and an annual
21
report, including benchmarks that measure the success of the
22
nonprofit organization in meeting the intent of the program.
23
(d) No portion of any amounts disbursed pursuant to this
24
subsection may be used, directly or indirectly, for any of the
25
following purposes:
26
(i) Attempting to influence the passage or defeat of any
27
legislation by the legislature of the state of Washington, by any
28
county, city, town, or other political subdivision of the state of
29
Washington, or by the congress, or the adoption or rejection of any
30
rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment of any state
31
agency;
32
(ii) Making contributions reportable under chapter 42.17A RCW; or
33
(iii) Providing any: (A) Gift; (B) honoraria; or (C) travel,
34
lodging, meals, or entertainment to a public officer or employee.
35
(8) $15,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
37
Bill No. 5655 (child care centers/buildings). ((If the bill is not
38
p. 123
ESSB 5998.SL
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection
1
shall lapse.))
2
(9) $112,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year ((2026)) 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
4
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5552 (kit homes/building codes). If the
5
bill is not enacted by June 30, ((2025)) 2026, the amount provided in
6
this subsection shall lapse.
7
(10) $2,000,000 of the prescribed fire claims account—state
8
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
9
Second Substitute House Bill No. 1563 (prescribed fire claims). ((If
10
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
11
subsection shall lapse.))
12
Sec. 153. 2025 c 424 s 155 (uncodified) is amended to read as
13
follows:
14
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($4,040,000))
16
$4,009,000
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,973,000))
18
$4,308,000
19
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($2,559,000))
20
$3,387,000
21
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . $14,000
22
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $617,000
23
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,203,000))
24
$12,335,000
25
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
26
conditions and limitations:
27
(1) $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
28
year 2026 and $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington main street
30
program.
31
(2) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the implementation of the
34
black historic sites survey project.
35
(3) The department must report to and coordinate with the
36
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
37
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
38
p. 124
ESSB 5998.SL
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
1
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
2
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
3
(4) $142,000 of the general fund—state appropriation is provided
4
solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6355
5
(electric transmission system). If the bill is not enacted by June
6
30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
7
(5) $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to develop a model
9
ordinance that could be used by local governments to protect
10
archaeological and cultural resources when development may impact
11
places of importance to local history and federally recognized Indian
12
tribes. The model ordinance must be developed in consultation with
13
federally recognized Indian tribes and with participation from the
14
Washington
state
association
of
counties,
the
association
of
15
Washington cities, the governor's office of Indian affairs, the
16
department of commerce, the department of ecology, a statewide
17
association representing home builders, a statewide association
18
representing general business, and an environmental nonprofit focused
19
on land use and housing. In developing the model ordinance, the
20
department must identify minimum requirements that would demonstrate
21
archaeological and cultural resources protection. In developing
22
minimum requirements, the department must consider best practices
23
from ordinances adopted by local jurisdictions with the express
24
purpose of protecting archaeological and cultural resources. By June
25
1, 2027, the department must provide a report to the legislature that
26
includes: The model ordinance; minimum requirements for a compliant
27
ordinance; a list of tribes consulted; a list of stakeholders
28
engaged; and a summary of key findings that informed the development
29
of the ordinance.
30
*Sec. 154. 2025 c 424 s 156 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS AGENCY
33
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $188,000
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($188,000))
35
$130,000
36
Washington Technology Solutions Revolving Account—
37
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($140,085,000))
38
p. 125
ESSB 5998.SL
$141,558,000
1
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($140,461,000))
2
$141,876,000
3
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
4
conditions and limitations:
5
(1) $2,000,000 of the Washington technology solutions revolving
6
account—state appropriation is provided solely for experienced
7
information technology project managers to provide critical support
8
to agency IT projects that are under oversight from Washington
9
technology solutions. The staff or vendors will:
10
(a) Provide master level project management guidance to agency IT
11
stakeholders;
12
(b) Consider statewide best practices from the public and private
13
sectors, independent review and analysis, vendor management, budget
14
and timing quality assurance and other support of current or past IT
15
projects in at least Washington state and share these with agency IT
16
stakeholders and legislative fiscal staff at least twice annually and
17
post these to the statewide IT dashboard; and
18
(c) Provide independent recommendations to legislative fiscal
19
committees by December of each calendar year on oversight of IT
20
projects to include opportunities for accountability and performance
21
metrics.
22
(2) (($2,226,000 of the Washington technology solutions revolving
23
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the enterprise
24
data management pilot project, and is subject to the conditions,
25
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
26
(3) $16,655,000)) $16,474,000 of the Washington technology
27
solutions revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely
28
for the office of cyber security.
29
(((4))) (3) $2,692,000 of the Washington technology solutions
30
revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
31
office of privacy and data protection.
32
(((5))) (4) Washington technology solutions shall work with
33
customer agencies using the Washington state electronic records vault
34
(WASERV) to identify opportunities to:
35
(a) Reduce storage volumes and costs associated with vault
36
records stored beyond the agencies' record retention schedules; and
37
p. 126
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) Assess a customized service charge as defined in chapter 304,
1
Laws of 2017 for costs of using WASERV to prepare data compilations
2
in response to public records requests.
3
(((6)))
(5)(a)
In
conjunction
with
Washington
technology
4
solutions'
prioritization
of
proposed
information
technology
5
expenditures,
agency
budget
requests
for
proposed
information
6
technology expenditures must include the following:
7
(i) The agency's priority ranking of each information technology
8
request;
9
(ii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for the
10
current biennium;
11
(iii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for the
12
ensuing biennium;
13
(iv) The estimated total cost for the current and ensuing
14
biennium;
15
(v) The total cost by fiscal year, by fund, and in total, of the
16
information technology project since it began;
17
(vi) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund over all
18
biennia through implementation and close out and into maintenance and
19
operations;
20
(vii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for service
21
level agreements once the project is implemented;
22
(viii) The estimated cost by fiscal year and by fund for agency
23
staffing
for
maintenance
and
operations
once
the
project
is
24
implemented; and
25
(ix) The expected fiscal year when the agency expects to complete
26
the request.
27
(b) Washington technology solutions and the office of financial
28
management may request agencies to include additional information on
29
proposed information technology expenditure requests.
30
(((7))) (6) Washington technology solutions must not increase
31
fees charged for existing services without prior approval by the
32
office of financial management. The agency may develop fees to
33
recover the actual cost of new infrastructure to support increased
34
use of cloud technologies.
35
(((8))) (7) Within existing resources, the agency must provide
36
oversight of state procurement and contracting for information
37
technology goods and services by the department of enterprise
38
services.
39
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ESSB 5998.SL
(((9))) (8) Within existing resources, the agency must host,
1
administer, and support the state employee directory in an online
2
format to provide public employee contact information.
3
(((10))) (9) The health care authority, the health benefit
4
exchange,
the
department
of
social
and
health
services,
the
5
department of health, the department of corrections, and the
6
department of children, youth, and families shall work together
7
within existing resources to establish the health and human services
8
enterprise coalition (the coalition). The coalition, led by the
9
health care authority, must be a multi-organization collaborative
10
that provides strategic direction and federal funding guidance for
11
projects
that
have
cross-organizational
or
enterprise
impact,
12
including information technology projects that affect organizations
13
within the coalition. Washington technology solutions shall maintain
14
a statewide perspective when collaborating with the coalition to
15
ensure that the development of projects identified in this report are
16
planned for in a manner that ensures the efficient use of state
17
resources and maximizes federal financial participation. The work of
18
the coalition and any project identified as a coalition project is
19
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review provided in
20
section 701 of this act.
21
(((11) $9,101,000)) (10) $8,975,000 of the Washington technology
22
solutions revolving account—state appropriation is provided solely
23
for the creation and ongoing delivery of information technology
24
services tailored to the needs of small agencies. The scope of
25
services must include, at a minimum, full-service desktop support,
26
service assistance, security, and consultation.
27
(((12)
$86,566,000))
(11)
$89,716,000
of
the
Washington
28
technology
solutions
revolving
account—state
appropriation
is
29
provided solely for the procurement and distribution of Microsoft 365
30
licenses which must include advanced security features and cloud-
31
based private branch exchange capabilities for state agencies. The
32
office must report annually to fiscal committees of the legislature
33
each December 31, on the count and type of licenses distributed by
34
Washington technology solutions to each state agency. The report must
35
also separately report on the count and type of Microsoft 365
36
licenses that state agencies have in addition to those that are
37
distributed by Washington technology solutions so that the total
38
count, type of license, and cost is known for statewide Microsoft 365
39
licenses.
40
p. 128
ESSB 5998.SL
(((13))) (12) Washington technology solutions shall maintain an
1
information technology project dashboard that, at minimum, provides
2
updated information each fiscal month on, at least, the projects
3
subject to section 701 of this act.
4
(a) The statewide information technology dashboard must include,
5
at a minimum, the:
6
(i) Start date of the project;
7
(ii) End date of the project, when the project will close out and
8
implementation will commence;
9
(iii) Term of the project in state fiscal years across all
10
biennia to reflect the start of the project through the end of the
11
project;
12
(iv) Total project cost from start date through the end date of
13
the project in total dollars, and a subtotal of near general fund
14
outlook;
15
(v) Near general fund outlook budget and actual spending in total
16
dollars and by fiscal month for central service agencies that bill
17
out project costs;
18
(vi) Start date of maintenance and operations;
19
(vii) Estimated annual state fiscal year cost of maintenance and
20
operations after implementation and close out;
21
(viii) Actual spending by state fiscal year and in total for
22
state fiscal years that have closed;
23
(ix) Date a feasibility study was completed or note if none has
24
been completed to date;
25
(x) Monthly project status assessments on scope, schedule,
26
budget, and overall by the:
27
(A) Washington technology solutions;
28
(B) Quality assurance vendor, if applicable; and
29
(C) Agency project team;
30
(xi) Monthly quality assurance reports, if applicable;
31
(xii) Monthly Washington technology solutions status reports on
32
budget, scope, schedule, and overall project status; and
33
(xiii) Historical project budget and expenditures through fiscal
34
year 2025.
35
(b) The statewide dashboard must retain a roll up of the entire
36
project cost, including all subprojects, that can display subproject
37
detail. This includes coalition projects that are active. For
38
projects that include multiple agencies or subprojects and roll up,
39
the dashboard must display:
40
p. 129
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) A separate technology budget and investment plan for each
1
impacted agency. If the impacted agency has funding appropriated to
2
another agency, as is done with the statewide electronic health
3
records solution where the federal funding is appropriated to the
4
health care authority and not at the department of corrections, then
5
the technology budget must be compiled in the lead agency technology
6
budget only, referencing any differences in appropriation index, as
7
described in section 701(4)(b)(iii)(B) of this act; and
8
(ii) A statewide project technology budget roll up that includes
9
each affected agency at the subproject level.
10
(c) Washington technology solutions may recommend additional
11
elements to include but must have agreement with legislative fiscal
12
committees and the office of financial management prior to including
13
additional elements.
14
(d) The agency must ensure timely posting of project data on the
15
statewide information technology dashboard for at least each project
16
funded in the budget and those projects subject to the conditions,
17
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act to
18
include, at a minimum, posting on the dashboard:
19
(i) The budget funded level by project for each project under
20
oversight within 30 calendar days of the budget being signed into
21
law;
22
(ii) The project historical expenditures through completed fiscal
23
years by December 31; and
24
(iii) Whether each project has completed a feasibility study.
25
(e) Washington technology solutions must post to the statewide
26
dashboard a list of funding received by fiscal year by enacted
27
session law, and how much was received citing chapter law as a list
28
of funding provided by fiscal year.
29
(f) Washington technology solutions must update processes for
30
posting to the statewide dashboard to ensure the actual project
31
expenditures are posted to the statewide dashboard as the costs are
32
incurred against the discrete project coding in the agency financial
33
reporting system (AFRS).
34
(g) Washington technology solutions must update processes for
35
posting to the statewide dashboard to ensure the budget program
36
planned spend amounts by fiscal month for this fiscal biennium are
37
not posted to the dashboard until the office of financial management
38
has approved funding for the certified project gate, after the 10
39
business day review by fiscal committees of the legislature.
40
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ESSB 5998.SL
(h)
Washington
technology
solutions
must
update
process
1
assumptions for the technology budget so that projects:
2
(i) Under oversight do not exceed the enacted budget amounts by
3
fund by fiscal year on the budgeted resources worksheet; and
4
(ii) Not under oversight use the in-kind resources worksheet for
5
their project detail and do not use the budgeted resources worksheet
6
as they enter their budget spending plans by fund by fiscal month and
7
fiscal year.
8
(i) Washington technology solutions must ensure that each
9
discrete posting to the statewide dashboard of a technology budget
10
must remain posted to the dashboard for historical purposes and not
11
be removed or replaced.
12
(j) Washington technology solutions must ensure that if a project
13
technology budget workbook changes, including technical changes
14
within the workbook, and varies from the prior posted technology
15
budget on the dashboard, and once a revised technology budget is
16
completed, a comparison of the revised technology budget to the last
17
posted approved technology budget must be posted to the dashboard, to
18
include a narrative rationale on what changed, why, and how the
19
changes impact the project scope, budget, and schedule.
20
(k) Washington technology solutions must ensure that, if a
21
project is aware of deliverable and milestone changes compared to the
22
last gated office of financial management approved funding gated
23
release, before approving or certifying the next gate the project
24
must update the technology budget deliverables and spending plan to
25
reflect these changes before the agency can apply for certification
26
as required in section 701 of this act.
27
(((14))) (13) Within existing resources, Washington technology
28
solutions must collaborate with the department of enterprise services
29
on the annual contract report that provides information technology
30
contract information. Washington technology solutions will:
31
(a) Provide data to the department of enterprise services
32
annually by September 1 of each year; and
33
(b) Provide analysis on contract information for all agencies
34
comparing spending across state fiscal years by, at least, the
35
contract spending towers.
36
(((15)
$8,666,000
of
the
Washington
technology
solutions
37
revolving
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
38
implementation of the enterprise cloud computing program as outlined
39
in the December 2020 Washington state cloud readiness report. Funding
40
p. 131
ESSB 5998.SL
provided includes, but is not limited to, cloud service broker
1
resources, cloud center of excellence, cloud management tools, a
2
network assessment, cybersecurity governance, and a cloud security
3
roadmap.
4
(16) $3,498,000 of the Washington technology solutions revolving
5
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation
6
of the recommendations of the cloud transition task force report to
7
include:
8
(a) A cloud readiness program to help agencies plan and prepare
9
for transitioning to cloud computing;
10
(b) A cloud retraining program to provide a coordinated approach
11
to skills development and retraining; and
12
(c) Staffing to define career pathways and core competencies for
13
the state's information technology workforce.
14
(17))) (14) $11,623,000 of the Washington technology solutions
15
revolving
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
16
enterprise cloud services. Funding provided includes, but is not
17
limited to:
18
(a) Cloud service broker resources, cloud center of excellence,
19
cloud
management
tools,
a
network
assessment,
cybersecurity
20
governance, and a cloud security roadmap; and
21
(b) The implementation of the recommendations of the cloud
22
transition task force report and a cloud readiness program.
23
(15) Washington technology solutions must collaborate with the
24
office of the secretary of state in the evaluation of the office of
25
the secretary of state's information technology infrastructure and
26
applications in determining the appropriate candidates for the
27
location of data and the systems that could be exempt from Washington
28
technology solutions oversight.
29
(((18))) (16)(a) Washington technology solutions must include the
30
enterprise statewide electronic health records program on the
31
statewide information technology program dashboard for those agencies
32
appropriated funding for the statewide electronic health records
33
solution. The program dashboard must ensure the program detail will
34
roll up the below required subprojects:
35
(i) Enterprise foundational statewide electronic health records
36
system, appropriated to the health care authority;
37
(ii) Department of corrections statewide electronic health
38
records, appropriated to the department of corrections;
39
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ESSB 5998.SL
(iii)
Department
of
social
and
health
services
statewide
1
electronic health records, appropriated to the department of social
2
and health services; and
3
(iv) Health care authority statewide electronic health records,
4
appropriated to the health care authority.
5
(b) The Washington technology solutions must report to the
6
technology services board by December 31, 2025, June 30, 2026, and
7
October 31, 2026, on the status of the following statewide electronic
8
health records solution go-live dates:
9
(i) ((August 15, 2027)) March 15, 2028, for the department of
10
corrections;
11
(ii) ((August 15, 2027)) March 15, 2028, for the department of
12
social and health services; and
13
(iii) ((August 15, 2027)) March 15, 2028, for the health care
14
authority;
15
The update must include any changes to the scheduled go-live
16
dates by agency, reporting on all risks to the schedule for the above
17
milestone go-live dates by agency, include detail on why the schedule
18
will be missed by agency, how the project mitigated additional
19
delays, and what the additional time in the schedule is anticipated
20
to cost by fiscal year by fund source by agency, and in total.
21
(c) Washington technology solutions must:
22
(i) Require that vendors for the statewide electronic health
23
records solution must use an agile development model holding live
24
demonstrations
of
functioning
software,
be
developed
using
25
incremental user research, and held at the end of two-week sprints;
26
(ii) Require the solutions be capable of being continually
27
updated, as necessary; and
28
(iii) Ensure development of the statewide electronic health
29
records
solution
shall
include
consideration
of
national
30
interoperability standards, such as United States core data for
31
interoperability or the trusted exchange framework and common
32
agreement.
33
(((19))) (17) In collaboration with the department of health and
34
the health care authority:
35
(a) Washington technology solutions must actively consult and
36
provide oversight over:
37
(i) The department of health 988 technology platform that must
38
provide interoperability capabilities between the 988-related system
39
and the health care authority's 988-related system;
40
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ESSB 5998.SL
(ii) The health care authority 988 technology platform that must
1
provide interoperability capabilities between the 988-related system
2
and the department of health's 988 call center platform;
3
(iii) How the platforms in (a)(i) and (ii) of this subsection
4
will
meet
the
statutory
requirements
for
technology
platform
5
functionality and implementation dates as established in chapter 364,
6
Laws of 2024, and must report on the progress of both platforms'
7
budget,
scope,
schedule,
and
milestone
accomplishments
at
a
8
technology services board meeting by October 31, 2025. The update
9
must include any changes to the scheduled October 1, 2025, request
10
for proposal issuance and the January 1, 2028, go-live date by
11
agency, reporting on all risks to the schedule for the milestone
12
dates by agency, include detail on why the schedule will be missed by
13
agency, how the project mitigated additional delays, and what the
14
additional time in the schedule is anticipated to cost by fiscal year
15
by fund source by agency, and in total; and
16
(b) Washington technology solutions must:
17
(i) Require that vendors for the 988 technology platforms must
18
use an agile development model holding live demonstrations of
19
functioning software, be developed using incremental user research,
20
and held at the end of two-week sprints; and
21
(ii) Require the solutions be capable of being continually
22
updated, as necessary.
23
(18)(a) The statewide electronic health records project, to
24
include all subprojects, must continue to comply with the currently
25
approved statewide electronic health records plan that includes the
26
department of corrections, the department of social and health
27
services, and the health care authority unless an alternate plan that
28
must include the department of corrections, the department of social
29
and health services, and the health care authority is submitted to
30
the technology services board by August 1, 2026, and approved by the
31
technology services board by September 1, 2026. If an alternate plan
32
is presented to the technology services board, to be considered, it
33
must:
34
(i) Be a plan to implement a common technology solution to
35
leverage shared business processes and data across the state in
36
support of client services; and
37
(ii) Include, but not be limited to, the following elements:
38
(A) A comprehensive and complete project schedule to include
39
quantifiable anticipated deliverables that must include start date
40
p. 134
ESSB 5998.SL
and estimated completion dates for each milestone, from at least July
1
1, 2026, through implementation and go-live dates for the department
2
of corrections, the department of social and health services, and the
3
health care authority;
4
(B) An implementation plan for the technology solution from July
5
1, 2026, through five years maintenance and operations post go-live
6
implementation;
7
(C) Technology budgets to include estimated budget and resources
8
needed to implement the electronic health records solution by agency
9
and subproject, including fund sources and fund splits, and all
10
technology budget element requirements as outlined in section 701(4)
11
of this act;
12
(D) A comparison of the current approved plan to the proposed
13
alternate plan by subproject and in total through at least go-live
14
and implementation, to include discrete comprehensive comparisons of:
15
(I) Budget;
16
(II) Scope;
17
(III) Schedule;
18
(IV) Technology budgets, that must be compliant with section
19
701(4) of this act for each of the following subprojects: Enterprise
20
foundational
electronic
health
records
system;
department
of
21
corrections electronic health records; department of social and
22
health services electronic health records; and health care authority
23
electronic health records;
24
(V) Staffing by subproject by fiscal year, by fund, by
25
classification;
26
(VI) Licensing costs by fiscal year, and what is included in that
27
cost and what is not included;
28
(VII) Each identified third party application solution necessary
29
for go live and if the alternate would assume an alternate third
30
party application compared to current plan for each third party
31
application;
32
(VIII) Maintenance and operations cost by fiscal year from go-
33
live through at least five fiscal years to include, but not be
34
limited to, state employee staffing levels and detail of state
35
employee
classifications,
contracted
professional
services
by
36
contractor name and service provided, and software licenses and
37
subscriptions to include contractor name and software categories; and
38
(IX) Each bucket of cost, of total associated costs, by fiscal
39
year by fund provided in plain language;
40
p. 135
ESSB 5998.SL
(E) A system that will use an agile development model holding
1
live
demonstrations
of
functioning
software,
developed
using
2
incremental user research, held at the end of every two-week sprint;
3
(F) A system that must be capable of being continually updated,
4
as necessary;
5
(G)
A
system
that
will
deploy
usable
functionality
into
6
production for users within 180 days from the date there is an
7
executed procurement contract after a competitive request for
8
proposal is closed;
9
(H) A system that uses quantifiable deliverables that must
10
include live, accessible demonstrations of software in development to
11
program staff and end users at each sprint or at least monthly; and
12
(I) The development of the statewide electronic health records
13
solution must include consideration of national interoperability
14
standards, such as United States core data for interoperability or
15
the trusted exchange framework and common agreement.
16
(b) The plan and all requirements described in (a) of this
17
subsection:
18
(i) Must be submitted in plain language to the office of
19
financial management, the chair and ranking member of the senate
20
environment, energy, and technology policy committee and the house
21
technology, economic development, and veterans policy committee, the
22
chairs and ranking members of the fiscal committees of the
23
legislature, and the technology services board by August 1, 2026, and
24
must allow for at least 10 business days from the date of submittal
25
of all materials for review before it can be approved; and
26
(ii) Must be approved by the office of financial management and
27
the technology services board established in RCW 43.105.285 by
28
September 1, 2026, or the previously approved technology services
29
board plan will continue to be completed in full.
30
*Sec. 154 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 155. 2025 c 424 s 157 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND
33
SURVEYORS
34
Professional Engineers' Account—State Appropriation. . (($5,018,000))
35
$5,036,000
36
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,018,000))
37
$5,036,000
38
p. 136
ESSB 5998.SL
NEW SECTION. Sec. 156. A new section is added to 2025 c 424
1
(uncodified) to read as follows:
2
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . $300,000
4
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300,000
5
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
6
conditions and limitations: $300,000 of the general fund—state
7
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely to establish a
8
public bank work group. The work group is established with the
9
purpose of developing a Washington state banking implementation
10
report.
11
(1) The work group shall consist of:
12
(a) The director of the department of financial institutions or
13
their designee, who shall serve as chair of the work group;
14
(b) At least three industry experts on public banking appointed
15
by the chair, which may include representatives from organizations
16
devoted to researching public banking;
17
(c) Representatives from the following offices and agencies:
18
(i) The office of the state treasurer;
19
(ii) The office of the state auditor; and
20
(iii) The office of the insurance commissioner;
21
(d) A member from the senate appointed by the president of the
22
senate; and
23
(e) A member from the house of representatives appointed by the
24
speaker of the house of representatives.
25
(2) The work group shall make efforts to invite participation
26
from
consultants
or
representatives
from
other
public
banks,
27
including the bank of North Dakota, Deutsche Bundesbank, or other
28
such individuals with expertise in establishing or managing a public
29
bank.
30
(3) The work group shall consult with the department of commerce,
31
which may also provide staff support to the work group. The work
32
group may consult with other state agencies that invest public
33
dollars.
34
(4) The work group shall provide a public bank implementation
35
report to the legislature no later than June 30, 2027, with an update
36
to the legislature by December 31, 2026. The implementation report
37
must include:
38
p. 137
ESSB 5998.SL
(a) Recommendations for the state public bank's operational and
1
administrative structure;
2
(b) An assessment of state funds or accounts which could be used
3
to capitalize the state public bank; and
4
(c) An implementation plan for how the state public bank should
5
be formed.
6
(5) Members of the public bank work group are not entitled to be
7
reimbursed for travel expenses if they are elected officials or are
8
participating on behalf of an employer, governmental entity, or other
9
organization. Any reimbursement for other nonlegislative members is
10
subject to chapter 43.03 RCW.
11
(6) The department of financial institutions shall provide staff
12
support for coordinating and administering the work group and
13
technical assistance as requested by work group members.
14
Sec. 157. 2025 c 424 s 158 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE LEADERSHIP BOARD
17
Washington State Leadership Board Account—State
18
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,696,000))
19
$1,705,000
20
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,696,000))
21
$1,705,000
22
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following
23
conditions and limitations:
24
(1) $374,000 of the Washington state leadership board account—
25
state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter
26
96, Laws of 2022 (WA state leadership board).
27
(2) $1,200,000 of the Washington state leadership board account—
28
state appropriation is provided solely for implementing programming
29
in RCW 43.388.010, and specifically the Washington world fellows
30
program, sports mentoring program/boundless Washington, compassion
31
scholars, and the Washington state leadership awards.
32
(End of part)
p. 138
ESSB 5998.SL
PART II
1
HUMAN SERVICES
2
*Sec. 201. 2025 c 424 s 201 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
5
(1) The appropriations to the department of social and health
6
services in this act shall be expended for the programs and in the
7
amounts specified in this act. Appropriations made in this act to the
8
department of social and health services shall initially be allotted
9
as required by this act. Subsequent allotment modifications shall not
10
include transfers of moneys between sections of this act except as
11
expressly provided in this act, nor shall allotment modifications
12
permit moneys that are provided solely for a specified purpose to be
13
used for other than that purpose.
14
(2) The department of social and health services shall not
15
initiate any services that require expenditure of state general fund
16
moneys unless expressly authorized in this act or other law. The
17
department may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260 through
18
43.79.282, federal moneys not anticipated in this act as long as the
19
federal funding does not require expenditure of state moneys for the
20
program in excess of amounts anticipated in this act. If the
21
department receives unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys, those
22
moneys shall be spent for services authorized in this act or in any
23
other legislation providing appropriation authority, and an equal
24
amount of appropriated state general fund moneys shall lapse. Upon
25
the lapsing of any moneys under this subsection, the office of
26
financial management shall notify the legislative fiscal committees.
27
As used in this subsection, "unrestricted federal moneys" includes
28
block grants and other funds that federal law does not require to be
29
spent on specifically defined projects or matched on a formula basis
30
by state funds.
31
(3) The legislature finds that medicaid payment rates, as
32
calculated by the department pursuant to the appropriations in this
33
act, bear a reasonable relationship to the costs incurred by
34
efficiently and economically operated facilities for providing
35
quality services and will be sufficient to enlist enough providers so
36
that care and services are available to the extent that such care and
37
services are available to the general population in the geographic
38
area. The legislature finds that cost reports, payment data from the
39
p. 139
ESSB 5998.SL
federal government, historical utilization, economic data, and
1
clinical input constitute reliable data upon which to determine the
2
payment rates.
3
(4) The department shall to the maximum extent practicable use
4
the same system for delivery of spoken-language interpreter services
5
for social services appointments as the one established for medical
6
appointments in the health care authority. When contracting directly
7
with an individual to deliver spoken language interpreter services,
8
the department shall only contract with language access providers who
9
are working at a location in the state and who are state-certified or
10
state-authorized, except that when such a provider is not available,
11
the department may use a language access provider who meets other
12
certifications or standards deemed to meet state standards, including
13
interpreters in other states.
14
(5) Information technology projects or investments and proposed
15
projects or investments impacting time capture, payroll and payment
16
processes
and
systems,
eligibility,
case
management,
and
17
authorization systems within the department of social and health
18
services are subject to technical oversight by Washington technology
19
solutions.
20
(6)(a) The department shall facilitate enrollment under the
21
medicaid expansion for clients applying for or receiving state funded
22
services from the department and its contractors. Prior to open
23
enrollment, the department shall coordinate with the health care
24
authority to provide referrals to the Washington health benefit
25
exchange for clients that will be ineligible for medicaid.
26
(b) To facilitate a single point of entry across public and
27
medical assistance programs, and to maximize the use of federal
28
funding, the health care authority, the department of social and
29
health services, and the health benefit exchange will coordinate
30
efforts to expand HealthPlanfinder access to public assistance and
31
medical eligibility staff. The department shall complete medicaid
32
applications in the HealthPlanfinder for households receiving or
33
applying for public assistance benefits.
34
(7) The health care authority, the health benefit exchange, the
35
department of social and health services, the department of health,
36
the department of corrections, and the department of children, youth,
37
and families shall work together within existing resources to
38
establish the health and human services enterprise coalition (the
39
coalition). The coalition, led by the health care authority, must be
40
p. 140
ESSB 5998.SL
a multi-organization collaborative that provides strategic direction
1
and
federal
funding
guidance
for
projects
that
have
cross-
2
organizational or enterprise impact, including information technology
3
projects that affect organizations within the coalition. Washington
4
technology solutions shall maintain a statewide perspective when
5
collaborating with the coalition to ensure that projects are planned
6
for in a manner that ensures the efficient use of state resources,
7
support the adoption of a cohesive technology and data architecture,
8
and maximize federal financial participation. The work of the
9
coalition is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review
10
provided in section 701 of this act.
11
(8) The department must report to and coordinate with the
12
department of ecology to track expenditures from climate commitment
13
act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300 and chapter
14
173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in greenhouse
15
gas emission reductions, the department must use a department of
16
ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
17
(9) The department shall promptly notify the office of the
18
attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf of a
19
federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
20
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
21
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
22
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
23
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
24
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
25
impact expenditures for such services. The department shall require
26
contracted entities to notify the department promptly upon receipt of
27
a request from a federal agency or law enforcement authority as
28
described in this subsection.
29
(10) At least 30 calendar days prior to a change in program
30
policies or procedures which the department determines is likely to
31
have an adverse impact to a majority of that program's clients, the
32
department shall communicate the change to impacted persons. The
33
department may leverage multiple communication platforms and diverse
34
methods to communicate the change under this subsection. In cases
35
where the change in program policies or procedures must be
36
implemented in a time frame that renders 30-day advance notice
37
infeasible, the department shall make efforts to notify impacted
38
persons as soon as possible. The department shall partner with
39
community-based organizations, tribes, and state and local agencies
40
p. 141
ESSB 5998.SL
to share information broadly, prioritizing language access where
1
possible.
2
(11) The appropriations to the department of social and health
3
services in this act must be expended for the programs and in the
4
amounts specified in this act. However:
5
(a) In support of the recent reorganization, the department may
6
transfer funds among the behavioral health administration, the aging
7
and
long-term
support
administration,
and
the
developmental
8
disabilities administration to the extent necessary to facilitate
9
accurate record keeping for each administration.
10
(b) After May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act, the
11
department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal
12
year 2026 among programs and subprograms after approval by the
13
director of the office of financial management. However, the
14
department may not transfer state appropriations that are provided
15
solely for a specified purpose except as expressly provided in (c)
16
and (d) of this subsection.
17
(c) To the extent that transfers under (b) of this subsection are
18
insufficient to fund actual expenditures in excess of fiscal year
19
2026 caseload forecasts and utilization assumptions in the long-term
20
care, developmental disabilities, and public assistance programs, or
21
to support the reorganization described in (a) of this subsection,
22
the department may transfer state appropriations that are provided
23
solely for a specified purpose. The department may not transfer
24
funds, and the director of the office of financial management may not
25
approve the transfer, unless the transfer is consistent with the
26
objective of conserving, to the maximum extent possible, the
27
expenditure of state funds. The director of the office of financial
28
management shall notify the appropriate fiscal committees of the
29
legislature in writing seven days prior to approving any allotment
30
modifications or transfers under this subsection. The written
31
notification shall include a narrative explanation and justification
32
of the changes, along with expenditures and allotments by budget unit
33
and appropriation, both before and after any allotment modifications
34
or transfers.
35
(d) Within the mental health program, the department may transfer
36
appropriations that are provided solely for a specified purpose
37
within and between subprograms as needed to fund actual expenditures
38
through the end of fiscal year 2026.
39
p. 142
ESSB 5998.SL
(12) It is the intent of the legislature to make budget structure
1
changes to the department of social and health services in the
2
2027-2029 biennial omnibus operating budget to align with the
3
reorganization that consolidated functions of the behavioral health,
4
developmental
disabilities,
and
aging
and
long-term
support
5
administrations into two administrations entitled the behavioral
6
health and habilitation administration and the home and community
7
living administrations. The governor's budget proposal submitted in
8
December 2026 must incorporate the following budget structure
9
changes:
10
(a)
Creation
of
the
behavioral
health
and
habilitation
11
administration and the home and community living administration;
12
(b) Consolidation of expenditures for behavioral health services
13
and
expenditures
for
state-operated
settings
for
those
with
14
developmental disabilities, including 24/7 facilities and residential
15
habilitation centers, within the behavioral health and habilitation
16
administration and organized into the following individual program
17
structure:
18
(i) Behavioral health services;
19
(ii) Developmental disabilities institutional services;
20
(iii) Developmental disabilities habilitation services; and
21
(iv) Program support; and
22
(c) Consolidation of expenditures for aging and long-term
23
services and supports and expenditures for community services for
24
those with developmental disabilities within the home and community
25
living administration and organized into the following individual
26
program structure:
27
(i) Aging and long-term community services;
28
(ii) Developmental disabilities community services; and
29
(iii) Program support.
30
*Sec. 201 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 202. 2025 c 424 s 202 (uncodified) is amended to read as
31
follows:
32
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—MENTAL HEALTH
33
PROGRAM
34
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($703,408,000))
35
$706,845,000
36
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($729,030,000))
37
p. 143
ESSB 5998.SL
$701,045,000
1
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($204,706,000))
2
$192,277,000
3
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($15,151,000))
4
$5,443,000
5
Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund—Federal
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,575,000
7
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
8
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $680,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,660,550,000))
10
$1,613,865,000
11
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
12
conditions and limitations:
13
(1) The state psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment
14
facilities may use funds appropriated in this subsection to purchase
15
goods, services, and supplies through hospital group purchasing
16
organizations when it is cost-effective to do so.
17
(2) $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 and $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a community partnership
20
between western state hospital and the city of Lakewood to support
21
community policing efforts in the Lakewood community surrounding
22
western state hospital. The amounts provided in this subsection are
23
for the salaries, benefits, supplies, and equipment for the city of
24
Lakewood to produce incident and police response reports, investigate
25
potential criminal conduct, assist with charging consultations,
26
liaison between staff and prosecutors, provide staff training on
27
criminal justice procedures, assist with parking enforcement, and
28
attend meetings with hospital staff.
29
(3) $45,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026 and $45,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for payment to the city of
32
Lakewood for police services provided by the city at western state
33
hospital and adjacent areas.
34
(4) $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
35
year 2026 and $320,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
36
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the salaries, benefits,
37
supplies, and equipment for one full-time investigator, one full-time
38
police officer, and one full-time community services officer for
39
p. 144
ESSB 5998.SL
policing efforts at eastern state hospital. The department must
1
collect data from the city of Medical Lake on the use of the funds
2
and the number of calls responded to by the community policing
3
program and submit a report with this information to the office of
4
financial management and the appropriate fiscal committees of the
5
legislature each December of the fiscal biennium.
6
(5) $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $25,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for payment to the city of
9
Medical Lake for police services provided by the city at eastern
10
state hospital and adjacent areas.
11
(6) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2026 and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department, in
14
collaboration with the health care authority, to develop and
15
implement a predictive modeling tool which identifies clients who are
16
at high risk of future involvement with the criminal justice system
17
and for developing a model to estimate demand for civil and forensic
18
state hospital bed needs pursuant to the following requirements.
19
(a) By the first day of each December during the fiscal biennium,
20
the department, in coordination with the health care authority, must
21
submit a report to the office of financial management and the
22
appropriate committees of the legislature that summarizes how the
23
predictive modeling tool has been implemented and includes the
24
following: (i) The number of individuals identified by the tool as
25
having a high risk of future criminal justice involvement; (ii) the
26
method and frequency for which the department is providing lists of
27
high-risk clients to contracted managed care organizations and
28
behavioral health administrative services organizations; (iii) a
29
summary of how the managed care organizations and behavioral health
30
administrative services organizations are utilizing the data to
31
improve the coordination of care for the identified individuals; and
32
(iv) a summary of the administrative data to identify whether
33
implementation of the tool is resulting in increased access and
34
service levels and lower recidivism rates for high-risk clients at
35
the state and regional level.
36
(b) The department must provide staff support for the forensic
37
and long-term civil commitment bed forecast which must be conducted
38
under the direction of the office of financial management. The
39
p. 145
ESSB 5998.SL
forecast methodology, updates, and methodology changes must be
1
conducted in coordination with staff from the department, the health
2
care
authority,
the
office
of
financial
management,
and
the
3
appropriate fiscal committees of the state legislature. The model
4
shall incorporate factors for capacity in state hospitals as well as
5
contracted facilities, which provide similar levels of care, referral
6
patterns, wait lists, lengths of stay, and other factors identified
7
as appropriate for estimating the number of beds needed to meet the
8
demand for civil and forensic state hospital services. Factors should
9
include identification of need for the services and analysis of the
10
effect of community investments in behavioral health services and
11
other types of beds that may reduce the need for long-term civil
12
commitment needs. The forecast must be updated each February, June,
13
and November during the fiscal biennium and the department must
14
submit a report to the legislature and the appropriate committees of
15
the legislature summarizing the updated forecast based on the
16
caseload
forecast
council's
schedule
for
entitlement
program
17
forecasts.
18
(7)
(($9,119,000))
$8,473,000
of
the
general
fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($9,145,000)) $8,499,000 of
20
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
21
provided solely for the settlement agreement under Trueblood, et al.
22
v. Department of Social and Health Services, et al., United States
23
District Court for the Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-
24
cv-01178-MJP. The department, in collaboration with the health care
25
authority
and
the
criminal
justice
training
commission,
must
26
implement the provisions of the settlement agreement pursuant to the
27
timeline and implementation plan provided for under the settlement
28
agreement.
This
includes
implementing
provisions
related
to
29
competency evaluations, competency restoration, forensic navigators,
30
crisis diversion and supports, education and training, and workforce
31
development.
32
(8) $7,147,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $7,147,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to maintain implementation of
35
efforts to improve the timeliness of competency evaluation services
36
for individuals who are in local jails pursuant to chapter 5, Laws of
37
2015 (timeliness of competency treatment and evaluation services).
38
This funding must be used solely to maintain increases in the number
39
p. 146
ESSB 5998.SL
of competency evaluators that began in fiscal year 2016 pursuant to
1
the settlement agreement under Trueblood, et al. v. Department of
2
Social and Health Services, et al., United States District Court for
3
the Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
4
(9) $71,690,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal
year
2026
and
$77,825,000
of
the
general
fund—state
6
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
7
implementation of efforts to improve the timeliness of competency
8
restoration services pursuant to chapter 5, Laws of 2015 (timeliness
9
of competency treatment and evaluation services) and the settlement
10
agreement under Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social and Health
11
Services, et al., United States District Court for the Western
12
District of Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP. These amounts must
13
be used to maintain increases that were implemented between fiscal
14
year 2016 and fiscal year 2025. Pursuant to chapter 7, Laws of 2015
15
1st sp. sess. (timeliness of competency treatment and evaluation
16
services), the department may contract some of these amounts for
17
services at alternative locations if the secretary determines that
18
there is a need.
19
(10) $84,565,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2026, $77,343,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
21
for fiscal year 2027, and $960,000 of the general fund—federal
22
appropriation are provided solely for the department to continue to
23
implement an acuity based staffing tool at western state hospital and
24
eastern state hospital in collaboration with the hospital staffing
25
committees. The staffing tool must be used to identify, on a daily
26
basis, the clinical acuity on each patient ward and determine the
27
minimum level of direct care staff by profession to be deployed to
28
meet the needs of the patients on each ward. The department must
29
evaluate interrater reliability of the tool within each hospital and
30
between the two hospitals. The department must also continue to
31
update, in collaboration with the office of financial management's
32
labor relations office, the staffing committees, and state labor
33
unions, an overall state hospital staffing plan that looks at all
34
positions and functions of the facilities.
35
(a) Within the amounts provided in this section, the department
36
must establish, monitor, track, and report monthly staffing and
37
expenditures at the state hospitals, including overtime and use of
38
locums, to the functional categories identified in the recommended
39
p. 147
ESSB 5998.SL
staffing
plan.
The
allotments
and
tracking
of
staffing
and
1
expenditures must include all areas of the state hospitals, must be
2
done at the ward level, and must include contracted facilities
3
providing forensic restoration services as well as the office of
4
forensic mental health services.
5
(b) By December 1st of each fiscal year of the biennium, the
6
department must submit reports to the office of financial management
7
and the appropriate committees of the legislature that provide a
8
comparison of monthly spending, staffing levels, overtime, and use of
9
locums for the prior year compared to allotments and to the
10
recommended state hospital staffing model. The format for these
11
reports must be developed in consultation with staff from the office
12
of financial management and the appropriate committees of the
13
legislature. The reports must include a summary of the results of the
14
evaluation of the interrater reliability in use of the staffing
15
acuity tool and an update from the hospital staffing committees.
16
(c) Monthly staffing levels and related expenditures at the state
17
hospitals must not exceed official allotments without prior written
18
approval from the director of the office of financial management. In
19
the event the director of the office of financial management approves
20
an increase in monthly staffing levels and expenditures beyond what
21
is budgeted, notice must be provided to the appropriate committees of
22
the legislature within 30 days of such approval. The notice must
23
identify the reason for the authorization to exceed budgeted staffing
24
levels and the time frame for the authorization. Extensions of
25
authorizations under this subsection must also be submitted to the
26
director of the office of financial management for written approval
27
in advance of the expiration of an authorization. The office of
28
financial management must notify the appropriate committees of the
29
legislature of any extensions of authorizations granted under this
30
subsection within 30 days of granting such authorizations and
31
identify the reason and time frame for the extension.
32
(11)
(($8,611,000))
$8,345,000
of
the
general
fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($8,611,000)) $8,345,000 of the
34
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $924,000
35
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for a
36
violence reduction team at western state hospital to improve patient
37
and staff safety at eastern and western state hospitals. A report
38
must be submitted by December 1st of each fiscal year of the
39
p. 148
ESSB 5998.SL
biennium, which includes a description of the violence reduction or
1
safety strategy, a profile of the types of patients being served, the
2
staffing model being used, and outcomes associated with each
3
strategy. The outcomes section should include tracking data on
4
facility-wide metrics related to patient and staff safety as well as
5
individual outcomes related to the patients served.
6
(12) $2,593,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,593,000
of
the
general
fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for services
9
to patients found not guilty by reason of insanity under the Ross v.
10
Lashway settlement agreement.
11
(13) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the
12
department
must
develop
and
submit
an
annual
state
hospital
13
performance report for eastern and western state hospitals. Each
14
measure included in the performance report must include baseline
15
performance data, agency performance targets, and performance for the
16
most recent fiscal year. The performance report must include a one
17
page dashboard as well as charts for each fiscal year and quality of
18
care measure broken out by hospital and including but not limited to:
19
(a) Monthly FTE expenditures compared to allotments; (b) monthly
20
dollar
expenditures
compared
to
allotments;
(c)
monthly
FTE
21
expenditures per thousand patient bed days; (d) monthly dollar
22
expenditures per thousand patient bed days; (e) percentage of FTE
23
expenditures for overtime; (f) average length of stay by category of
24
patient; (g) average monthly civil wait list; (h) average monthly
25
forensic wait list; (i) rate of staff assaults per thousand patient
26
bed days; (j) rate of patient assaults per thousand patient bed days;
27
(k) average number of days to release after a patient has been
28
determined to be clinically ready for discharge; and (l) average
29
monthly vacancy rates for key clinical positions. The department must
30
submit the state hospital performance report to the office of
31
financial
management
and
the
appropriate
committees
of
the
32
legislature by the first day of each December of the biennium.
33
(14) $135,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $135,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
36
an on-site safety compliance officer, stationed at western state
37
hospital, to provide oversight and accountability of the hospital's
38
p. 149
ESSB 5998.SL
response
to
safety
concerns
regarding
the
hospital's
work
1
environment.
2
(15) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to track
5
compliance with the requirements of RCW 71.05.365 for transition of
6
state hospital patients into community settings within 14 days of the
7
determination
that
they
no
longer
require
active
psychiatric
8
treatment at an inpatient level of care. The department must use
9
these amounts to track the following elements related to this
10
requirement: (a) The date on which an individual is determined to no
11
longer require active psychiatric treatment at an inpatient level of
12
care; (b) the date on which the behavioral health entities and other
13
organizations responsible for resource management services for the
14
person is notified of this determination; and (c) the date on which
15
either the individual is transitioned to the community or has been
16
reevaluated and determined to again require active psychiatric
17
treatment at an inpatient level of care. The department must provide
18
this information in regular intervals to behavioral health entities
19
and other organizations responsible for resource management services.
20
The department must summarize the information and provide a report to
21
the office of financial management and the appropriate committees of
22
the legislature on progress toward meeting the 14 day standard by
23
December 1st of each year of the biennium.
24
(16)
(($298,000))
$498,000
of
the
general
fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $297,000 of the general fund
26
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely
27
for maintenance of the facility, property, and assets at the
28
Brockmann campus located in Clark county.
29
(17) (($77,102,000)) $61,475,000 of the general fund—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($81,301,000)) $72,830,000 of
31
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
32
provided solely for the department to operate the maple lane campus
33
as described in (a) and (b) of this subsection.
34
(a) The department shall operate the Oak, Columbia, and Cascade
35
cottages to provide:
36
(i) Treatment services to individuals committed to a state
37
hospital under chapter 71.05 RCW pursuant to the dismissal of
38
p. 150
ESSB 5998.SL
criminal charges and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086
1
or 10.77.088; and
2
(ii) Treatment services to individuals acquitted of a crime by
3
reason of insanity and subsequently ordered to receive treatment
4
services under RCW 10.77.120.
5
(b) The department shall open and operate the Baker and Chelan
6
cottages to provide treatment services to individuals committed to a
7
state hospital under chapter 71.05 RCW pursuant to the dismissal of
8
criminal charges and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086
9
or 10.77.088.
10
(c) In considering placements at the maple lane campus, the
11
department must maximize forensic bed capacity at the state hospitals
12
for individuals in jails awaiting admission that are class members of
13
Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social and Health Services, et
14
al., United States district court for the western district of
15
Washington, cause no. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
16
(18) $1,412,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,412,000
of
the
general
fund—state
18
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
19
relocation, storage, and other costs associated with building
20
demolition on the western state hospital campus.
21
(19) Within the amounts provided in this section, the department
22
is provided funding to operate civil long-term inpatient beds at the
23
state hospitals as follows:
24
(a) Funding is sufficient for the department to operate 162 civil
25
beds at eastern state hospital in both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal
26
year 2027.
27
(b) Funding is sufficient for the department to operate 287 civil
28
beds at western state hospital in both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal
29
year 2027.
30
(c) The department shall fully operate funded civil capacity at
31
eastern state hospital, including reopening and operating civil beds
32
that are not needed for eastern Washington residents to provide
33
services for western Washington residents.
34
(d) The department shall coordinate with the health care
35
authority
toward
increasing
community
capacity
for
long-term
36
inpatient services required under section 214(30) of this act.
37
(20)(a) (($59,650,000)) $48,635,000 of the general fund—state
38
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($59,650,000)) $53,566,000 of
39
p. 151
ESSB 5998.SL
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
1
provided solely for the department to operate 74 beds in three wards
2
in the Olympic heritage behavioral health facility.
3
(b) The department may not use the remaining 38 beds at the
4
facility for any purpose and must permit the contractor selected by
5
the health care authority to utilize the beds pursuant to and upon
6
completion of the contracted process outlined in section 214 of this
7
act.
8
(21) $9,905,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal
year
2026
and
$4,974,000
of
the
general
fund—state
10
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for overtime
11
staffing costs at eastern state hospital and western state hospital.
12
(22) Within existing resources, the department shall participate
13
in the advisory group for the behavioral health facilities program
14
referenced in chapter 474, Laws of 2023 and chapter 414, Laws of
15
2025. Responsibilities of the department include:
16
(a) Attend monthly advisory group meetings;
17
(b) Designate subject matter experts to provide input and
18
technical assistance in developing program guidelines, notices of
19
funding availability, and application questions;
20
(c) Designate subject matter experts to serve as application
21
reviewers including scoring applications and making recommendations
22
on funding decisions;
23
(d)
Provide
guidance
and
technical
assistance
related
to
24
behavioral health facility development, behavioral health service
25
modalities, unmet demand for different types of behavioral health
26
facilities and services, insurance, and other programmatic issues;
27
and
28
(e) In coordination with the health care authority, inform local
29
jurisdictions annually on the progress of new state and community
30
behavioral health facilities, including information about contracted
31
providers and anticipated impacts on local community services.
32
(23) $61,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $29,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
35
Substitute House Bill No. 1359 (criminal insanity). ((If the bill is
36
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
37
shall lapse.)) Within these amounts, $25,000 of the general fund—
38
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for a
39
p. 152
ESSB 5998.SL
contract with the Washington state association of counties to provide
1
staff support for the task force created in the bill.
2
(((22))) (24) $175,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for fiscal year 2026 and $175,000 of the general fund—state
4
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
5
implementation of Second Substitute House Bill No. 1162 (health care
6
work violence). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
7
amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
8
(23) $3,278,000)) (25) $2,789,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($4,345,000)) $3,856,000 of
10
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
11
provided solely for implementation of chapter 453, Laws of 2023
12
(competency evaluations).
13
(((24))) (26) $4,118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
14
for fiscal year 2026, (($4,118,000)) $3,614,000 of the general fund—
15
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $396,000 of the general
16
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the department to
17
address delays in patient discharge as provided in this subsection.
18
(a) The department shall hire staff dedicated to discharge
19
reviews, including psychologists to complete reviews and staff for
20
additional discharge review work, including, but not limited to,
21
scheduling, planning, and providing transportation; and establish and
22
implement a sex offense and problematic behavior program as part of
23
the sex offense review and referral team program.
24
(b) ((Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $504,000 per
25
year shall be used for bed fees for patients who are not guilty by
26
reason of insanity.
27
(c))) The department shall track data as it relates to this
28
subsection and, where available, compare it to historical data.
29
(27) $348,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2027 is provided solely for the department to hire a consultant
31
to develop a plan for certification and accreditation of the new
32
forensic hospital on the western state hospital campus.
33
(28) $214,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $1,071,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to ensure
36
effective communication with patients with hearing disabilities in
37
the department's custody and comply with the terms of the settlement
38
agreement with the United States department of justice.
39
p. 153
ESSB 5998.SL
(29) Within existing resources, the department in coordination
1
with the health care authority shall jointly meet with community
2
health providers, universities, legislative members, relevant union
3
members, persons with lived experience, county behavioral health
4
officials, and tribes to identify utilization options for behavioral
5
health
and
treatment
capacity,
including
but
not
limited
to
6
facilities in Clark county, that could serve state or community
7
behavioral health needs. The feedback sessions must prioritize civil
8
commitment and conversion capacity to be responsive to state
9
litigation and an adequate continuum of 90/180 day behavioral health
10
community capacity. Options to address needs should include, but not
11
be limited to, public private partnerships, long-term leases, local
12
government partnerships, behavioral health service organizations, and
13
state operations. The department and the health care authority shall
14
convene at least four meetings, with the first meeting held by June
15
1, 2026. The secretary and the director of the health care authority
16
shall provide a list of options, including anticipated barriers and
17
cost estimates for each, to the governor and the fiscal committees of
18
the legislature by September 30, 2026.
19
*Sec. 203. 2025 c 424 s 203 (uncodified) is amended to read as
20
follows:
21
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—DEVELOPMENTAL
22
DISABILITIES PROGRAM
23
(1) COMMUNITY SERVICES
24
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($1,328,114,000))
25
$1,355,638,000
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($1,390,855,000))
27
$1,426,239,000
28
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($2,781,638,000))
29
$2,871,520,000
30
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($4,486,000))
31
$4,496,000
32
Developmental Disabilities Community Services
33
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,020,000))
34
$4,020,000
35
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,507,113,000))
36
$5,661,913,000
37
p. 154
ESSB 5998.SL
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
1
following conditions and limitations:
2
(a) Individuals who receive supplemental security income (SSI)
3
state supplemental payments shall not become eligible for medical
4
assistance under RCW 74.09.510 solely on the basis of receiving those
5
payments.
6
(b) In accordance with RCW 18.51.050, 18.20.050, 70.128.060, and
7
43.135.055,
the
department
is
authorized
to
increase
nursing
8
facility, assisted living facility, and adult family home fees as
9
necessary to fully support the actual costs of conducting the
10
licensure, inspection, and regulatory programs. The license fees may
11
not exceed the department's annual licensing and oversight activity
12
costs and shall include the department's cost of paying providers for
13
the amount of the license fee attributed to medicaid clients.
14
(i) The current annual license renewal fee for adult family homes
15
is $450 per bed. A nonrefundable processing fee of $2,750 shall be
16
charged for the initial licensing of each adult family home. In
17
addition, a processing fee of $700 shall be imposed on providers
18
submitting an application for a change of ownership.
19
(ii) The current annual license renewal fee for assisted living
20
facilities is $383 per bed in fiscal year 2026 and $381 in fiscal
21
year 2027.
22
(iii) The current annual license renewal fee for nursing
23
facilities is $814 per bed in fiscal year 2026 and $834 per bed in
24
fiscal year 2027.
25
(c) $14,742,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2026, $35,028,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
27
for fiscal year 2027, and $62,704,000 of the general fund—federal
28
appropriation are provided solely for the rate increase for the new
29
consumer-directed employer contracted individual providers as set by
30
the consumer-directed employer rate setting board in accordance with
31
RCW 74.39A.530.
32
(d) $1,146,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026, $2,755,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027, and $4,914,000 of the general fund—federal
35
appropriation are provided solely for the homecare agency parity
36
consistent with the rate set by the consumer-directed employer rate
37
setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
38
p. 155
ESSB 5998.SL
(e) $1,027,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026, $1,862,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
2
fiscal year 2027, and $3,639,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation are provided solely for administrative costs of the
4
consumer-directed employer as set by the consumer-directed employer
5
rate setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
6
(f) $228,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026, $420,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$817,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
9
appropriation are provided solely to increase the administrative rate
10
for home care agencies by 30 cents per hour effective July 1, 2025,
11
and an additional 23 cents per hour effective July 1, 2026.
12
(g) $6,953,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026, $7,815,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
14
fiscal year 2027, and $18,212,000 of the general fund—federal
15
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of an
16
agreement reached between the governor and the adult family home
17
council under the provisions of chapter 41.56 RCW for the 2025-2027
18
fiscal biennium, as provided in section 907 of this act.
19
(h) The department may authorize a one-time waiver of all or any
20
portion of the licensing and processing fees required under RCW
21
70.128.060 in any case in which the department determines that an
22
adult family home is being relicensed because of exceptional
23
circumstances, such as death or incapacity of a provider, and that to
24
require the full payment of the licensing and processing fees would
25
present a hardship to the applicant. In these situations the
26
department is also granted the authority to waive the required
27
residential administrator training for a period of 120 days if
28
necessary to ensure continuity of care during the relicensing
29
process.
30
(i)(i) $10,722,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2026, $10,722,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for fiscal year 2027, and $21,190,000 of the general fund—federal
33
appropriation are provided solely to increase rates by two percent,
34
effective July 1, 2025, for community residential service providers.
35
This includes supported living, group home, group training home,
36
licensed staff residential services, community protection, and
37
children's out-of-home services to individuals with developmental
38
disabilities. The full amount must be used for compensation increases
39
p. 156
ESSB 5998.SL
for direct support professionals and other direct care workers in
1
these settings.
2
(ii)
Contracted
agency
providers
must
include
staffing
3
information in their community residential cost reports. This
4
includes wages, health insurance, number of positions, and turnover.
5
The data must be broken out specifically for direct support
6
professionals and published on the department's residential programs
7
reimbursement website.
8
(j) Community residential cost reports that are submitted by or
9
on behalf of contracted agency providers are required to include
10
information about agency staffing including health insurance, wages,
11
number of positions, and turnover.
12
(k) Sufficient appropriations are provided to continue community
13
alternative placement beds that prioritize the transition of clients
14
who are ready for discharge from the state psychiatric hospitals, but
15
who have additional long-term care or developmental disability needs.
16
(i) Community alternative placement beds include enhanced service
17
facility beds, adult family home beds, skilled nursing facility beds,
18
shared supportive housing beds, state operated living alternative
19
beds, and assisted living facility beds.
20
(ii) Each client must receive an individualized assessment prior
21
to leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals. The individualized
22
assessment must identify and authorize personal care, nursing care,
23
behavioral health stabilization, physical therapy, or other necessary
24
services to meet the unique needs of each client. It is the
25
expectation that, in most cases, staffing ratios in all community
26
alternative placement options described in (i)(i) of this subsection
27
will need to increase to meet the needs of clients leaving the state
28
psychiatric hospitals. If specialized training is necessary to meet
29
the needs of a client before he or she enters a community placement,
30
then the person centered service plan must also identify and
31
authorize this training.
32
(iii) When reviewing placement options, the department must
33
consider the safety of other residents, as well as the safety of
34
staff, in a facility. An initial evaluation of each placement,
35
including any documented safety concerns, must occur within thirty
36
days of a client leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals and
37
entering one of the community placement options described in (i)(i)
38
of this subsection. At a minimum, the department must perform two
39
p. 157
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additional evaluations of each placement during the first year that a
1
client has lived in the facility.
2
(iv) In developing bed capacity, the department shall consider
3
the complex needs of individuals waiting for discharge from the state
4
psychiatric hospitals.
5
(l) Sufficient appropriations are provided for discharge case
6
managers stationed at the state psychiatric hospitals. Discharge case
7
managers will transition clients ready for hospital discharge into
8
less restrictive alternative community placements. The transition of
9
clients ready for discharge will free up bed capacity at the state
10
psychiatric hospitals.
11
(m)
The
annual
certification
renewal
fee
for
community
12
residential service businesses is $859 per client in fiscal year 2026
13
and $859 per client in fiscal year 2027. The annual certification
14
renewal fee may not exceed the department's annual licensing and
15
oversight activity costs.
16
(n)
(($3,042,000))
$2,884,000
of
the
general
fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($3,115,000)) $3,016,000 of the
18
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
19
(($2,695,000)) $2,581,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
20
are provided for enhanced respite beds across the state for children.
21
These services are intended to provide families and caregivers with a
22
break in caregiving, the opportunity for behavioral stabilization of
23
the child, and the ability to partner with the state in the
24
development of an individualized service plan that allows the child
25
to remain in his or her home. The department must provide the
26
legislature with a respite utilization report in January of each year
27
that provides information about the number of children who have used
28
enhanced respite in the preceding year, as well as the location and
29
number of days per month that each respite bed was occupied.
30
(o)
(($2,553,000))
$1,947,000
of
the
general
fund—state
31
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($2,621,000)) $2,058,000 of
32
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
33
provided for 13 community respite beds across the state for adults.
34
These services are intended to provide families and caregivers with a
35
break in caregiving and the opportunity for stabilization of the
36
individual in a community-based setting as an alternative to using a
37
residential habilitation center to provide planned or emergent
38
respite. The department must provide the legislature with a respite
39
p. 158
ESSB 5998.SL
utilization report by January of each year that provides information
1
about the number of individuals who have used community respite in
2
the preceding year, as well as the location and number of days per
3
month that each respite bed was occupied.
4
(p) $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026, $204,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$512,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
7
appropriation are provided solely for a one-time bridge rate for
8
assisted living facilities, enhanced adult residential centers, and
9
adult residential centers, with high medicaid occupancy. The bridge
10
rate does not replace or substitute the capital add-on rate found in
11
RCW 74.39A.320 and the same methodology from RCW 74.39A.320 shall be
12
used to determine each facility's medicaid occupancy percentage for
13
the purposes of this one-time bridge rate add-on. Facilities with a
14
medicaid occupancy level 75 percent or more shall receive a $20.99
15
add-on per resident day effective July 1, 2025.
16
(q) A nonrefundable fee of $485 shall be charged for each
17
application to increase bed capacity at an adult family home to seven
18
or eight beds.
19
(r) ((The appropriations in this section include sufficient
20
funding to provide access to the individual and family services
21
waiver and the basic plus waiver to those individuals on the service
22
request list as forecasted by the caseload forecast council. For
23
subsequent policy level budgets, the department shall submit a
24
request for funding associated with individuals requesting to receive
25
the individual and family services waiver and the basic plus waiver
26
in accordance with the courtesy forecasts provided by the caseload
27
forecast council.
28
(s))) $332,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026, $740,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027, and $1,074,000 of the general fund—federal
31
appropriation are provided solely for supported employment and
32
community inclusion services for those individuals with intellectual
33
or developmental disabilities who are transitioning from high school
34
in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and are anticipated to utilize these
35
services. Within amounts appropriated in this section, the department
36
shall, no later than September 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026, submit
37
to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature a
38
forecast of: (i) The total caseload of individuals anticipated to
39
p. 159
ESSB 5998.SL
utilize supported employment and community inclusion services; and
1
(ii) the caseload of individuals transitioning from high school
2
anticipated to utilize supported employment and community inclusion
3
services. These forecasts shall be utilized to inform the governor's
4
operating maintenance and policy level budgets during the 2025-2027
5
fiscal biennium and shall include data that begins with fiscal year
6
2018, incorporates actual entries and exits, and delineates the
7
community inclusion caseload from the supported employment caseload
8
for both the total supported employment and community inclusion
9
caseload forecasts and the separate caseload forecasts of those
10
individuals transitioning from high school.
11
(((t) $3,345,000)) (s) $1,622,000 of the general fund—state
12
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($3,345,000)) $1,622,000 of
13
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
14
provided solely for the department to provide personal care services
15
for up to ((33)) 16 clients who are not United States citizens and
16
who are ineligible for medicaid upon their discharge from an acute
17
care hospital. The department must prioritize the funding provided in
18
this subsection for such clients in acute care hospitals who are also
19
on the department's wait list for services.
20
(((u))) (t)(i) (($9,346,000)) $12,257,000 of the general fund—
21
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($9,376,000)) $8,726,000
22
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
23
(($15,292,000)) $7,125,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
24
are provided solely for the department to operate a transitional
25
facility specializing in treatment for youth aged 13-17 who have
26
intellectual and developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum
27
disorder, and a severe psychiatric diagnosis requiring 24/7 care
28
under the direction of a physician. Youth admitted to the facility
29
require
health
services
wherein
treatment
modalities
and
30
interventions are adapted to specifically provide youth with I/DD
31
benefits from the level of care provided. Services must be provided
32
at a leased property in Burien, serve no more than 12 youth at one
33
time, and be implemented in a way that prioritizes transition to less
34
restrictive community-based settings. Youth shall be voluntarily
35
admitted to the facility by their own consent or the consent of their
36
guardian or legal representative. The department shall collaborate
37
with the department of children, youth, and families to identify
38
youth for placement in this setting and regarding appropriate
39
p. 160
ESSB 5998.SL
discharge options with a focus on less restrictive community-based
1
settings.
2
(ii)
The
department
and
the
health
care
authority
shall
3
collaborate in the identification and evaluation of strategies to
4
obtain federal matching funding opportunities, specifically focusing
5
on innovative medicaid framework adjustments and the consideration of
6
necessary state plan amendments. This collaborative effort aims not
7
only to enhance the funding available for the operation of the
8
facility but also to maintain adherence to its fundamental objective
9
of offering voluntary, transitional services. These services are
10
designed to facilitate the transition of youth to community-based
11
settings that are less restrictive, aligning with the facility's
12
commitment to supporting youth with complex needs in a manner that
13
encourages their movement toward independence.
14
(((v))) (u) $118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2026, $118,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
16
for fiscal year 2027, and $204,000 of the general fund—federal
17
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
18
House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the bill is
19
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
20
shall lapse.
21
(w))) (v) $486,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
22
$420,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation are provided
23
solely for a rate add-on for adult family homes in the amount
24
necessary to reimburse for the annual license renewal fee increase
25
included in (b)(i) of this subsection that is paid on medicaid beds.
26
(((x))) (w) $21,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
27
$18,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation are provided
28
solely for a rate add-on for assisted living facilities in the amount
29
necessary to reimburse for the annual license renewal fee increase
30
included in (b)(ii) of this subsection that is paid on medicaid beds.
31
(((y))) (x) $12,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2026 and $12,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
33
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Senate
34
Bill No. 5079 (DSHS overpayments). ((If the bill is not enacted by
35
June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
36
(z) $1,326,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026, $5,015,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027, and $5,850,000 of the general fund—federal
39
p. 161
ESSB 5998.SL
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
1
Senate Bill No. 5393 (Yakima & Rainier schools). If the bill is not
2
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
3
shall
lapse.))
(y)(i)
$556,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the
5
department, in coordination with the health care authority, to
6
implement a program beginning October 1, 2026, to continue services
7
for up to 29 individuals who:
8
(A) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
9
medicaid coverage for developmental disability services due to
10
provisions of section 71119 of P.L. 119-21; and
11
(B) Are prioritized by the department as clients in residential
12
settings at risk of losing their housing or those with higher levels
13
of acuity.
14
(ii) By October 1, 2026, the department, in coordination with the
15
health care authority, shall provide a report to the governor's
16
office and fiscal committees of the legislature that includes
17
recommendations for how the program described in (y)(i) of this
18
subsection can achieve savings through a reduction in services or
19
benefits to allow for an increase in enrollment capacity.
20
(z)(i) $250,000 of the developmental disabilities community
21
services account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
22
department to establish a strategic planning work group to transform
23
Washington's system of services and supports for individuals with
24
intellectual and developmental disabilities by:
25
(A) Prioritizing collaborative engagement between individuals
26
with lived or living experience and decision makers who will act to
27
make the vision a reality;
28
(B)
Identifying
and
implementing
strategies
to
reduce
or
29
eliminate the use of expensive, congregate institutional settings for
30
long-term care;
31
(C)
Expanding
community-based
services
to
serve
a
larger
32
population
of
people
with
intellectual
and
developmental
33
disabilities;
34
(D) Addressing barriers to service access and equity; and
35
(E)
Identifying
necessary
investments
in
community
36
infrastructure, workforce, and service capacity.
37
(ii) By June 30, 2027, the strategic planning work group must
38
develop and submit to the appropriate committees of the legislature a
39
comprehensive 10-year strategic plan to increase statewide access to
40
p. 162
ESSB 5998.SL
adequate and appropriate community-based services and supports for
1
infants, children, youth, young adults, and adults with intellectual
2
and developmental disabilities, and their families and caregivers.
3
(iii) Staffing for the work group shall be provided by the
4
department.
5
(2) INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($156,314,000))
7
$149,447,000
8
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($151,860,000))
9
$142,110,000
10
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($256,720,000))
11
$242,332,000
12
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($19,501,000))
13
$19,332,000
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($584,395,000))
15
$553,221,000
16
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
17
following conditions and limitations:
18
(a) Individuals receiving services as supplemental security
19
income (SSI) state supplemental payments may not become eligible for
20
medical assistance under RCW 74.09.510 due solely to the receipt of
21
SSI state supplemental payments.
22
(b)
The
residential
habilitation
centers
may
use
funds
23
appropriated in this subsection to purchase goods, services, and
24
supplies through hospital group purchasing organizations when it is
25
cost-effective to do so.
26
(((c) Sufficient appropriations are provided for the department
27
to support the transition of individuals residing at Rainier School
28
or the three other residential habilitation centers, into appropriate
29
alternative residential settings, should those facilities be closed.
30
The department shall ensure that each affected individual is offered
31
a meaningful choice of alternative placements, including other
32
residential habilitation centers, supported living arrangements,
33
state operated living alternatives, adult family homes, skilled
34
nursing
facilities,
or
other
community-based
settings.
When
35
transitioning individuals, the department shall prioritize client
36
choice, autonomy, individual preferences, medical and behavioral
37
health care needs, and opportunities for community integration. The
38
department
shall
develop
individualized
transition
plans
in
39
p. 163
ESSB 5998.SL
collaboration with each resident, their family or legal guardian,
1
caregivers, and support providers. The department shall coordinate
2
closely with other state agencies, local entities, health care
3
providers, and community stakeholders to ensure seamless transitions.
4
The
funding
provided
shall
cover
all
costs
associated
with
5
assessments,
planning,
relocation
expenses,
necessary
housing
6
modifications, staff training, crisis support, and related transition
7
activities. Additionally, the department shall implement robust
8
oversight
and
accountability
measures,
regularly
monitoring
9
transition outcomes, individual well-being and satisfaction.))
10
(c) Within existing resources, the department shall develop a
11
plan to implement a pilot program to allow certain clients with a
12
developmental disability, as defined in RCW 71A.10.020, who are
13
served by the department, who live in community settings, and whose
14
behavioral or medical acuity prevents them from accessing routine
15
community dental care, to access dental services at residential
16
habilitation centers. The plan must be submitted to the appropriate
17
committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
18
(i) The department shall work with the health care authority to
19
identify the best enrollment and billing path for the dental clinics
20
at
residential
habilitation
centers
to
serve
clients
with
21
intellectual or developmental disabilities who live in community
22
settings.
23
(ii) The plan may present multiple options, but it must include a
24
primary option that bases capacity and cost estimates on maximizing
25
the existing physical footprint of residential habilitation center
26
dental clinics, short of any capital improvements or facility
27
expansions. To inform the pilot program, the plan must evaluate the
28
clinics' ability to serve clients across various acuity levels,
29
including identifying which clients can receive direct dental
30
treatment at the centers and which require triage, assessment, and
31
care coordination for a referral to specialized providers for higher-
32
level interventions.
33
(iii) The plan must contain the following:
34
(A) Necessary cost information;
35
(B) Estimates of how much costs could be recovered per client and
36
in aggregate through insurance, fees, medicaid billing, or other
37
options;
38
p. 164
ESSB 5998.SL
(C) Information on which options might require additional billing
1
technology and a detailed explanation of why existing health care
2
authority billing pathways cannot be utilized;
3
(D) Recommendations for statutory changes; and
4
(E) Identification of any necessary updates to the state plan
5
approved by the centers for medicare and medicaid services.
6
(3) PROGRAM SUPPORT
7
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($3,714,000))
8
$3,349,000
9
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($3,774,000))
10
$3,282,000
11
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($4,267,000))
12
$3,615,000
13
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($11,755,000))
14
$10,246,000
15
(4) SPECIAL PROJECTS
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . $68,000
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . $71,000
18
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,094,000
19
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,233,000
20
*Sec. 203 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 204. 2025 c 424 s 204 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—AGING AND ADULT
23
SERVICES PROGRAM
24
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($2,688,279,000))
25
$2,751,204,000
26
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($2,884,087,000))
27
$3,006,158,000
28
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($6,839,614,000))
29
$7,159,718,000
30
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . (($122,541,000))
31
$122,540,000
32
Traumatic Brain Injury Account—State Appropriation. . . . $7,204,000
33
Skilled Nursing Facility Safety Net Trust Account—
34
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $133,360,000
35
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Account—State
36
p. 165
ESSB 5998.SL
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($214,874,000))
1
$230,866,000
2
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . .
(($12,889,959,000))
3
$13,411,050,000
4
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
5
conditions and limitations:
6
(1)(a) For purposes of implementing chapter 74.46 RCW, the
7
weighted average nursing facility payment rate may not exceed $376.54
8
for fiscal year 2026 and may not exceed (($394.32)) $382.37 for
9
fiscal year 2027. Appropriations provided in this section are
10
sufficient to partially implement the case mix adjustment methodology
11
to adjust rates of individual facilities for case mix changes as
12
specified in RCW 74.46.485 and stay within the specific budget dials.
13
The
weighted
average
nursing
facility
payment
rates
in
this
14
subsection (1) include the following: $35,436,000 of the general fund
15
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $39,028,000 of the
16
general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for a
17
facility-specific add-on to help mitigate for the removal of one-time
18
rate increases provided in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium in an amount
19
that does not exceed the fiscal year 2026 weighted average nursing
20
facility payment rate referenced in this subsection.
21
(b) The department shall provide a medicaid rate add-on to
22
reimburse the medicaid share of the skilled nursing facility safety
23
net assessment as a medicaid allowable cost. The nursing facility
24
safety net rate add-on may not be included in the calculation of the
25
annual statewide weighted average nursing facility payment rate.
26
(2) In accordance with RCW 18.51.050, 18.20.050, 70.128.060, and
27
43.135.055,
the
department
is
authorized
to
increase
nursing
28
facility, assisted living facility, and adult family home fees as
29
necessary to fully support the actual costs of conducting the
30
licensure, inspection, and regulatory programs. The license fees may
31
not exceed the department's annual licensing and oversight activity
32
costs and shall include the department's cost of paying providers for
33
the amount of the license fee attributed to medicaid clients.
34
(a) The current annual license renewal fee for adult family homes
35
is $450 per bed. A nonrefundable processing fee of $2,750 shall be
36
charged for the initial licensing of each adult family home. In
37
addition, a processing fee of $700 shall be imposed on providers
38
submitting an application for a change of ownership.
39
p. 166
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) The current annual license renewal fee for assisted living
1
facilities is $383 per bed in fiscal year 2026 and $381 in fiscal
2
year 2027.
3
(c) The current annual license renewal fee for nursing facilities
4
is $814 per bed in fiscal year 2026 and $834 per bed in fiscal year
5
2027.
6
(3) The department is authorized to place long-term care clients
7
residing in nursing homes and paid for with state-only funds into
8
less restrictive community care settings while continuing to meet the
9
client's care needs.
10
(4) $33,412,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2026, $80,128,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
12
for fiscal year 2027, and $143,047,000 of the general fund—federal
13
appropriation are provided solely for the rate increase for the new
14
consumer-directed employer contracted individual providers as set by
15
the consumer-directed rate setting board in accordance with RCW
16
74.39A.530.
17
(5) $10,012,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2026, $23,830,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
19
for fiscal year 2027, and $42,637,000 of the general fund—federal
20
appropriation are provided solely for the homecare agency parity
21
consistent with the rate set by the consumer-directed employer rate
22
setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
23
(6) $2,327,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026, $4,259,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027, and $8,297,000 of the general fund—federal
26
appropriation are provided solely for administrative costs of the
27
consumer-directed employer as set by the consumer-directed employer
28
rate setting board in accordance with RCW 74.39A.530.
29
(7) $1,991,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
30
year 2026, $3,637,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2027, and $7,090,000 of the general fund—federal
32
appropriation are provided solely to increase the administrative rate
33
for home care agencies by 30 cents per hour effective July 1, 2025,
34
and an additional 23 cents per hour effective July 1, 2026.
35
(8) The department may authorize a one-time waiver of all or any
36
portion of the licensing and processing fees required under RCW
37
70.128.060 in any case in which the department determines that an
38
adult family home is being relicensed because of exceptional
39
p. 167
ESSB 5998.SL
circumstances, such as death or incapacity of a provider, and that to
1
require the full payment of the licensing and processing fees would
2
present a hardship to the applicant. In these situations the
3
department is also granted the authority to waive the required
4
residential administrator training for a period of 120 days if
5
necessary to ensure continuity of care during the relicensing
6
process.
7
(9) In accordance with RCW 18.390.030, the biennial registration
8
fee for continuing care retirement communities shall be $900 for each
9
facility.
10
(10) Appropriations in this section are sufficient to fund
11
discharge case managers stationed at the state psychiatric hospitals.
12
Discharge case managers will transition clients ready for hospital
13
discharge into less restrictive alternative community placements. The
14
transition of clients ready for discharge will free up bed capacity
15
at the state psychiatric hospitals.
16
(11) Appropriations in this section are sufficient to fund
17
financial service specialists stationed at the state psychiatric
18
hospitals. Financial service specialists will help to transition
19
clients ready for hospital discharge into alternative community
20
placements. The transition of clients ready for discharge will free
21
up bed capacity at the state hospitals.
22
(12) The department shall continue to administer tailored support
23
for older adults, medicaid alternative care, presumptive eligibility,
24
and housing supports, as described in initiative 2 of the 1115
25
demonstration waiver. This initiative will be funded by the health
26
care authority through the medicaid quality improvement program. The
27
secretary in collaboration with the director of the health care
28
authority shall report to the office of financial management all
29
expenditures of this subsection and shall provide such fiscal data in
30
the time, manner, and form requested. The department shall not
31
increase general fund—state expenditures on this initiative.
32
(13) $54,119,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026, $64,390,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
34
for fiscal year 2027, and $147,644,000 of the general fund—federal
35
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of an
36
agreement reached between the governor and the adult family home
37
council under the provisions of chapter 41.56 RCW for the 2025-2027
38
fiscal biennium, as provided in section 908 of this act.
39
p. 168
ESSB 5998.SL
(14) Appropriations provided in this section are sufficient to
1
continue community alternative placement beds that prioritize the
2
transition of clients who are ready for discharge from the state
3
psychiatric hospitals, but who have additional long-term care or
4
developmental disability needs.
5
(a) Community alternative placement beds include enhanced service
6
facility beds, adult family home beds, skilled nursing facility beds,
7
shared supportive housing beds, state operated living alternative
8
beds, assisted living facility beds, adult residential care beds, and
9
specialized dementia beds.
10
(b) Each client must receive an individualized assessment prior
11
to leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals. The individualized
12
assessment must identify and authorize personal care, nursing care,
13
behavioral health stabilization, physical therapy, or other necessary
14
services to meet the unique needs of each client. It is the
15
expectation that, in most cases, staffing ratios in all community
16
alternative placement options described in (a) of this subsection
17
will need to increase to meet the needs of clients leaving the state
18
psychiatric hospitals. If specialized training is necessary to meet
19
the needs of a client before he or she enters a community placement,
20
then the person centered service plan must also identify and
21
authorize this training.
22
(c) When reviewing placement options, the department must
23
consider the safety of other residents, as well as the safety of
24
staff, in a facility. An initial evaluation of each placement,
25
including any documented safety concerns, must occur within thirty
26
days of a client leaving one of the state psychiatric hospitals and
27
entering one of the community placement options described in (a) of
28
this subsection. At a minimum, the department must perform two
29
additional evaluations of each placement during the first year that a
30
client has lived in the facility.
31
(d) In developing bed capacity, the department shall consider the
32
complex needs of individuals waiting for discharge from the state
33
psychiatric hospitals.
34
(15)
The
annual
certification
renewal
fee
for
community
35
residential service businesses is $859 per client in fiscal year 2026
36
and $859 per client in fiscal year 2027. The annual certification
37
renewal fee may not exceed the department's annual licensing and
38
oversight activity costs.
39
p. 169
ESSB 5998.SL
(16)
(($5,245,000))
$4,206,000
of
the
general
fund—state
1
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($5,245,000)) $4,263,000 of
2
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
3
provided solely for services and support to individuals who are deaf,
4
hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.
5
(17) $8,747,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2026, $8,747,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
7
for fiscal year 2027, and $19,878,000 of the general fund—federal
8
appropriation are provided solely for a one-time bridge rate for
9
assisted living facilities, enhanced adult residential centers, and
10
adult residential centers, with high medicaid occupancy. The bridge
11
rate does not replace or substitute the capital add-on rate found in
12
RCW 74.39A.320 and the same methodology from RCW 74.39A.320 shall be
13
used to determine each facility's medicaid occupancy percentage for
14
the purposes of this one-time bridge rate add-on. Facilities with a
15
medicaid occupancy level 75 percent or more shall receive a $20.99
16
add-on per resident day effective July 1, 2025.
17
(18) A nonrefundable fee of $485 shall be charged for each
18
application to increase bed capacity at an adult family home to seven
19
or eight beds.
20
(19) $1,858,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,857,000
of
the
general
fund—state
22
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for operation
23
of the volunteer services program. Funding must be prioritized
24
towards serving populations traditionally served by long-term care
25
services to include senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
26
(20) $989,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $989,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the kinship navigator
29
program in the Colville Indian reservation, Yakama Nation, and other
30
tribal areas.
31
(21) The traumatic brain injury council shall collaborate with
32
other state agencies in their efforts to address traumatic brain
33
injuries to ensure that efforts are ((complimentary)) complementary
34
and continue to support the state's broader efforts to address this
35
issue.
36
(22)
(($2,807,000))
$3,436,000
of
the
general
fund—state
37
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($2,811,000)) $3,440,000 of the
38
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
39
p. 170
ESSB 5998.SL
(($70,000)) $66,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
1
provided solely for the kinship care support program. Of the amounts
2
provided in this subsection:
3
(a)
(($863,000))
$1,944,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($867,000)) $1,944,000 of the
5
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided
6
solely for the kinship care support program.
7
(b)
(($1,726,000))
$1,492,000
of
the
general
fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($1,734,000)) $1,496,000 of the
9
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
10
(($70,000)) $66,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
11
provided solely for kinship navigators, including an increase in the
12
number of kinship navigators so that each area agency on aging has
13
one kinship navigator and King county has two kinship navigators.
14
(23) $2,574,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,567,000
of
the
general
fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
17
department to provide personal care services for up to 40 clients who
18
are not United States citizens and who are ineligible for medicaid
19
upon their discharge from an acute care hospital. The department must
20
prioritize the funding provided in this subsection for such clients
21
in acute care hospitals who are also on the department's wait list
22
for services.
23
(24) (($24,848,000)) $18,047,000 of the long-term services and
24
supports trust account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
25
information technology project for the long-term services and
26
supports
trust
program((,
and
is
subject
to
the
conditions,
27
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act)).
28
(25) $13,982,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
29
fiscal
year
2026
and
$13,982,000
of
the
general
fund—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the area
31
agencies on aging to maintain senior nutrition services. This
32
includes, but is not limited to, meals at sites, through pantries,
33
and home-delivery.
34
(26) $3,831,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2026, $7,859,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
36
for fiscal year 2027, and $7,187,000 of the general fund—federal
37
appropriation are provided solely for the nursing home to community
38
p. 171
ESSB 5998.SL
program to increase the rental subsidy base to $1,400 and expand the
1
program by 200 slots.
2
(((28))) (27) $750,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 of the general fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for community-
5
based dementia education and support activities in three areas of the
6
state, including dementia resource catalyst staff and direct services
7
for people with dementia and their caregivers.
8
(((29))) (28)(a) (($20,662,000)) $15,852,000 of the general fund—
9
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($22,745,000)) $22,754,000
10
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
11
(($43,416,000)) $38,621,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
12
are provided solely for the operating costs associated with enhanced
13
service facilities.
14
(b) The department shall broaden the current discharge and
15
referral case management practices for difficult to discharge
16
hospital patients waiting in acute care hospitals to include
17
referrals to all long-term care behavioral health settings, including
18
enhanced services facilities, enhanced adult residential care, and
19
enhanced adult residential care with community stability supports
20
contracts or community behavioral health support services, including
21
supportive supervision and oversight and skills development and
22
restoration. These home and community-based providers are contracted
23
to provide various levels of personal care, nursing, and behavior
24
supports
for
difficult
to
discharge
hospital
patients
with
25
significant behavior support needs.
26
(c) Patients ready to discharge from acute care hospitals with
27
diagnosed behaviors or behavior history, and a likelihood of
28
unsuccessful placement in other licensed long-term care facilities, a
29
history of rejected applications for admissions, or a history of
30
unsuccessful placements shall be fully eligible for referral to
31
available beds in enhanced services facilities or enhanced adult
32
residential care with contracts that adequately meet the patient's
33
long-term care needs.
34
(d)
Previous
or
current
detainment
under
the
involuntary
35
treatment act shall not be a requirement for individuals in acute
36
care hospitals to be eligible for these specialized settings. The
37
department shall develop a standard process for acute care hospitals
38
to refer patients to the department for placement in enhanced
39
p. 172
ESSB 5998.SL
services
facilities
and
enhanced
adult
residential
care
with
1
contracts to provide behavior support.
2
(((30))) (29) $1,761,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$1,761,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $4,162,000 of the general
5
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for case managers at
6
the area agencies on aging to coordinate care for medicaid clients
7
with mental illness who are living in their own homes. Work shall be
8
accomplished within existing standards for case management and no
9
requirements will be added or modified unless by mutual agreement
10
between the department of social and health services and area
11
agencies on aging.
12
(((31) $14,447,000)) (30) $10,386,000 of the general fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($14,510,000)) $12,701,000 of
14
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
15
(($28,959,000)) $23,103,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
16
are provided solely for nursing home services and emergent building
17
costs at the transitional care center of Seattle.
18
(((32))) (31) $3,800,000 of the traumatic brain injury account—
19
state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
20
Substitute House Bill No. 1848 (traumatic brain injuries). ((If the
21
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
22
subsection shall lapse.
23
(33))) (32) $3,681,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
24
and $3,179,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation are
25
provided solely for a rate add-on for adult family homes in the
26
amount necessary to reimburse for the annual license renewal fee
27
increase included in subsection (2)(a) of this section that is paid
28
on medicaid beds.
29
(((34)))
(33)
$2,216,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
30
appropriation and $1,974,000 of the general fund—private/local
31
appropriation are provided solely for a rate add-on for assisted
32
living facilities in the amount necessary to reimburse for the annual
33
license renewal fee increase included in subsection (2)(b) of this
34
section that is paid on medicaid beds.
35
(((35)))
(34)
$3,944,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
36
appropriation and $3,580,000 of the general fund—private/local
37
appropriation are provided solely for a rate add-on for nursing
38
facilities in the amount necessary to reimburse for the annual
39
p. 173
ESSB 5998.SL
license renewal fee increase included in subsection (2)(c) of this
1
section that is paid on medicaid beds.
2
(((36)))
(35)
$438,000
of
the
general
fund—private/local
3
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
4
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5337 (memory care services). ((If
5
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this
6
subsection shall lapse.
7
(37))) (36) $4,722,000 of the long-term services and supports
8
trust
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
9
implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5291 (long-
10
term services trust). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025,
11
the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
12
(38))) (37) $38,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2026 and $38,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
14
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Senate
15
Bill No. 5079 (DSHS overpayments). ((If the bill is not enacted by
16
June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
17
(38) $22,793,000 of the long-term services and supports trust
18
account—state
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
ongoing
19
maintenance of the information technology platform for the long-term
20
services and supports trust program.
21
(39) It is the intent of the legislature that savings assumed in
22
this section from relocating offices from leased facilities to state-
23
owned facilities be continued into subsequent fiscal biennia.
24
(40)(a) $17,824,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the department, in
26
coordination with the health care authority, to implement a program
27
beginning October 1, 2026, to continue services for up to 1,162
28
individuals who:
29
(i) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
30
medicaid coverage for long-term care services due to provisions of
31
section 71119 of P.L. 119-21; and
32
(ii) Are prioritized by the department as clients in residential
33
settings at risk of losing their housing or those with higher levels
34
of acuity.
35
(b) By October 1, 2026, the department, in coordination with the
36
health care authority, shall provide a report to the governor's
37
office and fiscal committees of the legislature that includes
38
recommendations for how the program described in (a) of this
39
p. 174
ESSB 5998.SL
subsection can achieve savings through a reduction in services or
1
benefits to allow for an increase in enrollment capacity.
2
(41) $452,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2027 and $456,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
4
provided solely to restructure rates for adult day services and to
5
provide a 10 percent rate increase. The department must restructure
6
rates from three geographic regions into two geographic regions that
7
includes one region for King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties and a
8
second region for all other counties.
9
Sec. 205. 2025 c 424 s 205 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—ECONOMIC SERVICES
12
PROGRAM
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($761,681,000))
14
$713,684,000
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($710,910,000))
16
$761,686,000
17
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($1,910,479,000))
18
$1,880,094,000
19
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $5,002,000
20
Administrative Contingency Account—State
21
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,000,000))
22
$26,500,000
23
Domestic Violence Prevention Account—State
24
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,404,000
25
Employment Service Administrative Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$17,500,000
27
Information Technology Investment Revolving
28
Nonappropriated Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $3,900,000
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($3,394,476,000))
30
$3,410,770,000
31
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
32
conditions and limitations:
33
(1)(a) (($201,111,000)) $149,164,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($183,932,000)) $131,476,000 of
35
the
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
36
(($868,255,000))
$867,641,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
37
appropriation, $15,500,000 of the employment services administrative
38
p. 175
ESSB 5998.SL
account—state appropriation, and (($4,000,000)) $26,500,000 of the
1
administrative contingency account—state appropriation are provided
2
solely for all components of the WorkFirst program. Within the
3
amounts provided for the WorkFirst program, the department may
4
provide assistance using state-only funds for families eligible for
5
temporary assistance for needy families. The budget structure must
6
include budget units for the following: Cash assistance, child care,
7
WorkFirst activities, and administration of the program. Within these
8
budget units, the department must develop program index codes for
9
specific activities and develop allotments and track expenditures
10
using these codes. The department shall report to the office of
11
financial management and the relevant fiscal and policy committees of
12
the legislature prior to adopting a structure change.
13
(b) (($530,530,000)) $469,061,000 of the amounts in (a) of this
14
subsection is for assistance to clients, including grants, diversion
15
cash assistance, and additional diversion emergency assistance
16
including but not limited to assistance authorized under RCW
17
74.08A.210. The department may use state funds to provide support to
18
working families that are eligible for temporary assistance for needy
19
families but otherwise not receiving cash assistance.
20
(c)(i) $167,934,000 of the amounts in (a) of this subsection is
21
for WorkFirst job search, education and training activities, barrier
22
removal services, limited English proficiency services, and tribal
23
assistance under RCW 74.08A.040. The department must allocate this
24
funding based on client outcomes and cost effectiveness measures.
25
Within amounts provided in this subsection (1)(c), the department
26
shall implement the working family support program.
27
(ii) $2,474,000 of the amounts provided in (c)(i) of this
28
subsection is for enhanced transportation assistance. The department
29
must prioritize the use of these funds for the recipients most in
30
need of financial assistance to facilitate their return to work. The
31
department must not utilize these funds to supplant repayment
32
arrangements
that
are
currently
in
place
to
facilitate
the
33
reinstatement of drivers' licenses.
34
(d) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, $353,402,000 of the
35
general fund—federal appropriation is for the working connections
36
child care program under RCW 43.216.020 within the department of
37
children, youth, and families. The department is the lead agency for
38
and recipient of the federal temporary assistance for needy families
39
p. 176
ESSB 5998.SL
grant. A portion of this grant must be used to fund child care
1
subsidies expenditures at the department of children, youth, and
2
families.
3
(i) The department of social and health services shall work in
4
collaboration with the department of children, youth, and families to
5
determine the appropriate amount of state expenditures for the
6
working connections child care program to claim towards the state's
7
maintenance of effort for the temporary assistance for needy families
8
program. The departments will also collaborate to track the average
9
monthly child care subsidy caseload and expenditures by fund type,
10
including
child
care
development
fund,
general
fund—state
11
appropriation, and temporary assistance for needy families for the
12
purpose of estimating the annual temporary assistance for needy
13
families reimbursement from the department of social and health
14
services to the department of children, youth, and families.
15
(ii) On December 1st of each year of the biennium the department
16
of children, youth, and families must report to the governor and the
17
appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the legislature the total
18
state contribution for the working connections child care program
19
claimed the previous fiscal year towards the state's maintenance of
20
effort for the temporary assistance for needy families program and
21
the total temporary assistance for needy families reimbursement from
22
the department of social and health services for the previous fiscal
23
year.
24
(e) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, $68,496,000 of the
25
general fund—federal appropriation is for child welfare services
26
within the department of children, youth, and families.
27
(f)(i) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, (($136,939,000))
28
$131,391,000 is for WorkFirst administration and overhead.
29
(ii) Within existing resources, the department must complete
30
system enhancements necessary to implement strategies to achieve the
31
federal temporary assistance for needy families program's work
32
participation rate.
33
(g)(i) The department shall submit quarterly expenditure reports
34
to the governor, the fiscal committees of the legislature, and the
35
legislative WorkFirst poverty reduction oversight task force under
36
RCW 74.08A.341. In addition to these requirements, the department
37
must detail any fund transfers across budget units identified in (a)
38
through (e) of this subsection. The department shall not initiate any
39
p. 177
ESSB 5998.SL
services that require expenditure of state general fund moneys that
1
are not consistent with policies established by the legislature.
2
(ii) The department may transfer up to 10 percent of funding
3
between budget units identified in (b) through (f) of this
4
subsection. The department shall provide notification prior to any
5
transfer to the office of financial management and to the appropriate
6
legislative
committees
and
the
legislative-executive
WorkFirst
7
poverty reduction oversight task force. The approval of the director
8
of financial management is required prior to any transfer under this
9
subsection.
10
(h) On January 2nd and July 1st of each year, the department
11
shall provide a maintenance of effort and participation rate tracking
12
report for temporary assistance for needy families to the office of
13
financial management, the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of
14
the legislature, and the legislative-executive WorkFirst poverty
15
reduction oversight task force. The report must detail the following
16
information for temporary assistance for needy families:
17
(i) An overview of federal rules related to maintenance of
18
effort, excess maintenance of effort, participation rates for
19
temporary
assistance
for
needy
families,
and
the
child
care
20
development fund as it pertains to maintenance of effort and
21
participation rates;
22
(ii) Countable maintenance of effort and excess maintenance of
23
effort, by source, provided for the previous federal fiscal year;
24
(iii) Countable maintenance of effort and excess maintenance of
25
effort, by source, for the current fiscal year, including changes in
26
countable maintenance of effort from the previous year;
27
(iv)
The
status
of
reportable
federal
participation
rate
28
requirements, including any impact of excess maintenance of effort on
29
participation targets;
30
(v) Potential new sources of maintenance of effort and progress
31
to obtain additional maintenance of effort;
32
(vi) A two-year projection for meeting federal block grant and
33
contingency fund maintenance of effort, participation targets, and
34
future reportable federal participation rate requirements; and
35
(vii)
Proposed
and
enacted
federal
law
changes
affecting
36
maintenance of effort or the participation rate, what impact these
37
changes have on Washington's temporary assistance for needy families
38
program, and the department's plan to comply with these changes.
39
p. 178
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) In the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, it is the intent of the
1
legislature to provide appropriations from the state general fund for
2
the purposes of (a) of this subsection if the department does not
3
receive additional federal temporary assistance for needy families
4
contingency funds in each fiscal year as assumed in the budget
5
outlook.
6
(2) $3,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $3,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for naturalization services.
9
(3) $2,366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 is provided solely for employment services for refugees and
11
immigrants, of which $1,774,000 is provided solely for the department
12
to pass through to statewide refugee and immigrant assistance
13
organizations for limited English proficiency pathway services; and
14
$2,366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year
15
2027 is provided solely for employment services for refugees and
16
immigrants, of which $1,774,000 is provided solely for the department
17
to pass through to statewide refugee and immigrant assistance
18
organizations for limited English proficiency pathway services.
19
(4) On January 1st of each year, the department must report to
20
the governor and the legislature on all sources of funding available
21
for both refugee and immigrant services and naturalization services
22
during the current fiscal year and the amounts expended to date by
23
service type and funding source. The report must also include the
24
number of clients served and outcome data for the clients.
25
(5)
To
ensure
expenditures
remain
within
available
funds
26
appropriated in this section, the legislature establishes the benefit
27
under the state food assistance program, pursuant to RCW 74.08A.120,
28
to be 100 percent of the federal supplemental nutrition assistance
29
program benefit amount.
30
(6) The department shall review clients receiving services
31
through the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program, to determine
32
whether they would benefit from assistance in becoming naturalized
33
citizens, and thus be eligible to receive federal supplemental
34
security income benefits. Those cases shall be given high priority
35
for naturalization funding through the department.
36
(7) The department shall continue the interagency agreement with
37
the department of veterans' affairs to establish a process for
38
referral of veterans who may be eligible for veterans' services. This
39
p. 179
ESSB 5998.SL
agreement must include out-stationing department of veterans' affairs
1
staff in selected community service office locations in King and
2
Pierce counties to facilitate applications for veterans' services.
3
(8) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for operational support of the
6
Washington information network 211 organization.
7
(9) $560,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
8
year 2026 and $560,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
9
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a state-funded employment
10
and training program for recipients of the state's food assistance
11
program.
12
(10)
(($4,984,000))
$3,489,000
of
the
general
fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($4,406,000)) $5,948,000 of the
14
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
15
(($17,548,000)) $17,501,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
16
are provided solely for the alignment of eligibility rules in
17
accordance with federal center for medicare and medicaid services'
18
regulations in 42 C.F.R. Sec. 433.112(b) and in coordination with the
19
health benefit exchange. Funding is subject to the conditions,
20
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
21
(11) Within existing resources, a revised integrated eligibility
22
and enrollment roadmap and schedule will be created to accommodate
23
eligibility rule updates that are necessary to meet the federal
24
center for medicare and medicaid services' regulations.
25
(12) (($1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2026, $1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
27
for fiscal year 2027, and $4,980,000 of the general fund—federal
28
appropriation are provided solely for the integrated eligibility and
29
enrollment modernization project office.
30
(13)))(a) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
31
fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and $500,000 of the general fund—state
32
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
33
sponsorship stabilization funds for eligible unaccompanied children
34
and their sponsors.
35
(b) Of the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, $350,000
36
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((is))
37
and $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year
38
2027 are provided solely for sponsorship stabilization funds for
39
p. 180
ESSB 5998.SL
eligible unaccompanied children and their sponsors in order to
1
address
financial
hardship
and
support
household
well-being.
2
Stabilization funds can be used to support the sponsorship household
3
with costs of housing, childcare, transportation, internet and data
4
services, household goods, legal services, and other unmet needs. The
5
funds may be provided on behalf of an unaccompanied child when the
6
following eligibility criteria are met:
7
(i) The unaccompanied child is between the ages of 0-17, has been
8
placed in Washington under the care of a nonparental sponsor
9
following
release
from
the
United
States
office
of
refugee
10
resettlement custody, and has not been reunified with a parent; and
11
(ii) The sponsorship household demonstrates financial need and
12
has an income below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. A
13
sponsorship household receiving stabilization funds on behalf of a
14
child who turns 18 may continue to receive funds for an additional 60
15
days after the child reaches 18 years of age.
16
(c) The department may work with community-based organizations to
17
administer sponsorship stabilization supports. Up to 10 percent of
18
the amounts provided in (b) of this subsection may be used by the
19
community-based
organizations
to
cover
administrative
expenses
20
associated with the distribution of these supports.
21
(d) Of the amounts provided in (a) of this subsection, up to
22
$150,000 ((is)) in fiscal year 2026 and up to $150,000 in fiscal year
23
2027 are provided solely to cover the administrative resources
24
necessary
for
the
department
to
administer
the
sponsorship
25
stabilization program.
26
(((14))) (13) $185,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
27
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the department to meet
28
the terms of its settlement agreement with the United States
29
department of agriculture (USDA), specifically to fund employment and
30
training program services and activities targeted to able-bodied
31
adults without dependents receiving food benefits from the USDA
32
supplemental nutrition assistance program, but open to all basic food
33
employment and training participants including participants who are
34
not able-bodied adults without dependents.
35
(((15)))
(14)(a)
$1,140,000
of
the
general
fund—state
36
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $1,141,000 of the general fund
37
—federal appropriation are provided solely to fully integrate the
38
p. 181
ESSB 5998.SL
asset verification system into the automated client eligibility
1
system (ACES).
2
(b) $716,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2027 and $265,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
4
provided solely for the maintenance and operation costs for the fully
5
integrated asset verification system.
6
(((16)))
(15)(a)
$6,911,000
of
the
general
fund—state
7
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($4,924,000)) $7,062,000 of the
8
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
9
(($11,837,000)) $13,974,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
10
are provided solely for the implementation of the summer electronic
11
benefit transfer program for the summer break months following the
12
2024-25 ((and)), 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years. The program
13
implementation must align with the federal summer electronic benefit
14
program requirements defined in the consolidated appropriations act,
15
2023 (136 Stat. 4459). ((The department may use a third-party entity
16
to administer the program through March of 2027.))
17
(b) Within existing resources, the department must submit a
18
report by September 12, 2025, to the appropriate policy and fiscal
19
committees of the legislature and the governor that includes detailed
20
estimates of the cost and timeline to administer the summer
21
electronic benefit transfer program within the community services
22
division. The report shall also include a comparison of the potential
23
benefits and risks of administering the program within the division
24
or through using a vendor and any recommendations the department may
25
have.
26
(c) Within existing resources, the agency must complete a
27
competitive request for proposal for a third-party contractor to
28
administer the summer electronic benefit program.
29
(((17)))
(16)(a)
$25,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and $25,000,000 of the
31
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided
32
solely to the office of refugee and immigrant assistance to expand
33
support services for individuals newly arriving to the United States
34
and Washington who do not qualify for federal refugee resettlement
35
program services. Support services include, but are not limited to,
36
housing
assistance,
food,
transportation,
childhood
education
37
services, education and employment supports, connection to legal
38
p. 182
ESSB 5998.SL
services, language translation or interpretation services, and social
1
services navigation.
2
(b) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, up to $810,000 for
3
fiscal year 2026 ((is)) and up to $810,000 in fiscal year 2027 are
4
provided solely for staffing at the office of refugee and immigrant
5
assistance to cover the administrative expenses of implementing this
6
subsection.
7
(c) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, up to $750,000 of
8
the fiscal year 2026 appropriation is provided solely to support
9
health-related information and referral services for Washington
10
residents impacted by data sharing of health and health care
11
information in the apple health program.
12
(d) Of the amounts in (a) of this subsection, up to $500,000 of
13
the fiscal year 2026 appropriation and up to $500,000 of the fiscal
14
year 2027 appropriation may be used for language translation or
15
interpretation services at community services offices.
16
(e) Following consultation with the governor's office, the
17
amounts provided in (a) of this subsection may be used for
18
individuals in Washington who have arrived in the United States and
19
are affected by recent changes in federal immigration policies and
20
procedures.
21
(((18))) (17) By June 30th of each fiscal year, the department
22
must submit a report to the governor and the legislature that shows
23
the prior fiscal year's call and lobby wait times by month and queue,
24
number of customer contacts by month and queue, processing times for
25
the various queues for the three most recent fiscal years along with
26
an explanation for any changes to the most recent year's processing
27
times, number of filled public benefit specialists 3 positions and
28
vacancies by month, any available wait time impacts associated with
29
the individual technology solution enhancements, any telephonic
30
savings experienced due to fewer customers waiting on hold, and
31
recommendations to continue reducing customer wait times.
32
(((19))) (18) Within existing resources, the department shall
33
assess the ongoing feasibility of continuing services with a third-
34
party employment verification vendor. A report shall be submitted to
35
the legislature and governor by September 12, 2025, that includes the
36
following:
37
(a) A detailed overview of the current employment verification
38
process,
including
the
general
instances
in
which
employment
39
p. 183
ESSB 5998.SL
verification is deemed necessary, when the third-party vendor is used
1
to complete this task and who completes the verification;
2
(b) Current cost of the third-party vendor along with projected
3
rate increases;
4
(c) Available options to reduce the ongoing cost of using a
5
third-party vendor for employment verification services, including
6
but not limited to an inventory of available vendors and their rates
7
and ways to streamline employment verification costs by reducing
8
duplicative or unnecessary searches;
9
(d) Costs and risks associated with using in-house services to
10
verify employment instead of using a third-party vendor; and
11
(e) Recommendations of cost-effective and sustainable employment
12
verification options.
13
(((20))) (19) $154,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
14
for fiscal year 2026 and $154,000 of the general fund—state
15
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
16
implementation of Senate Bill No. 5079 (DSHS overpayments). ((If this
17
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
18
subsection shall lapse.
19
(21))) (20) $192,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2026, $163,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
21
for fiscal year 2027, and $465,000 of the general fund—federal
22
appropriation are provided solely to support the expansion of the
23
federal supplemental nutrition assistance program tribal eligibility
24
determination project to an additional five tribes.
25
(21) $464,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026, $286,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$720,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
28
appropriation are provided solely for system enhancements and
29
staffing necessary to implement the federally mandated interstate
30
data matching system for the supplemental nutrition assistance
31
program.
32
(22)(a) $2,491,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026, $6,832,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
34
for fiscal year 2027, and $5,596,000 of the general fund—federal
35
appropriation are provided solely for the staffing necessary to
36
address the increased workload associated with changes made to work
37
requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents through H.R. 1
38
p. 184
ESSB 5998.SL
(P.L. 119-21), and the corresponding impacts to the state food
1
assistance program.
2
(b) $20,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026, $91,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2027, $2,061,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation, and
5
$2,000,000 of the employment services administrative account—state
6
appropriation are provided solely for the expansion of the basic food
7
employment and training program.
8
(23) $106,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026, $582,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$370,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
11
appropriation are provided solely for the increased staff necessary
12
to conduct quality control reviews for the supplemental nutrition
13
assistance program and to focus on reducing the state's payment error
14
rate associated with changes made through H.R. 1 (P.L. 119-21).
15
(24) $3,026,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2026, $4,366,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
17
for fiscal year 2027, $8,748,000 of the general fund—federal
18
appropriation,
and
$3,900,000
of
the
information
technology
19
investment revolving account—state appropriation are provided solely
20
for a 12-month increase in contractor support for the automated
21
client eligibility system to implement necessary system enhancements
22
and expand system capacity.
23
(25) $622,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026, $2,465,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027, and $5,308,000 of the general fund—federal
26
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of a
27
community engagement hub and other provisions of section 71119 of
28
P.L.
119-21.
The
administration
must
collaborate
on
the
29
implementation of the community engagement hub with the health care
30
authority, health benefit exchange, workforce training and education
31
coordinating board, and other workforce development partners. Funding
32
is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
33
section 701 of this act.
34
(26) $2,150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for food banks to provide food
36
during the November 2025 federal government shutdown.
37
p. 185
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 206. 2025 c 424 s 206 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—VOCATIONAL
3
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($25,410,000))
5
$25,276,000
6
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($25,958,000))
7
$24,518,000
8
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($121,507,000))
9
$121,403,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($172,875,000))
11
$171,197,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations:
14
(1) $550,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $550,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for grants to federally
17
recognized tribes of Washington to support culturally appropriate
18
vocational rehabilitation services and adaptive technologies for
19
tribal members with disabilities who are seeking employment.
20
(((3))) (2) $3,208,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
21
is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No.
22
5253 (special education services) to extend client services to
23
students through the school year students turn 22. ((If the bill is
24
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
25
shall lapse.))
26
Sec. 207. 2025 c 424 s 207 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—SPECIAL COMMITMENT
29
PROGRAM
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($80,354,000))
31
$80,109,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($80,835,000))
33
$77,364,000
34
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($161,189,000))
35
$157,473,000
36
p. 186
ESSB 5998.SL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1) The special commitment center may use funds appropriated in
3
this subsection to purchase goods, services, and supplies through
4
hospital group purchasing organizations when it is cost-effective to
5
do so.
6
(2) $8,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and $57,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to ensure
9
effective communication with patients with hearing disabilities in
10
the department's custody and comply with the terms of the settlement
11
agreement with the United States department of justice.
12
Sec. 208. 2025 c 424 s 208 (uncodified) is amended to read as
13
follows:
14
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—ADMINISTRATION AND
15
SUPPORTING SERVICES PROGRAM
16
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . (($124,811,000))
17
$126,423,000
18
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . (($125,044,000))
19
$179,886,000
20
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($152,146,000))
21
$173,248,000
22
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($402,001,000))
23
$479,557,000
24
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
25
conditions and limitations:
26
(1) Within amounts appropriated in this section, the department
27
shall provide to the department of health, where available, the
28
following data for all nutrition assistance programs funded by the
29
United States department of agriculture and administered by the
30
department. The department must provide the report for the preceding
31
federal fiscal year by February 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027. The
32
report must provide:
33
(a) The number of people in Washington who are eligible for the
34
program;
35
(b) The number of people in Washington who participated in the
36
program;
37
(c) The average annual participation rate in the program;
38
p. 187
ESSB 5998.SL
(d) Participation rates by geographic distribution; and
1
(e) The annual federal funding of the program in Washington.
2
(2) $399,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026, $467,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$508,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
5
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of an
6
agreement reached between the governor and the Washington federation
7
of state employees for the language access providers under the
8
provisions of chapter 41.56 RCW for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium as
9
provided in section 907 of this act.
10
(3) $138,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
11
year 2026, $138,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
12
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$161,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
13
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
14
House Bill No. 1272 (children in crisis program). ((If the bill is
15
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
16
shall lapse.))
17
(4)(a)
(($931,000))
$411,000
of
the
general
fund—state
18
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, $3,020,000 of the general fund—
19
state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
(($9,839,000))
20
$10,034,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
21
solely for the statewide electronic health records solution and is
22
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
23
section 701 of this act.
24
(b) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
25
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
26
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
27
of two-week sprints.
28
(c) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
29
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
30
(d)(i) The department must collaborate with the department of
31
corrections and the health care authority and, as a team, must work
32
to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule for the statewide
33
electronic health records solution.
34
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2025, the department of social and health
35
services agency project team shall provide necessary updates to the
36
health care authority foundational project team for the statewide
37
electronic health records solution within 15 calendar days of the end
38
of each fiscal quarter.
39
p. 188
ESSB 5998.SL
(iii) The information provided to the authority shall include how
1
funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan for the prior
2
quarter by fiscal month and what the next quarter budget will be by
3
fiscal month.
4
(iv) The requirements of the quarterly report are provided in
5
section 211(58) of this act.
6
(5) $1,067,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026, $978,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2027, and $4,772,000 of the general fund—federal
9
appropriation are provided solely for the integrated eligibility and
10
enrollment modernization project office.
11
(6) $497,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
12
year 2027 is provided solely for maintenance of the facility,
13
property, and assets at the Brockmann campus located in Clark county.
14
(7) $347,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year
2027
is
provided
solely
for
the
office
of
fraud
and
16
accountability to implement Substitute House Bill No. 2689 (working
17
connect. child care), including for increased support to investigate
18
potential child care subsidy fraud identified by auditors. If the
19
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
20
subsection shall lapse.
21
Sec. 209. 2025 c 424 s 209 (uncodified) is amended to read as
22
follows:
23
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES—PAYMENTS TO OTHER
24
AGENCIES PROGRAM
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($82,964,000))
26
$80,766,000
27
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($68,511,000))
28
$102,803,000
29
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($67,585,000))
30
$69,049,000
31
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($219,060,000))
32
$252,618,000
33
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
34
conditions and limitations: Within the amounts appropriated in this
35
section, the department must extend master property insurance to all
36
buildings owned by the department valued over $250,000 and to all
37
p. 189
ESSB 5998.SL
locations leased by the department with contents valued over
1
$250,000.
2
Sec. 210. 2025 c 424 s 210 (uncodified) is amended to read as
3
follows:
4
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
5
(1)(a) During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the health care
6
authority shall provide support and data as required by the office of
7
the state actuary in providing the legislature with health care
8
actuarial analysis, including providing any information in the
9
possession of the health care authority or available to the health
10
care authority through contracts with providers, plans, insurers,
11
consultants, or any other entities contracting with the health care
12
authority.
13
(b) Information technology projects or investments and proposed
14
projects or investments impacting time capture, payroll and payment
15
processes
and
systems,
eligibility,
case
management,
and
16
authorization systems within the health care authority are subject to
17
technical oversight by Washington technology solutions.
18
(2) The health care authority shall not initiate any services
19
that require expenditure of state general fund moneys unless
20
expressly authorized in this act or other law. The health care
21
authority may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260 through
22
43.79.282, federal moneys not anticipated in this act as long as the
23
federal funding does not require expenditure of state moneys for the
24
program in excess of amounts anticipated in this act. If the health
25
care authority receives unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys,
26
those moneys shall be spent for services authorized in this act or in
27
any other legislation providing appropriation authority, and an equal
28
amount of appropriated state general fund moneys shall lapse. Upon
29
the lapsing of any moneys under this subsection, the office of
30
financial management shall notify the legislative fiscal committees.
31
As used in this subsection, "unrestricted federal moneys" includes
32
block grants and other funds that federal law does not require to be
33
spent on specifically defined projects or matched on a formula basis
34
by state funds.
35
(3)(a) The health care authority, the health benefit exchange,
36
the department of social and health services, the department of
37
health, the department of corrections, and the department of
38
children, youth, and families shall work together within existing
39
p. 190
ESSB 5998.SL
resources to establish the health and human services enterprise
1
coalition (the coalition). The coalition, led by the health care
2
authority, must be a multi-organization collaborative that provides
3
strategic direction and federal funding guidance for projects that
4
have cross-organizational or enterprise impact, including information
5
technology projects that affect organizations within the coalition.
6
Washington
technology
solutions
shall
maintain
a
statewide
7
perspective when collaborating with the coalition to ensure that
8
projects are planned for in a manner that ensures the efficient use
9
of state resources, supports the adoption of a cohesive technology
10
and data architecture, and maximizes federal financial participation.
11
The work of the coalition and any project identified as a coalition
12
project is subject to the conditions, limitations, and review
13
provided in section 701 of this act.
14
(b) The health care authority must submit a report on November
15
1st of each fiscal year to the fiscal committees of the legislature.
16
The report must include, at a minimum:
17
(i) A list of active coalition projects as of July 1st of the
18
fiscal year. This must include all current and ongoing coalition
19
projects, which coalition agencies are involved in these projects,
20
and the funding being expended on each project, including in-kind
21
funding. For each project, the report must include which federal
22
requirements each coalition project is working to satisfy, and when
23
each project is anticipated to satisfy those requirements; and
24
(ii) A list of coalition projects that are planned in the current
25
and following fiscal year. This must include which coalition agencies
26
are involved in these projects, including the anticipated in-kind
27
funding by agency, and if a budget request will be submitted for
28
funding. This must reflect all funding required by fiscal year and by
29
fund source and include the budget outlook period.
30
(4) The health care authority shall promptly notify the office of
31
the attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf
32
of a federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
33
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
34
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
35
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
36
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
37
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
38
impact expenditures for such services. The authority shall require
39
contracted entities to notify the authority promptly upon receipt of
40
p. 191
ESSB 5998.SL
a request from a federal agency or law enforcement authority as
1
described in this subsection.
2
(5) The appropriations to the health care authority in this act
3
shall be extended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
4
this act. However, after May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act,
5
the authority may transfer general fund—state appropriations for
6
fiscal year 2026 among programs after approval by the director of the
7
office of financial management. To the extent that appropriations in
8
this section are insufficient to fund actual expenditures in excess
9
of caseload forecast and utilization assumptions, the authority may
10
transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal year 2026 that
11
are provided solely for a specified purpose. The authority may not
12
transfer funds, and the director of the office of financial
13
management shall not approve the transfer, unless the transfer is
14
consistent with the objective of conserving, to the maximum extent
15
possible, the expenditure of state funds. The director of the office
16
of
financial
management
shall
notify
the
appropriate
fiscal
17
committees of the legislature in writing seven days prior to
18
approving any allotment modifications or transfers under this
19
subsection. The written notification must include a narrative
20
explanation and justification of changes, along with expenditures and
21
allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both before and after
22
any allotment modifications and transfers.
23
(6) At least 30 calendar days prior to a change in program
24
policies or procedures which the authority determines is likely to
25
have an adverse impact to a majority of that program's clients, the
26
authority shall communicate the change to impacted persons. The
27
authority may leverage multiple communication platforms and diverse
28
methods to communicate the change under this subsection. In cases
29
where the change in program policies or procedures must be
30
implemented in a time frame that renders 30-day advance notice
31
infeasible, the authority shall make efforts to notify impacted
32
persons as soon as possible. The authority shall partner with
33
community-based organizations, tribes, and state and local agencies
34
to share information broadly, prioritizing language access where
35
possible.
36
*Sec. 211. 2025 c 424 s 211 (uncodified) is amended to read as
37
follows:
38
p. 192
ESSB 5998.SL
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
1
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($3,297,488,000))
2
$3,523,330,000
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($3,238,506,000))
4
$3,510,064,000
5
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($20,698,162,000))
6
$22,178,364,000
7
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . (($1,799,623,000))
8
$1,543,801,000
9
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
10
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($19,780,000))
11
$14,623,000
12
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
13
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($20,850,000))
14
$14,764,000
15
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems
16
Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $15,086,000
17
Hospital Safety Net Assessment Account—State
18
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,811,036,000))
19
$1,832,346,000
20
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Account—State
21
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,142,000
22
((Medicaid Access Program Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$35,000,000))
24
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($540,000))
25
$559,000
26
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
27
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,610,000))
28
$786,000
29
Telebehavioral Health Access Account—State
30
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($7,608,000))
31
$9,368,000
32
Ambulance Transport Fund—State Appropriation. . . . . (($12,368,000))
33
$13,031,000
34
Information Technology Investment Revolving
35
Nonappropriated Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $9,600,000
36
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . .
(($30,967,799,000))
37
$32,675,864,000
38
p. 193
ESSB 5998.SL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
1
conditions and limitations:
2
(1) The authority may not accept or expend any federal funds
3
received under an 1115 demonstration waiver except as described in
4
this section unless the legislature has appropriated the federal
5
funding. To ensure compliance with legislative requirements and terms
6
and conditions of the waiver, the authority shall implement the
7
renewal of the 1115 demonstration waiver and reporting requirements
8
with
oversight
from
the
office
of
financial
management.
The
9
legislature finds that appropriate management of the renewal of the
10
1115 demonstration waiver as set forth in subsections (2), (3), and
11
(4)
of
this
section
requires
sound,
consistent,
timely,
and
12
transparent oversight and analytic review in addition to lack of
13
redundancy with other established measures. The patient must be
14
considered first and foremost in the implementation and execution of
15
the demonstration waiver. To accomplish these goals, the authority
16
shall
develop
consistent
performance
measures
that
focus
on
17
population health and health outcomes. The authority shall limit the
18
number of projects that accountable communities of health may
19
participate in under initiative 1 to a maximum of six and shall seek
20
to develop common performance measures when possible. The joint
21
select committee on health care oversight will evaluate the measures
22
chosen: (a) For effectiveness and appropriateness; and (b) to provide
23
patients and health care providers with significant input into the
24
implementation of the demonstration waiver to promote improved
25
population health and patient health outcomes. In cooperation with
26
the department of social and health services, the authority shall
27
consult with and provide notification of work on applications for
28
federal waivers, including details on waiver duration, financial
29
implications, and potential future impacts on the state budget to the
30
joint select committee on health care oversight prior to submitting
31
these waivers for federal approval. Prior to final approval or
32
acceptance of funds by the authority, the authority shall submit the
33
special terms and conditions as submitted to the centers for medicare
34
and medicaid services and the anticipated budget for the duration of
35
the renewed waiver to the governor, the joint select committee on
36
health care, and the fiscal committees of the legislature. By federal
37
standard any programs created or funded by this waiver do not create
38
p. 194
ESSB 5998.SL
an entitlement. The demonstration period for the waiver as described
1
in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section began July 1, 2023.
2
(2)(a) (($657,598,000)) $608,495,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation and (($207,273,000)) $273,495,000 of the general fund—
4
local appropriation are provided solely for accountable communities
5
of health described in initiative 1 of the 1115 demonstration waiver
6
and this is the maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose.
7
In renewing this initiative, the authority shall consider local input
8
regarding community needs and shall limit total local projects to no
9
more than six. To provide transparency to the appropriate fiscal
10
committees of the legislature, the authority shall provide fiscal
11
staff of the legislature query ability into any database of the
12
fiscal intermediary that authority staff would be authorized to
13
access. The authority shall not supplement the amounts provided in
14
this subsection with any general fund—state moneys appropriated in
15
this section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to
16
subsection (1) of this section. The director shall report to the
17
fiscal committees of the legislature all expenditures under this
18
subsection and provide such fiscal data in the time, manner, and form
19
requested by the legislative fiscal committees.
20
(b) (($557,333,000)) $618,440,000 of the general fund—federal
21
appropriation and (($227,643,000)) $252,603,000 of the general fund—
22
private/local appropriation are provided solely for the medicaid
23
quality improvement program and this is the maximum amount that may
24
be expended for this purpose. Medicaid quality improvement program
25
payments do not count against the 1115 demonstration waiver spending
26
limits
and
are
excluded
from
the
waiver's
budget
neutrality
27
calculation. The authority may provide medicaid quality improvement
28
program payments to apple health managed care organizations and their
29
partnering providers as they meet designated milestones. Partnering
30
providers and apple health managed care organizations must work
31
together to achieve medicaid quality improvement program goals
32
according to the performance period timelines and reporting deadlines
33
as set forth by the authority. The authority may only use ((the))
34
this medicaid quality improvement program to support initiatives 1,
35
2, and 3 as described in the 1115 demonstration waiver ((and may not
36
pursue its use for other purposes)). Any programs created or funded
37
by the medicaid quality improvement program do not constitute an
38
entitlement for clients or providers. The authority shall not
39
p. 195
ESSB 5998.SL
supplement the amounts provided in this subsection with any general
1
fund—state, general fund—federal, or general fund—local moneys
2
appropriated in this section or any moneys that may be transferred
3
pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The director shall report
4
to the joint select committee on health care oversight not less than
5
quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The director shall report
6
to the fiscal committees of the legislature all expenditures under
7
this subsection and shall provide such fiscal data in the time,
8
manner, and form requested by the legislative fiscal committees.
9
(c) In collaboration with the accountable communities of health,
10
the authority will submit a report to the governor and the joint
11
select committee on health care oversight describing how each of the
12
accountable community of health's work aligns with the community
13
needs assessment no later than December 1, 2026.
14
(d) Performance measures and payments for accountable communities
15
of health shall reflect accountability measures that demonstrate
16
progress toward transparent, measurable, and meaningful goals that
17
have an impact on improved population health and improved health
18
outcomes, including a path to financial sustainability. While these
19
goals
may
have
variation
to
account
for
unique
community
20
demographics, measures should be standardized when possible.
21
(e)
The
authority
shall
coordinate
with
the
accountable
22
communities of health to assist with public outreach and enrollment
23
assistance for clients at risk of losing medicaid or health care
24
coverage due to provisions of section 71119 of P.L. 119-21.
25
(3) (($146,275,000)) $133,418,000 of the general fund—federal
26
appropriation and (($146,290,000)) $133,441,000 of the general fund—
27
local appropriation are provided solely for long-term support
28
services as described in initiative 2 of the 1115 demonstration
29
waiver as well as administrative expenses for initiative 3 and this
30
is the maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose. The
31
authority shall contract with and provide funding to the department
32
of social and health services to administer initiative 2. The
33
director in cooperation with the secretary of the department of
34
social and health services shall report to the office of financial
35
management all of the expenditures of this section and shall provide
36
such fiscal data in the time, manner, and form requested. The
37
authority
shall
not
supplement
the
amounts
provided
in
this
38
subsection with any general fund—state moneys appropriated in this
39
p. 196
ESSB 5998.SL
section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to subsection
1
(1) of this section.
2
(4)(a) $131,704,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
3
$58,916,000 of the general fund—local appropriation are provided
4
solely for supported housing and employment services described in
5
initiative 3a and 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver and this is the
6
maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose. Under this
7
initiative, the authority and the department of social and health
8
services shall ensure that allowable and necessary services are
9
provided to eligible clients as identified by the department or its
10
third-party administrator. The authority and the department, in
11
consultation with the medical assistance expenditure forecast work
12
group, shall ensure that reasonable reimbursements are established
13
for services deemed necessary within an identified limit per
14
individual. The authority shall not supplement the amounts provided
15
in this subsection with any general fund—state moneys appropriated in
16
this section or any moneys that may be transferred pursuant to
17
subsection (1) of this section. The director shall report to the
18
joint select committee on health care oversight no less than
19
quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The director shall also
20
report to the fiscal committees of the legislature all of the
21
expenditures of this subsection and shall provide such fiscal data in
22
the time, manner, and form requested by the legislative fiscal
23
committees.
24
(b) $62,475,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
25
$44,275,000 of the general fund—local appropriation are provided
26
solely for additional housing supports described in the 1115
27
demonstration waiver and this is the maximum amount that may be
28
expended for this purpose. The authority shall not supplement the
29
amounts provided in this subsection with any general fund—state
30
moneys appropriated in this section or any moneys that may be
31
transferred pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The director
32
shall report to the joint select committee on health care oversight
33
no less than quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The director
34
shall also report to the fiscal committees of the legislature all of
35
the expenditures of this subsection and shall provide such fiscal
36
data in the time, manner, and form requested by the legislative
37
fiscal committees.
38
p. 197
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) The director shall report to the joint select committee on
1
health care oversight no less than quarterly on utilization and
2
caseload statistics for both supportive housing and employment
3
services and its progress toward increasing uptake and availability
4
for these services.
5
(5)(a) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
7
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for supported
8
employment services and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund
10
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
11
supported housing services, similar to the services described in
12
initiatives 3a and 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver to individuals
13
who are ineligible for medicaid. Under these initiatives, the
14
authority and the department of social and health services shall
15
ensure that allowable and necessary services are provided to eligible
16
clients
as
identified
by
the
authority
or
its
third-party
17
administrator.
Before
authorizing
services,
eligibility
for
18
initiative 3a or 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver must first be
19
determined.
20
(b) The director shall report to the fiscal committees of the
21
legislature no less than quarterly on expenditures and utilization
22
data for both supportive housing and employment services under this
23
subsection.
24
(6)(a)
(($4,534,000))
$461,000
of
the
general
fund—state
25
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($6,370,000)) $3,335,000 of the
26
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
27
(($157,866,000))
$75,501,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
28
appropriation, and (($91,178,000)) $54,058,000 of the general fund—
29
private/local appropriation are provided solely for prerelease
30
services including, but not limited to, case management, clinical
31
consultations, medication assisted therapy, community health worker
32
services, 30-day supply of medications, durable medical equipment,
33
medications, laboratory services, and radiology services.
34
(b) The authority shall coordinate with the department of
35
corrections for prison reentry implementation pursuant to the waiver
36
terms. The authority will coordinate with tribes, other state
37
agencies, and jail administrations as necessary to achieve the terms
38
of the section 1115 medicaid transformation waiver. The authority
39
p. 198
ESSB 5998.SL
shall use its statutory reentry advisory work group and subgroups as
1
necessary to coordinate with partners to achieve these goals.
2
(7) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this subsection to
3
implement the medicaid expansion as defined in the social security
4
act, section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII).
5
(8) The legislature finds that medicaid payment rates, as
6
calculated
by
the
health
care
authority
pursuant
to
the
7
appropriations in this act, bear a reasonable relationship to the
8
costs incurred by efficiently and economically operated facilities
9
for providing quality services and will be sufficient to enlist
10
enough providers so that care and services are available to the
11
extent that such care and services are available to the general
12
population in the geographic area. The legislature finds that the
13
cost reports, payment data from the federal government, historical
14
utilization, economic data, and clinical input constitute reliable
15
data upon which to determine the payment rates.
16
(9)
Based
on
quarterly
expenditure
reports
and
caseload
17
forecasts, if the health care authority estimates that expenditures
18
for the medical assistance program will exceed the appropriations,
19
the health care authority shall take steps including but not limited
20
to reduction of rates or elimination of optional services to reduce
21
expenditures so that total program costs do not exceed the annual
22
appropriation authority.
23
(10) In determining financial eligibility for medicaid-funded
24
services, the health care authority is authorized to disregard
25
recoveries by Holocaust survivors of insurance proceeds or other
26
assets, as defined in RCW 48.104.030.
27
(11) The legislature affirms that it is in the state's interest
28
for Harborview medical center to remain an economically viable
29
component of the state's health care system.
30
(12) When a person is ineligible for medicaid solely by reason of
31
residence in an institution for mental diseases, the health care
32
authority shall provide the person with the same benefits as he or
33
she would receive if eligible for medicaid, using state-only funds to
34
the extent necessary.
35
(13) $4,261,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
36
fiscal year 2026, $4,261,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
37
for fiscal year 2027, and $8,522,000 of the general fund—federal
38
p. 199
ESSB 5998.SL
appropriation are provided solely for low-income disproportionate
1
share hospital payments.
2
(14) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the health
3
care authority shall provide disproportionate share hospital payments
4
to hospitals that provide services to children in the children's
5
health program who are not eligible for services under Title XIX or
6
XXI of the federal social security act due to their citizenship
7
status.
8
(15) $7,000,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation is
9
provided solely for supplemental payments to nursing homes operated
10
by public hospital districts. The public hospital district shall be
11
responsible for providing the required nonfederal match for the
12
supplemental payment, and the payments shall not exceed the maximum
13
allowable under federal rules. It is the legislature's intent that
14
the payments shall be supplemental to and shall not in any way offset
15
or reduce the payments calculated and provided in accordance with
16
part E of chapter 74.46 RCW. It is the legislature's further intent
17
that costs otherwise allowable for rate-setting and settlement
18
against payments under chapter 74.46 RCW shall not be disallowed
19
solely because such costs have been paid by revenues retained by the
20
nursing home from these supplemental payments. The supplemental
21
payments are subject to retrospective interim and final cost
22
settlements based on the nursing homes' as-filed and final medicare
23
cost reports. The timing of the interim and final cost settlements
24
shall be at the health care authority's discretion. During either the
25
interim cost settlement or the final cost settlement, the health care
26
authority shall recoup from the public hospital districts the
27
supplemental payments that exceed the medicaid cost limit and/or the
28
medicare upper payment limit. The health care authority shall apply
29
federal rules for identifying the eligible incurred medicaid costs
30
and the medicare upper payment limit.
31
(16) The health care authority shall continue the inpatient
32
hospital certified public expenditures program for the 2025-2027
33
fiscal biennium. The program shall apply to all public hospitals,
34
including those owned or operated by the state, except those
35
classified
as
critical
access
hospitals
or
state
psychiatric
36
institutions. ((The health care authority shall submit reports to the
37
governor and legislature by November 1st of each fiscal year that
38
evaluate whether savings continue to exceed costs for this program.
39
If the certified public expenditures (CPE) program in its current
40
p. 200
ESSB 5998.SL
form is no longer cost-effective to maintain, the health care
1
authority shall submit a report to the governor and legislature
2
detailing cost-effective alternative uses of local, state, and
3
federal resources as a replacement for this program.)) During fiscal
4
year 2026 and fiscal year 2027, hospitals in the program shall be
5
paid and shall retain 100 percent of the federal portion of the
6
allowable hospital cost for each medicaid inpatient fee-for-service
7
claim payable by medical assistance and 100 percent of the federal
8
portion of the maximum disproportionate share hospital payment
9
allowable under federal regulations. For the purpose of determining
10
the amount of any state grant under this subsection, payments will
11
include the federal portion of medicaid program supplemental payments
12
received by the hospitals. Inpatient medicaid payments shall be
13
established using an allowable methodology that approximates the cost
14
of claims submitted by the hospitals. Payments made to each hospital
15
in the program in each fiscal year of the biennium shall be compared
16
to a baseline amount. The baseline amount will be determined by the
17
total of (a) the inpatient claim payment amounts that would have been
18
paid during the fiscal year had the hospital not been in the CPE
19
program based on the reimbursement rates developed, implemented, and
20
consistent with policies approved in the 2025-2027 biennial operating
21
appropriations act and in effect on July 1, 2015, (b) one-half of the
22
indigent assistance disproportionate share hospital payment amounts
23
paid to and retained by each hospital during fiscal year 2005, and
24
(c) all of the other disproportionate share hospital payment amounts
25
paid to and retained by each hospital during fiscal year 2005 to the
26
extent the same disproportionate share hospital programs exist in the
27
2019-2021 fiscal biennium. If payments during the fiscal year exceed
28
the hospital's baseline amount, no additional payments will be made
29
to
the
hospital
except
the
federal
portion
of
allowable
30
disproportionate share hospital payments for which the hospital can
31
certify allowable match. If payments during the fiscal year are less
32
than the baseline amount, the hospital will be paid a state grant
33
equal to the difference between payments during the fiscal year and
34
the applicable baseline amount. Payment of the state grant shall be
35
made in the applicable fiscal year and distributed in monthly
36
payments. The grants will be recalculated and redistributed as the
37
baseline is updated during the fiscal year. The grant payments are
38
subject to an interim settlement within 11 months after the end of
39
the fiscal year. A final settlement shall be performed. To the extent
40
p. 201
ESSB 5998.SL
that either settlement determines that a hospital has received funds
1
in excess of what it would have received as described in this
2
subsection, the hospital must repay the excess amounts to the state
3
when requested.
4
(17)
The
health
care
authority
shall
seek
public-private
5
partnerships and federal funds that are or may become available to
6
provide ongoing support for outreach and education efforts under the
7
federal children's health insurance program reauthorization act of
8
2009.
9
(18) The health care authority shall target funding for maternity
10
support services towards pregnant women with factors that lead to
11
higher rates of poor birth outcomes, including hypertension, a
12
preterm or low birth weight birth in the most recent previous birth,
13
a cognitive deficit or developmental disability, substance abuse,
14
severe mental illness, unhealthy weight or failure to gain weight,
15
tobacco use, or African American or Native American race. The health
16
care authority shall prioritize evidence-based practices for delivery
17
of maternity support services. To the extent practicable, the health
18
care authority shall develop a mechanism to increase federal funding
19
for maternity support services by leveraging local public funding for
20
those services.
21
(19) The authority shall submit a report to the governor and the
22
legislature by September 15, 2026, that delineates the number of
23
individuals in medicaid managed care, by carrier, age, gender, and
24
eligibility
category,
receiving
preventative
services
and
25
vaccinations. The report should include baseline and benchmark
26
information from the previous two fiscal years and should be
27
inclusive of, but not limited to, services recommended under the
28
United States preventative services task force, advisory committee on
29
immunization practices, early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and
30
treatment (EPSDT) guidelines, and other relevant preventative and
31
vaccination medicaid guidelines and requirements.
32
(20) Managed care contracts must incorporate accountability
33
measures that monitor patient health and improved health outcomes,
34
and shall include an expectation that each patient receive a wellness
35
examination that documents the baseline health status and allows for
36
monitoring of health improvements and outcome measures.
37
(21) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section for the
38
authority to provide an adult dental benefit.
39
p. 202
ESSB 5998.SL
(22) The health care authority shall coordinate with the
1
department of social and health services to provide referrals to the
2
Washington
health
benefit
exchange
for
clients
that
will
be
3
ineligible for medicaid.
4
(23) To facilitate a single point of entry across public and
5
medical assistance programs, and to maximize the use of federal
6
funding, the health care authority, the department of social and
7
health services, and the health benefit exchange will coordinate
8
efforts to expand HealthPlanfinder access to public assistance and
9
medical eligibility staff. The health care authority shall complete
10
medicaid
applications
in
the
HealthPlanfinder
for
households
11
receiving or applying for medical assistance benefits.
12
(24) $90,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
13
year 2026, $90,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2027, and $180,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
15
provided solely to continue operation by a nonprofit organization of
16
a toll-free hotline that assists families to learn about and enroll
17
in the apple health for kids program.
18
(25) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
19
authority shall reimburse for primary care services provided by
20
naturopathic physicians.
21
(26) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
22
authority shall continue to provide coverage for pregnant teens that
23
qualify
under
existing
pregnancy
medical
programs,
but
whose
24
eligibility for pregnancy related services would otherwise end due to
25
the application of the new modified adjusted gross income eligibility
26
standard.
27
(27) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section to
28
remove the mental health visit limit and to provide the shingles
29
vaccine and screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment
30
benefits that are available in the medicaid alternative benefit plan
31
in the classic medicaid benefit plan.
32
(28) The authority shall use revenue appropriated from the
33
dedicated cannabis account for contracts with community health
34
centers under RCW 69.50.540 in lieu of general fund—state payments to
35
community health centers for services provided to medical assistance
36
clients, and it is the intent of the legislature that this policy
37
will be continued in subsequent fiscal biennia.
38
p. 203
ESSB 5998.SL
(29) For any service eligible under the medicaid state plan for
1
encounter payments, managed care organizations at the request of a
2
rural health clinic shall pay the full published encounter rate
3
directly to the clinic. At no time will a managed care organization
4
be at risk for or have any right to the supplemental portion of the
5
claim. Payments will be reconciled on at least an annual basis
6
between the managed care organization and the authority, with final
7
review and approval by the authority.
8
(30) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section for the
9
authority to provide a medicaid equivalent adult dental benefit to
10
clients enrolled in the medical care service program.
11
(31) Sufficient amounts are provided in this section for the
12
authority to provide services identical to those services covered by
13
the Washington state family planning waiver program as of August 2018
14
to individuals who:
15
(a) Are 19 years of age;
16
(b) Are at or below 260 percent of the federal poverty level as
17
established in WAC 182-505-0100;
18
(c) Are not covered by other public or private insurance; and
19
(d) Need family planning services and are not currently covered
20
by or eligible for another medical assistance program for family
21
planning.
22
(32) The authority shall ensure that appropriate resources are
23
dedicated to implementing the recommendations of the centers for
24
medicare and medicaid services center for program integrity as
25
provided to the authority in the January 2019 Washington focused
26
program integrity review final report. Additionally, the authority
27
shall:
28
(a) Work to ensure the efficient operations of the managed care
29
plans, including but not limited to, a deconflicting process for
30
audits with and among the managed care plans and the medicaid fraud
31
division at the attorney general's office, to ensure the authority
32
staff perform central audits of cases that appear across multiple
33
managed care plans, versus the audits performed by the individual
34
managed care plans or the fraud division;
35
(b) Remain accountable for operating in an effective and
36
efficient manner, including performing program integrity activities
37
that ensure high value in the medical assistance program in general
38
and in medicaid managed care specifically;
39
p. 204
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) Work with its contracted actuary and the medical assistance
1
expenditure forecast work group to develop methods and metrics
2
related to managed care program integrity activity that shall be
3
incorporated into annual rate setting; and
4
(d) Work with the medical assistance expenditure forecast work
5
group to ensure the results of program integrity activity are
6
incorporated into the rate setting process in a transparent, timely,
7
measurable, quantifiable manner.
8
(33)(a) The authority shall not enter into any future value-based
9
arrangements with federally qualified health centers or rural health
10
clinics prior to receiving approval from the office of financial
11
management and the appropriate committees of the legislature.
12
(b) The authority shall not modify the reconciliation process
13
with federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics
14
without notification to and the opportunity to comment from the
15
office of financial management.
16
(c) The authority shall require all managed care organizations to
17
provide information to the authority to account for all payments to
18
rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to
19
include how payments are made, including any additional payments and
20
whether
there
is
a
sub-capitation
arrangement
or
value-based
21
purchasing arrangement.
22
(d) For each fiscal year, the authority shall reconcile on an
23
annual basis with rural health clinics and federally qualified health
24
centers.
25
(e) For each fiscal year, the authority shall properly accrue for
26
any anticipated reconciliations with rural health clinics and
27
federally qualified health centers during the fiscal year close
28
process following generally accepted accounting practices.
29
(34) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
30
authority is to include allergen control bed and pillow covers as
31
part of the durable medical equipment benefit for children with an
32
asthma diagnosis enrolled in medical assistance programs.
33
(35)(((a))) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for the
34
authority for the reimbursement of services provided by doulas for
35
apple health clients.
36
(36)(a) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the authority to contract
38
with an external organization for a statewide doula hub and referral
39
system.
40
p. 205
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) The authority shall continue to collaborate with an external
1
organization for participatory and equity-focused engagement with
2
doulas and doula partners across the state of Washington. This
3
organization must work in collaboration with community partners who
4
advance equitable access to improve perinatal outcomes and care
5
through holistic services for multiracial communities.
6
(c)
The
external
organization
will
be
responsible
for
7
implementing a statewide doula hub and referral system consistent
8
with the recommendations for the design of a statewide doula hub and
9
referral system report done in partnership with the authority.
10
(d) The authority and the external organization will continue to
11
collaborate on how to:
12
(i) Provide statewide professional and workforce development and
13
sustainability support for birth doulas;
14
(ii) Increase statewide access to doula services for apple health
15
birthing people;
16
(iii) Assist doulas with department of health credentialing
17
requirements;
18
(iv) Assist doulas with the medicaid provider enrollment process
19
including, but not limited to, support with:
20
(A) Provider enrollment with the authority;
21
(B) Contracting with medicaid managed care organizations;
22
(C) Provider billing and claims submission processes;
23
(D) Provider payment requirements; and
24
(E) Eligibility within ProviderOne; and
25
(v) Establish communications with birthing people, families,
26
birth workers, and health care providers who are seeking to connect
27
with state-certified and medicaid-enrolled birth doulas through a
28
statewide directory or referral system.
29
(((36))) (37) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for
30
the authority to extend continuous eligibility for apple health to
31
children ages zero to six with income at or below 215 percent of the
32
federal poverty level. The centers for medicare and medicaid services
33
must approve the 1115 medicaid waiver prior to the implementation of
34
this policy.
35
(((37)))
(38)
Sufficient
funds
are
provided
to
continue
36
reimbursing dental health aid therapists for services performed in
37
tribal facilities for medicaid clients. The authority must leverage
38
any federal funding that may become available as a result of appeal
39
p. 206
ESSB 5998.SL
decisions from the centers for medicare and medicaid services or the
1
United States court of appeals for the ninth circuit.
2
(((38))) (39) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
3
for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
5
perinatal support warm line to provide peer support, resources, and
6
referrals to new and expectant parents and people in the emotional
7
transition to parenthood experiencing, or at risk of, postpartum
8
depression or other mental health issues.
9
(((39))) (40) Sufficient funding is provided to remove the asset
10
test from the medicare savings program review process.
11
(((40))) (41) Sufficient funding is provided to eliminate the
12
mid-certification review process for the aged, blind, or disabled and
13
housing and essential needs referral programs.
14
(((41))) (42) $2,545,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
15
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$2,545,000
of
the
general
fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $9,280,000 of the general
17
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for reimbursement for
18
community health worker services.
19
(((42))) (43) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section
20
for the authority to provide coverage for all federal food and drug
21
administration-approved
HIV
antiviral
drugs
without
prior
22
authorization. This coverage must be provided to apple health clients
23
enrolled in both fee-for-service and managed care programs.
24
(((43))) (44) Sufficient funds are provided in this section to
25
maintain access for primary care services for medicaid-enrolled
26
patients through increased provider rates.
27
(((44))) (45) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for
28
work required of the authority as specified in RCW 41.05.840.
29
(((45))) (46)(a) Sufficient funds are provided in this section
30
for an outpatient directed payment program.
31
(b) The authority shall:
32
(i) Maintain the program to support the state's access and other
33
quality of care goals and to not increase general fund—state
34
expenditures;
35
(ii) Direct managed care organizations to make payments to
36
eligible providers at levels required to ensure enrollees have timely
37
access to critical high-quality care as allowed under 42 C.F.R.
38
438.6(c); and
39
p. 207
ESSB 5998.SL
(iii) Increase medicaid payments for hospital outpatient services
1
provided by UW Medicine hospitals and, at their option, UW Medicine
2
affiliated hospitals to the average payment received from commercial
3
payers.
4
(c) Any incremental costs incurred by the authority in the
5
development, implementation, and maintenance of this program shall be
6
the responsibility of the participating hospitals.
7
(d) Participating hospitals shall retain the full amount of
8
payments provided under this program.
9
(((46))) (47)(a) Sufficient funds are provided in this section
10
for an inpatient directed payment program.
11
(b) The authority shall:
12
(i) Design the program to support the state's access and other
13
quality of care goals and to not increase general fund—state
14
expenditures;
15
(ii) Upon approval, direct managed care organizations to make
16
payments to eligible providers at levels required to ensure enrollees
17
have timely access to critical high-quality care as allowed under 42
18
C.F.R. 438.6(c); and
19
(iii) Increase medicaid payments for hospital inpatient services
20
provided by UW Medicine and, at their option, UW Medicine affiliated
21
hospitals to the average payment received from commercial payers.
22
(c) Any incremental costs incurred by the authority in the
23
development, implementation, and maintenance of this program shall be
24
the responsibility of the participating hospitals.
25
(d) Participating hospitals shall retain the full amount of
26
payments provided under this program.
27
(e) Participating hospitals will provide the local funds to fund
28
the required nonfederal contribution.
29
(f) This program shall be effective as soon as administratively
30
possible.
31
(((47))) (48) Within the amounts appropriated in this section,
32
the authority shall maintain and increase access for family planning
33
services for patients seeking services through department of health
34
sexual and reproductive health program family planning providers
35
based on the rates in effect as of July 1, 2022.
36
(((48)))
(49)(a)
$11,838,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
37
appropriation and $11,838,000 of the general fund—private/local
38
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, in consultation
39
p. 208
ESSB 5998.SL
with the health and human services enterprise coalition, community-
1
based organizations, health plans, accountable communities of health,
2
and safety net providers, shall determine the cost and implementation
3
impacts of a statewide community information exchange (CIE). A CIE
4
platform must serve as a tool for addressing the social determinants
5
of health, defined as nonclinical community and social factors such
6
as housing, food security, transportation, financial strain, and
7
interpersonal safety, that affect health, functioning, and quality-
8
of-life outcomes.
9
(b) Prior to issuing a request for proposals or beginning this
10
project, the authority must work with stakeholders in (a) of this
11
subsection to determine which platforms already exist within the
12
Washington public and private health care system to determine
13
interoperability needs and fiscal impacts to both the state and
14
impacted providers and organizations that will be using a single
15
statewide community information exchange platform.
16
(c)
The
authority
shall
provide
the
office
of
financial
17
management and fiscal committees of the legislature a proposal to
18
leverage medicaid enterprise financing or other federal funds prior
19
to beginning this project and shall not expend funds under a 1115
20
waiver or any other waiver without legislative authorization.
21
(d) Sufficient funds are provided in this section for the
22
authority to implement the community information exchange program.
23
The technology solution chosen by the health care authority should be
24
capable of interoperating with other state funded systems in
25
Washington and should be able to electronically refer individuals to
26
services using a closed-loop referral process. Funding for the
27
community information exchange program is subject to the conditions,
28
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act.
29
(((49))) (50) Sufficient funds in this section are provided for
30
staff dedicated to data review, analysis, and management, and policy
31
analysis in support of the health care cost transparency board as
32
described in chapter 70.390 RCW.
33
(((50))) (51)(a) (($1,610,000)) $786,000 of the statewide 988
34
behavioral health crisis response line account—state appropriation
35
and (($1,572,000)) $766,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
36
are provided solely for the planning phase of the 988 technology
37
platform implementation project.
38
(b) The authority must actively collaborate with Washington
39
technology solutions and the department of health so that the
40
p. 209
ESSB 5998.SL
statewide
988
technology
solutions
will
be
coordinated
and
1
interoperable.
2
(c) By October 1, 2025, the authority must provide an update to
3
legislative fiscal committees with the following details:
4
(i)
An
identified
technology
solution,
with
a
list
of
5
functionalities
and
the
statutory
requirement
met
by
each
6
functionality;
7
(ii) Software, processes, and methods currently used by call
8
centers and designated 988 contact hubs that the proposed technology
9
platform would replace;
10
(iii) The number of call centers and designated 988 contact hubs
11
planning to transition all work processes to the proposed technology
12
platform; and
13
(iv) Identified risks and changes to the schedule and scope of
14
the project.
15
(d) The amounts in (a) of this subsection are subject to the
16
conditions, limitations, and review requirements provided in section
17
701 of this act.
18
(52)(a) (($71,376,000)) $54,422,000 of the general fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($70,976,000)) $59,404,000 of
20
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
21
provided solely for the authority to implement a program with
22
coverage comparable to the amount, duration, and scope of care
23
provided in the categorically needy medicaid program for adult
24
individuals who:
25
(i) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
26
medicaid or federal subsidies through the health benefit exchange;
27
(ii) Are age 19 and older, including over age 65, and have
28
countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level;
29
and
30
(iii) Are not eligible for another full scope federally funded
31
medical assistance program, including any expansion of medicaid
32
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
33
(b) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the authority
34
shall use the same eligibility, enrollment, redetermination and
35
renewal, and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid,
36
except where flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy or minimize
37
burden to applicants or enrollees.
38
(c) The authority in collaboration with the health benefit
39
exchange, the department of social and health services, and community
40
p. 210
ESSB 5998.SL
organizations must develop and implement an outreach and education
1
campaign.
2
(d) The authority must provide the following information to the
3
governor's office and appropriate committees of the legislature by
4
February 1st and November 1st of each year:
5
(i) Actual and forecasted expenditures;
6
(ii) Actual and forecasted data from the caseload forecast
7
council; and
8
(iii) The availability and impact of any federal program or
9
proposed rule that expands access to health care for the population
10
described in this subsection, such as the expansion of medicaid
11
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
12
(e) No later than January 1, 2027, the authority must transition
13
the program described in (a) of this subsection from a managed care
14
to a fee-for-service service delivery model.
15
(f) On January 1, 2027, the authority shall open enrollment for
16
5,000 individuals.
17
(g) The amount provided in this subsection is the maximum amount
18
allowable for the purposes of this program.
19
(h) By October 1, 2026, the authority shall provide a report to
20
the governor's office and fiscal committees of the legislature that
21
includes recommendations for how the program described in (a) of this
22
subsection can achieve savings through a reduction in services or
23
benefits to allow for an increase in enrollment capacity.
24
(53) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
25
authority
shall
make
administrative
and
system
changes
in
26
anticipation of receiving federal authority to provide continuous
27
eligibility for children ages zero to six covered though the apple
28
health children's health insurance program. The centers for medicare
29
and medicaid services must approve the section 1115 medicaid waiver
30
prior to the implementation of this policy.
31
(54) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026 and $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Bree collaborative to
34
support collaborative learning and targeted technical assistance for
35
quality improvement initiatives.
36
(55)(a) The authority shall collaborate with the University of
37
Washington on a supplemental payment program for the family medicine
38
residency network as a supplement to the family medical education
39
funding with additional federal funding.
40
p. 211
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) The authority shall provide a recommendation and report to
1
the governor's office and fiscal committees of the legislature no
2
later than September 30, 2025. The recommendation shall include how
3
the supplemental payment program can improve the following:
4
(i) Fiscal support for graduate medical education training;
5
(ii) Access to quality health care services;
6
(iii) The state's ability to ensure that medicaid graduate
7
medical education funding supports the state's workforce development
8
goals; and
9
(iv) Health care access for underserved populations and regions.
10
(56)(a) $165,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal
year
2026
and
$165,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
12
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, in consultation
13
with tribes, as required under 42 C.F.R. Sec. 431.408(b), to apply
14
for a section 1115 waiver no later than ((December 31, 2025)) July 1,
15
2026, to provide coverage of traditional health care practices.
16
(b) Following consultation with tribes as described in (a) of
17
this
subsection,
the
authority
shall
provide
a
financing
18
recommendation to the governor's office and the fiscal committees of
19
the legislature no later than September 30, 2026.
20
(57) $7,407,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2026, (($7,628,000)) $11,442,000 of the general fund—
22
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($26,468,000))
23
$33,183,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
24
solely for the authority to continue the health homes program from
25
January 1, 2026, through December 31, ((2026)) 2027.
26
(58)(a) (($25,158,000)) $12,062,000 of the general fund—state
27
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, $2,502,000 of the general fund—
28
state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
$9,600,000
of
the
29
information
technology
investment
revolving
account—state
30
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($101,647,000)) $65,231,000
31
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
32
statewide electronic health records solution and is subject to the
33
conditions, limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of
34
this act.
35
(b) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
36
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
37
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
38
of two-week sprints.
39
p. 212
ESSB 5998.SL
(c) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
1
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
2
(d) The authority must ensure the development of the statewide
3
electronic health records solution includes consideration of national
4
interoperability standards, such as United States core data for
5
interoperability or the trusted exchange framework and common
6
agreement.
7
(e) The authority must work collaboratively with the department
8
of corrections agency project team, the department of social and
9
health services agency project team, and the health care authority
10
agency project team who are the state agencies included in the
11
statewide electronic health records solution project and, as a team,
12
must work to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule for this
13
project.
14
(f) Beginning July 1, 2025, the authority shall provide written
15
quarterly reports, within 30 calendar days of the end of each fiscal
16
quarter, to legislative fiscal committees to include how funding was
17
spent compared to the budget spending plan for the prior quarter by
18
fiscal month and what the ensuing quarter budget will be by fiscal
19
month. The written report must also include detail summarized for the
20
entire statewide electronic health records solution, and also
21
delineated by each separate component technology budget, which are:
22
Enterprise foundational system, department of corrections, department
23
of social and health services, and the health care authority. The
24
written report must also include:
25
(i) A list of quantifiable deliverables scheduled for that
26
quarter, including those accomplished and the amount spent associated
27
with each deliverable, by fiscal month and fund source;
28
(ii) The contract full-time equivalent charged compared to the
29
budget spending plan by month for each contracted vendor, to include
30
interagency agreements with other state agencies, and what the next
31
contract equivalent budget spending plan assumes by fiscal month and
32
fund source;
33
(iii) The budget spending plan compared to actual spending by
34
fiscal month and fund source, and the projected spending plan by
35
fiscal month and fund source for the next quarter; and
36
(iv) An accounting of any deliverables that were changed in the
37
last quarter, and any plans to change future deliverables, to include
38
what the deliverable was, what the new deliverable is, why it was or
39
will be missed, and what the revised deliverable date is.
40
p. 213
ESSB 5998.SL
(59)(a)
(($379,000))
$1,518,000
of
the
general
fund—state
1
appropriation for fiscal year ((2026)) 2027 and (($1,258,000))
2
$3,403,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
3
solely for the statewide electronic health records solution and is
4
subject to the conditions, limitations, and review requirements of
5
section 701 of this act.
6
(b) The statewide electronic health records solution must use an
7
agile development model holding live demonstrations of functioning
8
software, developed using incremental user research, held at the end
9
of two-week sprints.
10
(c) The statewide electronic health records solution must be
11
capable of being continually updated, as necessary.
12
(d)(i) The authority must collaborate with the department of
13
corrections and the department of social and health services and, as
14
a team, must work to successfully meet budget, scope, and schedule
15
for the statewide electronic health records solution.
16
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2025, the health care authority agency
17
project team shall provide necessary updates to the health care
18
authority foundational project team for the statewide electronic
19
health records solution within 15 calendar days of the end of each
20
fiscal quarter.
21
(iii) The information provided to the authority shall include how
22
funding was spent compared to the budget spending plan for the prior
23
quarter by fiscal month and what the next quarter budget will be by
24
fiscal month.
25
(iv) The requirements of the quarterly report are listed in
26
subsection (58) of this section.
27
(((61))) (60) $330,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
28
for fiscal year 2026, (($330,000)) $498,000 of the general fund—state
29
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($786,000)) $1,554,000 of
30
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely to comply
31
with federal eligibility rule changes required by the centers for
32
medicare and medicaid services and funding is subject to the
33
conditions, limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of
34
this act.
35
(((62))) (61) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
36
for fiscal year 2026 ((is)), $100,000 of the general fund—state
37
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $98,000 of the general fund—
38
federal appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
39
p. 214
ESSB 5998.SL
continue a public-private partnership with a state-based oral health
1
foundation to connect medicaid patients to dental services and reduce
2
barriers to accessing care.
3
(((63))) (62)(a) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 of the general fund—federal
5
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, no later than
6
October 1, 2025, to convene negotiations with representatives of
7
primary
care
providers
to
develop
budget-neutral,
value-based
8
prospective payment methodologies for primary care services provided
9
to
apple
health
enrollees,
with
the
goal
of
entering
into
10
arrangements appropriate to each primary care delivery system no
11
later than calendar year 2027. The authority shall prioritize the
12
development
of
methodologies
that
grow
capacity
to
provide
13
comprehensive, whole person care. This includes, but is not limited
14
to, promoting workforce stability, team-based delivery models,
15
accountability
for
quality
outcomes,
equity-based
care,
and
16
improvements in population health.
17
(b) The authority shall, at a minimum, convene negotiations with
18
representatives of the statewide associations representing the
19
following categories of providers to develop budget-neutral payment
20
methodologies that maximize access and quality for medicaid patients
21
and are appropriate to their respective primary care delivery
22
systems:
23
(i) Family physicians;
24
(ii) Pediatricians; and
25
(iii) Federally qualified health centers.
26
(((64) $48,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2027 and $43,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
28
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5124
29
(SNF & rehab network adequacy). If the bill is not enacted by June
30
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
31
(65))) (63) $1,724,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
32
for
fiscal
year
2026,
$4,345,000
of
the
general
fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $6,068,000 of the general
34
fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the authority in
35
coordination with the department of social and health services to
36
develop and implement a Katie Beckett section 1115 demonstration
37
waiver. The authority shall limit enrollment to 1,000 clients during
38
the waiver period. Based upon the experience developed during the
39
p. 215
ESSB 5998.SL
waiver period, the authority shall make recommendations to the
1
legislature for a future tax equity and fiscal responsibility act
2
state plan option.
3
(((66))) (64) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the authority to contract
5
with a managed care organization for an enhanced case management
6
pilot program to expand resources for patients with post-acute care
7
transitions. The managed care organization must cover the largest
8
number of apple health clients in the state and implement the pilot
9
program with a hospital in Columbia county. The pilot program must
10
provide continuous support for 31 days post-discharge including, but
11
not limited to:
12
(a) Transportation;
13
(b) Transitional housing assistance;
14
(c) Rehabilitation referrals and coordination;
15
(d) Safety net program navigation and enrollment;
16
(e) Transitional primary care; and
17
(f) 24-hour clinic phone support.
18
(((67))) (65) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
20
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
21
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1686 (health care entity
22
registry). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
23
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
24
(68))) (66)(a) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
25
for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for one-time bridge grants to
26
hospitals in financial distress or at risk of limiting access to
27
labor and delivery services due to a low-volume of deliveries at the
28
hospital.
29
(b) To qualify for these grants, a hospital must:
30
(i) Be located in Washington and not be part of a system of three
31
or more hospitals;
32
(ii) Serve individuals enrolled in state and federal medical
33
assistance programs;
34
(iii) Continue to maintain a medicaid population at similar
35
utilization levels as the most current complete calendar year data;
36
(iv) Be necessary for an adequate provider network for the
37
medicaid program;
38
p. 216
ESSB 5998.SL
(v) Demonstrate a plan for long-term financial sustainability;
1
and
2
(vi) Be at risk of limiting access to labor and delivery services
3
due to:
4
(A) A low-volume of deliveries at the hospital described in
5
(c)(i) of this subsection; or
6
(B) Serving a high percentage of individuals covered by public
7
payers as described in (c)(ii) of this subsection.
8
(c) The grants must be distributed in amounts not to exceed
9
$150,000 per hospital to:
10
(i) A hospital that had fewer than 200 births funded by medicaid
11
in the hospital's labor and delivery unit in the previous calendar
12
year according to health care authority records and is located in a
13
municipality with a population between 9,000 and 12,000; and
14
(ii) A public district hospital that had fewer than 250 births
15
funded by public payers, including medicaid, tricare, and medicare,
16
in the hospital's labor and delivery unit in the previous calendar
17
year and is located on an island in Skagit county.
18
(((69) $111,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal
year
2026,
$63,385,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
20
appropriation, and $35,000,000 of the medicaid access program account
21
—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
22
Substitute House Bill No. 1392 (medicaid access program). If the bill
23
is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
24
subsection shall lapse.
25
(70))) (67) The amounts appropriated in this section are not
26
sufficient to include coverage of prescription drugs for the
27
treatment of obesity or weight loss under state or federally funded
28
medical assistance programs. The authority shall not add coverage of
29
prescription drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss
30
without a specific appropriation from the legislature.
31
(68) $5,069,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027 and $32,200,000 of the general fund—federal
33
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of a
34
community engagement hub and other provisions of section 71119 of
35
P.L. 119-21. The authority must collaborate on the implementation of
36
the community engagement hub with the department of social and health
37
services, health benefit exchange, and other workforce development
38
p. 217
ESSB 5998.SL
partners. Funding is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
1
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
2
(69) $282,000 of the telebehavioral health access account—state
3
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of House Bill No.
4
2254 (partnership access line). If the bill is not enacted by June
5
30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.
6
(70) $2,228,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation is
7
provided
solely
for
the
department
of
corrections'
statewide
8
electronic health records solution and is subject to the conditions,
9
limitations, and review requirements of section 701 of this act. The
10
state match is appropriated to the department of corrections as
11
referenced in section 230(7)(i) of this act. The authority and the
12
department of corrections must coordinate on the coding used to allot
13
and record expenditures. This federal funding must be reflected in
14
the department of corrections' technology budget, which will show
15
both the federal funding from the authority and the state funding
16
from the department of corrections.
17
(71) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
18
authority
shall
reimburse
rural
emergency
hospitals
based
on
19
allowable costs incurred during the year, effective the date the
20
hospital becomes designated by the centers for medicare and medicaid
21
services as a rural emergency hospital. The authority shall seek a
22
state plan amendment recognizing rural emergency hospitals and
23
reimbursing the rural emergency hospitals based on allowable costs
24
incurred during the year, effective the date the hospital became
25
designated a rural emergency hospital.
26
(72) $24,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2027, $41,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation, and
28
$19,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
29
solely for implementation of Senate Bill No. 5915 (health technology
30
assessment). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts
31
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
32
(73) $376,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2027 and $842,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
34
provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate
35
Bill No. 6194 (allowable costs/hospital). If the bill is not enacted
36
by June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
37
lapse.
38
p. 218
ESSB 5998.SL
(74) $100,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
1
$100,000 of the general fund—private/local appropriation are provided
2
solely
for
the
authority,
in
cooperation
with
managed
care
3
organizations, public hospital districts, and publicly owned or
4
operated health care entities, to develop a new medicaid quality
5
improvement program that advances the state's strategic program
6
initiatives. Medicaid quality improvement program payments do not
7
count against the 1115 demonstration waiver spending limits and are
8
excluded from the waiver's budget neutrality calculation.
9
(75) $608,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2027 is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Second
11
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5981 (340b drug pricing program). If the
12
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
13
subsection shall lapse.
14
(76) $51,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2027, $51,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation, and
16
$336,000
of
the
telebehavioral
health
access
account—state
17
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to restore
18
reductions taken to the partnership access line and associated
19
programs taken in fiscal year 2027. Beginning July 1, 2026, the
20
authority is also required to increase contracted funding amounts for
21
the partnership access line and associated programs consistent with
22
the 2025-27 omnibus appropriations act.
23
(77) Within the amounts provided in this section, the authority
24
shall assist the department of children, youth, and families in
25
reimbursing
providers
in
accordance
with
state
and
federal
26
requirements, including part C of the federal individuals with
27
disabilities education act and Title XIX of the federal social
28
security act. By December 1, 2026, the authority and the department
29
of children, youth, and families shall jointly report to the
30
legislature
the
following
information,
delineated
by
early
31
intervention service provider:
32
(a) An unduplicated count of children served;
33
(b) Total state funding reimbursed including, but not limited to,
34
the state share of any payments under Title XIX or XXI of the social
35
security act;
36
(c) Total federal funding reimbursed including, but not limited
37
to, any public insurance;
38
p. 219
ESSB 5998.SL
(d) Other funding expended for qualifying services, which may
1
include private insurance, fees, family contributions, grants,
2
philanthropy, or other fund sources that are available; and
3
(e) An assessment of whether service providers are fully
4
leveraging
federal
and
other
nonstate
funding
for
qualifying
5
services, including billing applicable funding sources such as public
6
and private insurance and family fees such as copayments and
7
deductibles prior to using state and federal funds for early
8
intervention services, as required by WAC 110-400-0140.
9
(78) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, the
10
authority, in coordination with the department of social and health
11
services, must address the recommendations of the office of the
12
Washington state auditor's performance audit examining Washington's
13
concurrent medicaid enrollments published in October 2024. The
14
authority and department must:
15
(a) Collaborate to ensure that the department notifies the
16
authority when individuals who are enrolled in both the income-based
17
medicaid program and other income-based programs determined by both
18
the department and the authority, including but not limited to the
19
food stamp program as outlined in RCW 74.04.510, have moved out of
20
the state. The authority and the department shall consult and seek
21
recommendations from caseworkers and other relevant frontline staff
22
to more effectively and efficiently identify individuals who have
23
moved out of the state.
24
(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, the authority shall amend
25
contracts and processes with the managed care organizations to:
26
(i) Allow the state to recover premiums when the managed care
27
enrollee has moved out of Washington state and has not received any
28
services in the managed care service area;
29
(ii) Require managed care organizations that conduct business in
30
more than one state to analyze their enrollment records on a monthly
31
basis and identify occurrences when the enrollment records show that
32
the same person is enrolled in more than one state medicaid program;
33
and
34
(iii) Direct the managed care organizations to inform states of
35
the results of the analysis conducted in (c) of this subsection that
36
the same person is concurrently enrolled in their medicaid programs
37
and report those results to the authority on a monthly basis.
38
(c) The authority shall submit a report by June 30, 2027, to the
39
governor and the relevant committees of the legislature that details:
40
p. 220
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) The amount of premiums recovered from the managed care
1
organizations under the revised contract provisions implemented under
2
this subsection in the previous calendar year; and
3
(ii) The total number of individuals that the managed care
4
organizations have identified as enrolled in more than one state
5
medicaid program from the previous calendar year.
6
(79)(a) The statewide electronic health records project, to
7
include all subprojects, must continue to comply with the currently
8
approved statewide electronic health records plan that includes the
9
department of corrections, the department of social and health
10
services, and the health care authority unless an alternate plan that
11
must include the department of corrections, the department of social
12
and health services, and the health care authority is submitted to
13
the technology services board by August 1, 2026, and approved by the
14
technology services board by September 1, 2026. If an alternate plan
15
is presented to the technology services board, to be considered, it
16
must:
17
(i) Be a plan to implement a common technology solution to
18
leverage shared business processes and data across the state in
19
support of client services; and
20
(ii) Include, but not be limited to, the following elements:
21
(A) A comprehensive and complete project schedule to include
22
quantifiable anticipated deliverables that must include start date
23
and estimated completion dates for each milestone, from at least July
24
1, 2026, through implementation and go-live dates for the department
25
of corrections, the department of social and health services, and the
26
health care authority;
27
(B) An implementation plan for the technology solution from July
28
1, 2026, through five years maintenance and operations post go-live
29
implementation;
30
(C) Technology budgets to include estimated budget and resources
31
needed to implement the electronic health records solution by agency
32
and subproject, including fund sources and fund splits, and all
33
technology budget element requirements as outlined in section 701(4)
34
of this act;
35
(D) A comparison of the current approved plan to the proposed
36
alternate plan by subproject and in total through at least go-live
37
and implementation, to include discrete comprehensive comparisons of:
38
(I) Budget;
39
(II) Scope;
40
p. 221
ESSB 5998.SL
(III) Schedule;
1
(IV) Technology budgets, that must be compliant with section
2
701(4) of this act for each of the following subprojects: Enterprise
3
foundational
electronic
health
records
system;
department
of
4
corrections electronic health records; department of social and
5
health services electronic health records; and health care authority
6
electronic health records;
7
(V) Staffing by subproject by fiscal year, by fund, by
8
classification;
9
(VI) Licensing costs by fiscal year, and what is included in that
10
cost and what is not included;
11
(VII) Each identified third party application solution necessary
12
for go live and if the alternate would assume an alternate third
13
party application compared to current plan for each third party
14
application;
15
(VIII) Maintenance and operations cost by fiscal year from go-
16
live through at least five fiscal years to include, but not be
17
limited to, state employee staffing levels and detail of state
18
employee
classifications,
contracted
professional
services
by
19
contractor name and service provided, and software licenses and
20
subscriptions to include contractor name and software categories; and
21
(IX) Each bucket of cost, of total associated costs, by fiscal
22
year by fund provided in plain language;
23
(E) A system that will use an agile development model holding
24
live
demonstrations
of
functioning
software,
developed
using
25
incremental user research, held at the end of every two-week sprint;
26
(F) A system that must be capable of being continually updated,
27
as necessary;
28
(G)
A
system
that
will
deploy
usable
functionality
into
29
production for users within 180 days from the date there is an
30
executed procurement contract after a competitive request for
31
proposal is closed;
32
(H) A system that uses quantifiable deliverables that must
33
include live, accessible demonstrations of software in development to
34
program staff and end users at each sprint or at least monthly; and
35
(I) The development of the statewide electronic health records
36
solution must include consideration of national interoperability
37
standards, such as United States core data for interoperability or
38
the trusted exchange framework and common agreement.
39
p. 222
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) The plan and all requirements described in (a) of this
1
subsection:
2
(i) Must be submitted in plain language to the office of
3
financial management, the chair and ranking member of the senate
4
environment, energy, and technology policy committee and the house
5
technology, economic development, and veterans policy committee, the
6
chairs and ranking members of the fiscal committees of the
7
legislature, and the technology services board by August 1, 2026, and
8
must allow for at least 10 business days from the date of submittal
9
of all materials for review before it can be approved; and
10
(ii) Must be approved by the office of financial management and
11
the technology services board established in RCW 43.105.285 by
12
September 1, 2026, or the previously approved technology services
13
board plan will continue to be completed in full.
14
*Sec. 211 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 212. 2025 c 424 s 212 (uncodified) is amended to read as
15
follows:
16
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE BENEFITS
17
PROGRAM
18
State Health Care Authority Administrative Account—
19
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($46,618,000))
20
$48,813,000
21
School Employees' Insurance Administrative Account—
22
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($34,500,000))
23
$36,324,000
24
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($81,118,000))
25
$85,137,000
26
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
27
conditions and limitations:
28
(1) Any savings from reduced claims costs must be reserved for
29
funding benefits during future fiscal biennia and may not be used for
30
administrative expenses. The health care authority shall deposit any
31
moneys received on behalf of the uniform medical plan resulting from
32
rebates on prescription drugs, audits of hospitals, subrogation
33
payments, or any other moneys received as a result of prior uniform
34
medical plan claims payments, in the appropriate account to be used
35
for insurance benefits.
36
p. 223
ESSB 5998.SL
(2) Any changes to benefits must be approved by the applicable
1
program board. Neither board shall make any changes to benefits
2
without considering a comprehensive analysis of the cost of those
3
changes, and shall not increase benefits unless offsetting cost
4
reductions from other benefit revisions are sufficient to fund the
5
changes. The public employees' benefits board shall not make any
6
change in retiree eligibility criteria that reestablishes eligibility
7
for enrollment in retiree benefits.
8
(3) Each board shall collect a surcharge payment of $25 per month
9
from members who use tobacco products, and a surcharge payment of not
10
less than $50 per month from members who cover a spouse or domestic
11
partner where the spouse or domestic partner has chosen not to enroll
12
in another employer-based group health insurance that has benefits
13
and premiums with an actuarial value of not less than 95 percent of
14
the actuarial value of the public employees' benefits board plan with
15
the largest enrollment. The surcharge payments shall be collected in
16
addition to the member premium payment.
17
(4) $10,000 of the state health care authority administrative
18
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
19
Senate Bill No. 5915 (health technology assessment). If the bill is
20
not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this subsection
21
shall lapse.
22
(5) $100,000 of the state health care authority administrative
23
account—state appropriation is provided solely for a study of options
24
to improve the affordability of retiree health care coverage for pre-
25
medicare-eligible public employees. The study must include an
26
analysis of available state and third-party coverage options,
27
potential mechanisms to lower or offset retiree costs, and a fiscal
28
analysis of the potential impacts to the community-rated public
29
employee benefits risk pools. A report of the findings and
30
recommendations must be submitted to the governor and the fiscal
31
committees of the legislature by December 31, 2026.
32
Sec. 213. 2025 c 424 s 213 (uncodified) is amended to read as
33
follows:
34
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE
35
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($8,766,000))
36
$8,966,000
37
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($8,609,000))
38
p. 224
ESSB 5998.SL
$9,252,000
1
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($87,363,000))
2
$97,845,000
3
Education Legacy Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . $350,000
4
Health Benefit Exchange Account—State Appropriation. (($86,030,000))
5
$87,536,000
6
State Health Care Affordability Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($85,000,000))
8
$110,000,000
9
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($276,118,000))
10
$313,949,000
11
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
12
conditions and limitations:
13
(1) The receipt and use of medicaid funds provided to the health
14
benefit exchange from the health care authority are subject to
15
compliance with state and federal regulations and policies governing
16
the Washington apple health programs, including timely and proper
17
application, eligibility, and enrollment procedures.
18
(2)(a) By July 15th, October 15th, and January 15th of each year,
19
the authority shall make a payment of 30 percent of the general fund—
20
state appropriation, 30 percent of the health benefit exchange
21
account—state appropriation, and 30 percent of the health care
22
affordability account—state appropriation to the exchange. By April
23
15th of each year, the authority shall make a payment of 10 percent
24
of the general fund—state appropriation, 10 percent of the health
25
benefit exchange account—state appropriation, and 10 percent of the
26
health
care
affordability
account—state
appropriation
to
the
27
exchange.
28
(b) The exchange shall monitor actual to projected revenues and
29
make necessary adjustments in expenditures or carrier assessments to
30
ensure expenditures do not exceed actual revenues.
31
(c) Payments made from general fund—state appropriation and
32
health
benefit
exchange
account—state
appropriation
shall
be
33
available for expenditure for no longer than the period of the
34
appropriation from which it was made. When the actual cost of
35
materials and services have been fully determined, and in no event
36
later than the lapsing of the appropriation, any unexpended balance
37
of the payment shall be returned to the authority for credit to the
38
p. 225
ESSB 5998.SL
fund or account from which it was made, and under no condition shall
1
expenditures exceed actual revenue.
2
(3) (($75,000,000)) $100,000,000 of the state health care
3
affordability account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
4
exchange to administer a premium assistance program, as established
5
in RCW 43.71.110. An individual is eligible for the premium
6
assistance provided if the individual: (a) Has income up to 250
7
percent of the federal poverty level; and (b) meets other eligibility
8
criteria as established in RCW 43.71.110(4)(a).
9
(4)(a) $10,000,000 of the state health care affordability account
10
—state appropriation is provided solely to provide premium assistance
11
for customers ineligible for federal premium tax credits who meet the
12
eligibility criteria established in subsection (3)(a) and (b) of this
13
section, and is contingent upon continued approval of the applicable
14
waiver described in RCW 43.71.120.
15
(b) In the event the applicable waiver described in RCW 43.71.120
16
is suspended, terminated, or otherwise ended, $10,000,000 of the
17
state health care affordability account—state appropriation is
18
provided solely to:
19
(i) Implement a state program with coverage comparable to
20
individual market plans, for customers who would have been eligible
21
under the waiver; and
22
(ii) Provide state premium assistance to state program customers
23
who meet the eligibility criteria established in subsection (3) of
24
this section.
25
(c) The exchange may establish or designate a separate entity to
26
administer the state program. Administration of the state program
27
must include, but is not limited to, establishing requirements for
28
eligibility, continued participation, and carrier payments.
29
(d) Moneys collected for premiums written on qualified health
30
benefit plans and qualified dental plans offered through the state
31
program must be deposited in the state health care affordability
32
account under RCW 43.71.130, through a procedure established by the
33
exchange that aligns with the requirements of RCW 48.14.0201(5)(b),
34
48.14.020(2), and 43.71.080.
35
(e) The exchange, and any entity involved in implementing this
36
program, is subject to RCW 43.17.425.
37
(5)
(($1,117,000))
$1,067,000
of
the
general
fund—state
38
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($1,182,000)) $1,254,000 of the
39
p. 226
ESSB 5998.SL
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
1
(($12,510,000))
$16,282,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
2
appropriation, and (($809,000)) $419,000 of the health benefit
3
exchange account—state appropriation are provided solely to make
4
improvements to healthplanfinder to comply with federal eligibility
5
rule changes required by the centers for medicare and medicaid
6
services and funding is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
7
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
8
(6) $1,000,000 of the health benefit exchange account—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the
10
exchange, in collaboration with stakeholders, to begin development
11
starting January 1, 2027, of an automated solution to ensure
12
continuous health care coverage through qualified health plans for
13
medicaid beneficiaries losing medicaid coverage through Washington
14
healthplanfinder and is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
15
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
16
(7) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026, $636,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027, and $3,587,000 of the general fund—federal
19
appropriation are provided solely for the implementation of a
20
community engagement hub and other provisions of section 71119 of
21
P.L. 119-21. The exchange must collaborate on the implementation of
22
the community engagement hub with the department of social and health
23
services, health care authority, and other workforce development
24
partners. Funding is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
25
review requirements of section 701 of this act.
26
Sec. 214. 2025 c 424 s 214 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE STATE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY—COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
29
PROGRAM
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . (($1,185,242,000))
31
$1,192,787,000
32
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . (($1,185,284,000))
33
$1,190,759,000
34
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($3,320,820,000))
35
$3,533,992,000
36
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($39,200,000))
37
$39,199,000
38
p. 227
ESSB 5998.SL
Criminal Justice Treatment Account—State
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($27,541,000))
2
$30,541,000
3
Problem Gambling Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . $3,249,000
4
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
5
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$28,515,000
6
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
7
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$28,517,000
8
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($77,463,000))
10
$93,932,000
11
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
12
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($74,034,000))
13
$71,309,000
14
Tribal Opioid Prevention and Treatment Account—State
15
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($16,814,000))
16
$21,656,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($5,986,679,000))
18
$6,234,456,000
19
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
20
conditions and limitations:
21
(1) For the purposes of this section, "behavioral health
22
entities" means managed care organizations and behavioral health
23
administrative services organizations that reimburse providers for
24
behavioral health services.
25
(2) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, funding is
26
provided for implementation of the settlement agreement under
27
Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social and Health Services, et
28
al., United States District Court for the Western District of
29
Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP. In addition to amounts
30
provided solely for implementation of the settlement agreement, class
31
members must have access to supports and services funded throughout
32
this section for which they meet eligibility and medical necessity
33
requirements. The authority must include language in contracts that
34
requires regional behavioral health entities to develop and implement
35
plans for improving access to timely and appropriate treatment for
36
individuals with behavioral health needs and current or prior
37
criminal justice involvement who are eligible for services under
38
these contracts.
39
p. 228
ESSB 5998.SL
(3) $57,910,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $63,090,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $15,804,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation are provided solely to continue the phase-in of the
4
settlement agreement under Trueblood, et al. v. Department of Social
5
and Health Services, et al., United States District Court for the
6
Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP. The
7
authority, in collaboration with the department of social and health
8
services and the criminal justice training commission, must implement
9
the provisions of the settlement agreement pursuant to the timeline
10
and implementation plan provided for under the settlement agreement.
11
This
includes
implementing
provisions
related
to
competency
12
evaluations, competency restoration, crisis diversion and supports,
13
education and training, and workforce development.
14
(4) $7,200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $7,200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to continue diversion grant
17
programs funded through contempt fines pursuant to Trueblood, et al.
18
v. Department of Social and Health Services, et al., United States
19
District Court for the Western District of Washington, Cause No. 14-
20
cv-01178-MJP. The authority must consult with the plaintiffs and
21
court monitor to determine, within the amounts provided, which of the
22
programs will continue to receive funding through this appropriation.
23
The programs shall use this funding to provide assessments, mental
24
health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, case management,
25
employment, and other social services.
26
(5) $18,891,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2026, $18,561,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
28
for fiscal year 2027, and $41,062,000 of the general fund—federal
29
appropriation are provided solely for the authority and behavioral
30
health entities to continue to contract for implementation of high-
31
intensity programs for assertive community treatment (PACT) teams. In
32
determining the proportion of medicaid and nonmedicaid funding
33
provided to behavioral health entities with PACT teams, the authority
34
shall consider the differences between behavioral health entities in
35
the percentages of services and other costs associated with the teams
36
that are not reimbursable under medicaid. The authority may allow
37
behavioral health entities which have nonmedicaid reimbursable costs
38
that are higher than the nonmedicaid allocation they receive under
39
p. 229
ESSB 5998.SL
this section to supplement these funds with local dollars or funds
1
received under subsection (7) of this section. The authority and
2
behavioral health entities shall maintain consistency with all
3
essential elements of the PACT evidence-based practice model in
4
programs funded under this section.
5
(6) $1,668,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026, $1,668,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027, and $3,040,000 of the general fund—federal
8
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to maintain a
9
pilot project to incorporate peer bridging staff into behavioral
10
health
regional
teams
that
provide
transitional
services
to
11
individuals returning to their communities.
12
(7) $147,449,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2026 and (($147,449,000)) $144,949,000 of the general
14
fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
15
persons and services not covered by the medicaid program. To the
16
extent possible, levels of behavioral health entity spending must be
17
maintained in the following priority order: Crisis and commitment
18
services;
community
inpatient
services;
and
residential
care
19
services, including personal care and emergency housing assistance.
20
These amounts must be distributed to behavioral health entities as
21
follows:
22
(a) $132,924,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal year 2026 and $132,924,000 of the general fund—state
24
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
25
authority to contract with behavioral health administrative service
26
organizations for behavioral health treatment services not covered
27
under the medicaid program. Within these amounts, behavioral health
28
administrative service organizations must continue a 15 percent rate
29
increase to providers receiving state funds for nonmedicaid services
30
under this section that was originally effective January 1, 2024.
31
(b) $14,524,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2026 and (($14,525,000)) $12,025,000 of the general fund—
33
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
34
authority to contract with medicaid managed care organizations for
35
wraparound services to medicaid enrolled individuals that are not
36
covered under the medicaid program.
37
p. 230
ESSB 5998.SL
(8) The authority is authorized to continue to contract directly,
1
rather than through contracts with behavioral health entities for
2
children's long-term inpatient facility services.
3
(9)
(($2,990,000))
$2,953,000
of
the
general
fund—state
4
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($3,029,000)) $2,995,000 of
5
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
6
provided solely to reimburse counties for the cost of conducting
7
involuntary act judicial proceedings as follows:
8
(a) $1,025,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
9
year 2026 and $1,025,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse Pierce county for
11
the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at the state
12
psychiatric hospitals.
13
(b) $504,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 and $504,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse Spokane county for
16
the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at the state
17
psychiatric hospitals.
18
(c) (($171,000)) $134,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
19
for fiscal year 2026 and (($210,000)) $176,000 of the general fund—
20
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to
21
reimburse Thurston county for the cost of conducting 180-day
22
commitment hearings at the Maple Lane facility.
23
(d) $1,290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026 and $1,290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to reimburse either King county
26
or other legal services organizations, or both, for the cost of
27
conducting
involuntary
treatment
act
commitment
hearings
at
28
facilities operating within King county. These amounts must be
29
prioritized for the cost of conducting 180-day commitment hearings at
30
state-operated facilities including facilities operated by the
31
department of social and health services and the University of
32
Washington center for behavioral health and learning. Any remaining
33
amounts may be used to reimburse either King county or other legal
34
services organizations for the cost of other involuntary treatment
35
act commitment hearings provided in other facilities within King
36
county.
37
(10) Behavioral health entities may use local funds to earn
38
additional federal medicaid match, provided the locally matched rate
39
p. 231
ESSB 5998.SL
does not exceed the upper-bound of their federally allowable rate
1
range, and provided that the enhanced funding is used only to provide
2
medicaid
state
plan
or
waiver
services
to
medicaid
clients.
3
Additionally, behavioral health entities may use a portion of the
4
state funds allocated in accordance with subsection (7) of this
5
section to earn additional medicaid match, but only to the extent
6
that the application of such funds to medicaid services does not
7
diminish the level of crisis and commitment, community inpatient,
8
residential care, and outpatient services presently available to
9
persons not eligible for medicaid.
10
(11) $2,062,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal
year
2026
and
$2,062,000
of
the
general
fund—state
12
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for mental
13
health services for mentally ill offenders while confined in a county
14
or city jail and for facilitating access to programs that offer
15
mental health services upon release from confinement. The authority
16
must collect information from the behavioral health entities on their
17
plan for using these funds, the numbers of individuals served, and
18
the types of services provided.
19
(12) Within the amounts appropriated in this section, funding is
20
provided for the authority to develop and phase in intensive mental
21
health services for high needs youth consistent with the settlement
22
agreement in T.R. v. Dreyfus and Porter.
23
(13)(a) The authority must establish minimum and maximum funding
24
levels
for
all
reserves
allowed
under
behavioral
health
25
administrative service organization contracts and include contract
26
language that clearly states the requirements and limitations. The
27
reserve levels must be informed by the types of risk carried by
28
behavioral health administrative service organizations for mandatory
29
services and also consider reasonable levels of operating reserves.
30
The authority must monitor and ensure that behavioral health
31
administrative service organization reserves do not exceed maximum
32
levels. The authority must monitor revenue and expenditure reports
33
and
must
require
a
behavioral
health
administrative
service
34
organization to submit a corrective action plan on how it will spend
35
its excess reserves within a reasonable period of time, when its
36
reported reserves exceed maximum levels established under the
37
contract. The authority must review and approve such plans and
38
monitor to ensure compliance. If the authority determines that a
39
behavioral health administrative service organization has failed to
40
p. 232
ESSB 5998.SL
provide an adequate excess reserve corrective action plan or is not
1
complying with an approved plan, the authority must reduce payments
2
to the entity in accordance with remedial actions provisions included
3
in the contract. These reductions in payments must continue until the
4
authority determines that the entity has come into substantial
5
compliance with an approved excess reserve corrective action plan.
6
The authority must submit to the office of financial management and
7
the appropriate committees of the legislature, each December of the
8
biennium, the minimum and maximum reserve levels established in
9
contract for each of the behavioral health administrative service
10
organizations for the prior fiscal year and the actual reserve levels
11
reported at the end of the fiscal year.
12
(b) In contracts effective during the fiscal biennium, the
13
authority must allow behavioral health administrative services
14
organizations flexibility in utilizing reserve funding received
15
pursuant to a specific legislative proviso in a prior contract
16
period. Funding repurposed under this subsection must be used to
17
support the duties of the administrative services organization under
18
RCW 71.24.045 through programs serving individuals with severe and
19
persistent
behavioral
health
conditions
and
behavioral
health
20
services that promote stability and recovery within their regional
21
service area. Repurposed funds shall prioritize the core mandated
22
functions
that
behavioral
health
administrative
services
23
organizations must provide for all residents who need the service or,
24
for residents who are not medicaid enrollees, as described in the
25
authority's model contract for behavioral health administrative
26
services organizations. A behavioral health administrative services
27
organization that wishes to repurpose reserve funding must notify the
28
authority in advance and the authority may require modification of
29
the plan if it determines that the behavioral health administrative
30
services organization has not made a good faith effort to implement
31
prior funding for the purpose for which it was originally provided.
32
The authority must capture information related to behavioral health
33
administrative services organization repurposing of funds under this
34
subsection, including identification of which specific legislative
35
provisos it repurposed funding under this subsection and for what
36
purpose those funds were used, through the revenue and expenditure
37
reporting process. These reports shall describe by how much the
38
state's appropriated funding for core mandated functions fell short
39
of need as determined by the behavioral health administrative
40
p. 233
ESSB 5998.SL
services organization. The authority must update the revenue and
1
expenditure
reporting
template
and
reporting
instructions
to
2
behavioral health administrative service organizations by September
3
1, 2025.
4
(14) Within the amounts provided in this section, behavioral
5
health entities must provide outpatient chemical dependency treatment
6
for offenders enrolled in the medicaid program who are supervised by
7
the department of corrections pursuant to a term of community
8
supervision. Contracts with behavioral health entities must require
9
that behavioral health entities include in their provider network
10
specialized expertise in the provision of manualized, evidence-based
11
chemical dependency treatment services for offenders. The department
12
of corrections and the authority must develop a memorandum of
13
understanding for department of corrections offenders on active
14
supervision who are medicaid eligible and meet medical necessity for
15
outpatient substance use disorder treatment. The agreement will
16
ensure that treatment services provided are coordinated, do not
17
result in duplication of services, and maintain access and quality of
18
care for the individuals being served. The authority must provide all
19
necessary data, access, and reports to the department of corrections
20
for all department of corrections offenders that receive medicaid
21
paid services.
22
(15) The criminal justice treatment account—state appropriation
23
is provided solely for treatment and treatment support services for
24
offenders with a substance use disorder pursuant to RCW 71.24.580.
25
The authority must offer counties the option to administer their
26
share of the distributions provided for under RCW 71.24.580(5)(a). If
27
a county is not interested in administering the funds, the authority
28
shall contract with behavioral health entities to administer these
29
funds consistent with the plans approved by local panels pursuant to
30
RCW 71.24.580(5)(b).
31
(16)(a) $11,590,000 of the dedicated cannabis account—state
32
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and $11,590,000 of the dedicated
33
cannabis account—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
34
provided solely for:
35
(i) A memorandum of understanding with the department of
36
children, youth, and families to provide substance abuse treatment
37
programs;
38
p. 234
ESSB 5998.SL
(ii) A contract with the Washington state institute for public
1
policy to conduct a cost-benefit evaluation of the implementations of
2
chapter 3, Laws of 2013 (Initiative Measure No. 502);
3
(iii) Designing and administering the Washington state healthy
4
youth survey and the Washington state young adult behavioral health
5
survey;
6
(iv) Maintaining increased services to pregnant and parenting
7
women provided through the parent child assistance program;
8
(v) Maintaining increased prevention and treatment service
9
provided
by
tribes
and
federally
recognized
American
Indian
10
organization to children and youth;
11
(vi) Maintaining increased residential treatment services for
12
children and youth;
13
(vii) Training and technical assistance for the implementation of
14
evidence-based, research based, and promising programs which prevent
15
or reduce substance use disorder;
16
(viii) Expenditures into the home visiting services account; and
17
(ix) Grants to community-based programs that provide prevention
18
services or activities to youth.
19
(b) The authority must allocate the amounts provided in (a) of
20
this subsection amongst the specific activities proportionate to the
21
fiscal year 2021 allocation.
22
(17)(a) $1,125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
23
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,125,000
of
the
general
fund—state
24
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for Spokane
25
behavioral
health
entities
to
implement
services
to
reduce
26
utilization and the census at eastern state hospital. Such services
27
must include:
28
(i) High intensity treatment team for persons who are high
29
utilizers of psychiatric inpatient services, including those with co-
30
occurring disorders and other special needs;
31
(ii) Crisis outreach and diversion services to stabilize in the
32
community individuals in crisis who are at risk of requiring
33
inpatient care or jail services;
34
(iii) Mental health services provided in nursing facilities to
35
individuals with dementia, and consultation to facility staff
36
treating those individuals; and
37
(iv) Services at the 16-bed evaluation and treatment facility.
38
(b) At least annually, the Spokane county behavioral health
39
entities shall assess the effectiveness of these services in reducing
40
p. 235
ESSB 5998.SL
utilization at eastern state hospital, identify services that are not
1
optimally effective, and modify those services to improve their
2
effectiveness.
3
(18) $1,850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2026, $1,850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2027, and $13,312,000 of the general fund—federal
6
appropriation are provided solely for substance use disorder peer
7
support services included in behavioral health capitation rates in
8
accordance with section 213(5)(ss), chapter 299, Laws of 2018. The
9
authority shall require managed care organizations to provide access
10
to peer support services for individuals with substance use disorders
11
transitioning from emergency departments, inpatient facilities, or
12
receiving treatment as part of hub and spoke networks.
13
(19) (($23,900,000)) $23,800,000 of the general fund—state
14
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($23,900,000)) $21,220,000 of
15
the
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
16
(($1,000,000)) $900,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation,
17
and (($8,100,000)) $7,290,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
18
account—state
appropriation
are
provided
solely
to
maintain
19
activities to improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health
20
issues interacting with law enforcement. Of these amounts:
21
(a) $850,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
22
year
2026,
(($850,000))
$680,000
of
the
general
fund—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, (($1,000,000)) $900,000 of the
24
general fund—federal appropriation, and (($3,600,000)) $3,240,000 of
25
the opioid abatement settlement account—state appropriation are
26
provided solely for the authority to maintain a memorandum of
27
understanding with the criminal justice training commission to
28
provide funding for community grants pursuant to RCW 36.28A.450.
29
(b) $19,600,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2026 and (($19,600,000)) $17,640,000 of the general fund—
31
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
32
authority to contract with behavioral health administrative service
33
organizations to implement the statewide recovery navigator program
34
established in chapter 311, Laws of 2021 (ESB 5476) and for related
35
technical assistance to support this implementation. This includes
36
funding for recovery navigator teams to provide community-based
37
outreach and case management services based on the law enforcement
38
assisted diversion model and for technical assistance support from
39
p. 236
ESSB 5998.SL
the law enforcement assisted diversion national support bureau. The
1
authority and technical assistance contractor must encourage recovery
2
navigator programs to provide educational information and outreach
3
regarding recovery navigator program services to local retailers that
4
have high levels of retail theft. Of the amounts provided in this
5
subsection (19)(b):
6
(i) $1,600,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
7
year 2026 and (($1,600,000)) $1,440,000 of the general fund—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 must be allocated to maintain
9
recovery navigator services in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
10
These amounts must be in addition to the proportion of the allocation
11
of the remaining funds in this subsection the regional behavioral
12
health administrative services organizations serving those counties
13
were allocated pursuant to section 22(1), chapter 311, Laws of 2021.
14
(ii) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2026 and (($2,000,000)) $1,800,000 of the general fund—
16
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for
17
expanding recovery navigator program services in regions where fiscal
18
year 2026 projected expenditures will exceed revenues provided under
19
this subsection. In allocating these amounts, the authority must
20
prioritize regions where the combined fiscal year recovery navigator
21
program allocations and recovery navigator program reserve balances
22
are inadequate to cover estimated fiscal year expenditures.
23
(c) $700,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
24
year 2026 and $700,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal
year
2027
are
provided
solely
for
behavioral
health
26
administrative service organizations to develop regional recovery
27
navigator program plans pursuant to chapter 311, Laws of 2021 (ESB
28
5476), and to establish positions focusing on regional planning to
29
improve access to and quality of regional behavioral health services
30
with a focus on integrated care.
31
(d) $2,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026, (($2,250,000)) $1,800,000 of the general fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($4,500,000)) $4,050,000 of
34
the opioid abatement settlement account—state appropriation are
35
provided solely for the authority to maintain funding for ongoing
36
grants to law enforcement assisted diversion programs under RCW
37
71.24.589.
38
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ESSB 5998.SL
(e) (($500,000)) $400,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
1
for fiscal year 2026 and (($500,000)) $400,000 of the general fund—
2
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
3
authority to contract with the University of Washington addictions,
4
drug, and alcohol institute. This funding must be used for advanced,
5
evidence-based training for law enforcement to improve interactions
6
with individuals who use drugs. The training must be developed so it
7
can be adapted and used statewide to decrease stigmatizing beliefs
8
among law enforcement through positive contact with people who use
9
drugs and improve officer well-being and effectiveness by providing
10
skills and techniques to address the drug overdose epidemic. The
11
institute must develop and refine this training, leveraging prior
12
work, and in partnership with a steering committee that includes
13
people with lived or living experience of substance use disorder and
14
criminal legal involvement, researchers, clinicians, law enforcement
15
officers,
and
others.
The
training
must
complement,
but
not
16
duplicate, existing curricula already provided by the criminal
17
justice training commission. The institute must pilot the advanced
18
training in a subset of regional law enforcement agencies and
19
evaluate its acceptability and feasibility through participant
20
interviews and pretraining and posttraining ratings of stigmatizing
21
beliefs. The institute must incorporate feedback from the pilot
22
training sessions into a final training program that it must make
23
available to law enforcement agencies across the state.
24
(20) (($1,875,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
25
fiscal year 2026, $1,875,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
26
for
fiscal
year
2027,
$350,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
27
appropriation, and $5,400,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
28
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
29
continue to provide support for recovery residences. Of these
30
amounts:
31
(a) $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
32
year 2026, $75,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2027, and $350,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
34
provided solely to contract with a nationally recognized recovery
35
residence organization and to provide technical assistance to
36
operators of recovery residences seeking certification in accordance
37
with chapter 264, Laws of 2019 (2SHB 1528).
38
p. 238
ESSB 5998.SL
(b))) $1,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $1,800,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $5,400,000 of the opioid abatement
3
settlement account—state appropriation are provided solely for the
4
authority to provide grants for the operational costs of new staffed
5
recovery residences which serve individuals with substance use
6
disorders who require more support than a level 1 recovery residence.
7
(21) $6,510,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
8
fiscal year 2026, (($6,510,000)) $4,557,000 of the general fund—state
9
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, (($21,602,000)) $18,362,000 of
10
the general fund—federal appropriation, and (($3,500,000)) $2,975,000
11
of the opioid abatement settlement account—state appropriation are
12
provided solely for support of clubhouse programs across the state.
13
The authority shall work with the centers for medicare and medicaid
14
services to review opportunities to include clubhouse services as an
15
optional "in lieu of" service in managed care organization contracts
16
in order to maximize federal participation.
17
(22) $708,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026, $708,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027, and $1,598,000 of the general fund—federal
20
appropriation are provided solely for implementing mental health peer
21
respite centers and a pilot project to implement a mental health
22
drop-in center in accordance with chapter 324, Laws of 2019 (2SHB
23
1394).
24
(23) $446,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year
2026,
(($446,000))
$223,000
of
the
general
fund—state
26
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and $178,000 of the general fund—
27
federal appropriation are provided solely for the University of
28
Washington's evidence-based practice institute which supports the
29
identification, evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based or
30
promising practices. The institute must work with the authority to
31
develop a plan to seek private, federal, or other grant funding in
32
order to reduce the need for state general funds.
33
(24) As an element of contractual network adequacy requirements
34
and reporting, the authority shall direct managed care organizations
35
to make all reasonable efforts to develop or maintain contracts with
36
provider networks that leverage local, federal, or philanthropic
37
funding to enhance effectiveness of medicaid-funded integrated care
38
services. These networks must promote medicaid clients' access to a
39
p. 239
ESSB 5998.SL
system of services that addresses additional social support services
1
and social determinants of health as defined in RCW 43.20.025 in a
2
manner that is integrated with the delivery of behavioral health and
3
medical treatment services.
4
(25) In establishing, re-basing, enhancing, or otherwise updating
5
medicaid rates for behavioral health services, the authority and
6
contracted actuaries shall use a transparent process that provides an
7
opportunity for medicaid managed care organizations, behavioral
8
health administrative service organizations, and behavioral health
9
provider agencies, and their representatives, to review and provide
10
data and feedback on proposed rate changes within their region or
11
regions of service operation. The authority and contracted actuaries
12
shall transparently incorporate the information gained from this
13
process and make adjustments allowable under federal law when
14
appropriate.
15
(26) The authority shall seek input from representatives of the
16
managed care organizations (MCOs), licensed community behavioral
17
health
agencies,
and
behavioral
health
administrative
service
18
organizations to develop specific metrics related to behavioral
19
health outcomes under integrated managed care. These metrics must
20
include, but are not limited to: (a) Revenues and expenditures for
21
community
behavioral
health
programs,
including
medicaid
and
22
nonmedicaid funding; (b) access to services, service denials, and
23
utilization by state plan modality; (c) claims denials and record of
24
timely payment to providers; (d) client demographics; and (e) social
25
and recovery measures and managed care organization performance
26
measures. The authority must work with managed care organizations and
27
behavioral health administrative service organizations to integrate
28
these metrics into an annual reporting structure designed to evaluate
29
the performance of the behavioral health system in the state over
30
time. The authority must submit a report to the office of financial
31
management and the appropriate committees of the legislature, before
32
December 30th of each year during the fiscal biennium, that details
33
the implemented metrics and relevant performance outcomes for the
34
prior calendar year.
35
(27) The authority must pursue opportunities for shifting state
36
costs to the state's unused allocation of federal institutions for
37
mental disease disproportionate share hospital funding.
38
(28) $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
39
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,250,000
of
the
general
fund—state
40
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ESSB 5998.SL
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
1
authority to contract with the King county behavioral health
2
administrative services organization to maintain children's crisis
3
outreach response system services that were previously funded through
4
the department of children, youth, and families. The authority, in
5
consultation with the behavioral health administrative services
6
organization, medicaid managed care organizations, and the actuaries
7
responsible for developing medicaid managed care rates, must work to
8
maximize federal funding provided for the children's crisis outreach
9
response system program.
10
(29)
(($12,435,000))
$9,409,000
of
the
general
fund—state
11
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($13,015,000)) $10,095,000 of
12
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
13
(($25,450,000)) $18,473,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
14
are provided solely for the community children's long-term inpatient
15
program. The number of beds is increased on a phased in basis to
16
((62)) 52 beds by the end of fiscal year ((2026)) 2027 at a bed day
17
rate of $1,121 per day.
18
(30) (($51,103,000)) $39,830,000 of the general fund—state
19
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($52,933,000)) $40,291,000 of
20
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
21
(($90,434,000)) $76,431,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
22
are provided solely for the authority to contract with community
23
hospitals or freestanding evaluation and treatment centers to provide
24
long-term inpatient care beds as defined in RCW 71.24.025. Within
25
these
amounts,
the
authority
must
meet
the
requirements
for
26
reimbursing counties for the judicial services for patients being
27
served in these settings in accordance with RCW 71.05.730. The
28
authority must coordinate with the department of social and health
29
services
in
developing
the
contract
requirements,
selecting
30
contractors, and establishing processes for identifying patients that
31
will be admitted to these facilities. Of the amounts in this
32
subsection, sufficient amounts are provided for the authority to
33
reimburse community hospitals and nonhospital residential treatment
34
centers serving clients in long-term inpatient care beds as defined
35
in RCW 71.24.025 as follows:
36
(a) For a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW that requires
37
a hospital specific medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment
38
rate for long-term civil commitment patients because the hospital has
39
p. 241
ESSB 5998.SL
completed a medicare cost report, the authority shall analyze the
1
most recent medicare cost report of the hospital after a minimum of
2
200
medicaid
inpatient
psychiatric
days.
The
authority
shall
3
establish the inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate for long-
4
term civil commitment patients for the hospital at 100 percent of the
5
allowable cost of care, based on the most recent medicare cost report
6
of the hospital.
7
(b) For a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW that has not
8
completed a medicare cost report with more than 200 medicaid
9
inpatient psychiatric days, the authority shall establish the
10
medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate for long-term
11
civil commitment patients for the hospital at the higher of the
12
hospital's current medicaid inpatient psychiatric rate; or the
13
annually
updated
statewide
average
of
the
medicaid
inpatient
14
psychiatric per diem payment rate of all acute care hospitals
15
licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW providing long-term civil commitment
16
services.
17
(c) For a hospital licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW and currently
18
providing long-term civil commitment services, the authority shall
19
establish the medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate at
20
$1,250 plus adjustments that may be needed to capture costs
21
associated with long-term psychiatric patients that are not allowable
22
on the medicare cost report or reimbursed separately. The hospital
23
may provide the authority with supplemental data to be considered and
24
used to make appropriate adjustments to the medicaid inpatient
25
psychiatric per diem payment rate of the hospital. Adjustment of
26
costs may include:
27
(i) Costs associated with professional services and fees not
28
accounted for in the hospital's medicare cost report or reimbursed
29
separately;
30
(ii) Costs associated with the hospital providing the long-term
31
psychiatric patient access to involuntary treatment court services
32
that are not reimbursed separately; and
33
(iii)
Other
costs
associated
with
caring
for
long-term
34
psychiatric patients that are not reimbursed separately.
35
(d) For a hospital licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW that requires
36
an initial medicaid inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate for
37
long-term civil commitment services because it has not yet completed
38
a medicare cost report, the authority shall establish the medicaid
39
inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate at the higher of:
40
p. 242
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) The hospital's current medicaid inpatient psychiatric rate;
1
or
2
(ii) The annually updated statewide average of the medicaid long-
3
term inpatient psychiatric per diem payment rate of all freestanding
4
psychiatric hospitals licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW providing
5
long-term civil commitment services.
6
(e) For nonhospital residential treatment centers certified to
7
provide long-term inpatient care beds as defined in RCW 71.24.025,
8
the authority shall establish the medicaid psychiatric per diem
9
payment rate at $1,250 per bed.
10
(f) The authority shall pay a rate enhancement of $500 per day
11
for patients committed pursuant to the dismissal of criminal charges
12
and a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086 or 10.77.088. The
13
enhancement shall be available to all hospital and nonhospital
14
facilities providing services under this subsection except those
15
whose rates are set at 100 percent of their most recent medicare cost
16
report.
17
(g) The authority may pay a rate enhancement of $500 per day for
18
individuals with complex medical needs, challenging behaviors often
19
diagnosed with co-occurring intellectual or developmental disability,
20
traumatic brain injury, dementia, or significant medical issues
21
requiring personal care. The rate enhancement shall be available to
22
providers contracting directly with the authority.
23
(h) Provider payments for vacant bed days shall not exceed six
24
percent of their annual contracted bed days.
25
(31) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a one-time grant to Island
28
county to maintain support for a pilot program to improve behavioral
29
health
outcomes
for
young
people
in
rural
communities.
In
30
administering the pilot program, Island county shall coordinate with
31
school districts, community groups, and health care providers to
32
increase access to behavioral health programs for children and youth
33
aged birth to 24 years of age. The grant funds shall be used to
34
coordinate and expand behavioral health services. The grant funding
35
must not be used to supplant funding from existing programs. No more
36
than 10 percent of the funds may be used for administrative costs
37
incurred by Island county in administering the program. Services that
38
may be provided with the grant funding include, but are not limited
39
to:
40
p. 243
ESSB 5998.SL
(a) Support for children and youth with significant behavioral
1
health needs to address learning loss caused by COVID-19 and remote
2
learning;
3
(b) School based behavioral health education, assessment, and
4
brief treatment;
5
(c) Screening and referral of children and youth to long-term
6
treatment services;
7
(d) Behavioral health supports provided by community agencies
8
serving youth year-round;
9
(e) Expansion of mental health first aid, a program designed to
10
prepare adults who regularly interact with youth for how to help
11
people in both crisis and noncrisis mental health situations;
12
(f) Peer support services; and
13
(g) Compensation for the incurred costs of clinical supervisors
14
and internships.
15
(32) $494,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026, $494,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$988,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
18
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract with
19
the University of Washington's project extension for community health
20
outcomes (ECHO) and the systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resources,
21
and
treatment
(START)
programs
for
specialized
training
and
22
consultation for physicians and professionals to support:
23
(a) Children with developmental disabilities and behavioral
24
health needs;
25
(b) Applied behavior analysis provider training, education, and
26
consultation; and
27
(c) The screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
28
(33) $2,366,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation and
29
$2,366,000 of the general fund—local appropriation are provided
30
solely for supported housing and employment services described in
31
initiative 3a and 3b of the 1115 demonstration waiver and this is the
32
maximum amount that may be expended for this purpose. Within these
33
amounts, funding is provided for the authority to support community
34
discharge efforts for patients at the state hospitals. Under this
35
initiative, the authority and the department of social and health
36
services shall ensure that allowable and necessary services are
37
provided to eligible clients as identified by the authority or its
38
providers or third party administrator. The department and the
39
p. 244
ESSB 5998.SL
authority in consultation with the medicaid forecast work group,
1
shall ensure that reasonable reimbursements are established for
2
services deemed necessary within an identified limit per individual.
3
The authority shall not increase general fund—state expenditures
4
above appropriated levels for this specific purpose. The secretary in
5
collaboration with the director of the authority shall report to the
6
joint select committee on health care oversight no less than
7
quarterly on financial and health outcomes. The secretary in
8
cooperation with the director shall also report to the fiscal
9
committees of the legislature the expenditures of this subsection and
10
shall provide such fiscal data in the time, manner, and form
11
requested by the legislative fiscal committees.
12
(34) Within the amounts provided in this section, sufficient
13
funding is provided for the authority to maintain and increase the
14
capabilities of a tool to track medication assisted treatment
15
provider capacity.
16
(35) $4,087,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2026, (($4,087,000)) $2,861,000 of the general fund—state
18
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($3,000,000)) $2,550,000 of
19
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for
20
alternative response and coresponse services. Of the amounts provided
21
in this subsection:
22
(a)
(($2,000,000))
$1,700,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
23
appropriation is provided solely for grants to law enforcement and
24
other first responders to include a mental health professional on the
25
team of personnel responding to emergencies.
26
(b) $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026, (($1,500,000)) $1,050,000 of the general fund—state
28
appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and (($1,000,000)) $850,000 of
29
the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely to support
30
the provision of behavioral health coresponder services on nonlaw
31
enforcement emergency medical response teams.
32
(c) $2,587,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and (($2,587,000)) $1,811,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
35
authority to support efforts by counties and cities to implement
36
local response teams. Of these amounts:
37
(i) $2,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
38
year 2026 and (($2,000,000)) $1,400,000 of the general fund—state
39
p. 245
ESSB 5998.SL
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
1
authority to provide a grant to the association of Washington cities
2
to assist cities with the costs of implementing alternative response
3
teams. This funding must be used to reimburse cities for documented
4
costs associated with creating coresponder teams within different
5
alternative diversion models including law enforcement assisted
6
diversion programs, community assistance referral and education
7
programs, and as part of mobile crisis teams. Cities are encouraged
8
to partner with each other to create a regional response model. In
9
awarding these funds, the association must prioritize applicants with
10
demonstrated
capacity
for
facility-based
crisis
triage
and
11
stabilization services. The association and authority must collect
12
information
regarding
the
number
of
facility-based
crisis
13
stabilization and triage beds available in the locations receiving
14
funding through this subsection.
15
(ii) $587,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026 and (($587,000)) $411,000 of the general fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to support the
18
Whatcom county alternative response team.
19
(36)
(($2,404,000))
$3,188,000
of
the
general
fund—state
20
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($2,637,000)) $2,750,000 of the
21
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
22
(($6,815,000)) $8,224,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
23
are provided solely for the authority to contract for long-term
24
involuntary treatment services in a 16-bed residential treatment
25
facility developed by the Tulalip tribe in Stanwood.
26
(37) $956,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $956,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for wraparound with intensive
29
services for youth ineligible for medicaid as outlined in the
30
settlement agreement under AGC v. Washington State Health Care
31
Authority, Thurston county superior court no. 21-2-00479-34.
32
(38) (($16,004,000)) $17,151,000 of the general fund—state
33
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($16,004,000)) $17,151,000 of
34
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
35
provided solely for claims for services rendered to medicaid eligible
36
clients admitted to institutions of mental disease that were
37
determined to be unallowable for federal reimbursement due to
38
medicaid's institutions for mental disease exclusion rules.
39
p. 246
ESSB 5998.SL
(39) $6,010,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2026, $6,010,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
2
for fiscal year 2027, and $1,980,000 of the general fund—federal
3
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, in coordination
4
with the department of health, to deploy an opioid awareness campaign
5
and to contract with syringe service programs and other service
6
settings assisting people with substance use disorders to: Prevent
7
and respond to overdoses; provide other harm reduction services and
8
supplies, including but not limited to distributing naloxone;
9
fentanyl testing and other drug testing supplies; and for expanding
10
contingency management services. The authority is encouraged to use
11
these funds to leverage federal funding for this purpose to expand
12
buying power when possible. The authority should prioritize funds for
13
naloxone in coordination with the department of health, to expand the
14
distribution of naloxone through the department's overdose education
15
and naloxone distribution program. Funding must be prioritized to
16
fill naloxone access gaps in community behavioral health and other
17
community settings, including providing naloxone for agency staff in
18
organizations such as syringe service programs, housing providers,
19
and street outreach programs. Of the amounts provided in this
20
subsection, $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal
year
2026
and
$1,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
22
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
23
authority to deploy an opioid awareness campaign targeted at youth to
24
increase the awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.
25
(40)
(($2,148,000))
$760,000
of
the
general
fund—state
26
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $2,148,000 of the general
27
fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided
28
solely to support individuals enrolled in the foundational community
29
supports initiative who are transitioning from benefits under RCW
30
74.04.805 due to increased income or other changes in eligibility.
31
The authority, department of social and health services, and
32
department of commerce shall collaborate on this effort.
33
(41) (($24,684,000)) $23,184,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($24,559,000)) $23,059,000 of
35
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, $4,464,000
36
of the general fund—federal appropriation, (($3,500,000)) $6,500,000
37
of the criminal justice treatment account—state appropriation, and
38
$4,000,000
of
the
opioid
abatement
settlement
account—state
39
p. 247
ESSB 5998.SL
appropriation are provided solely to support the housing needs of
1
individuals with behavioral health disorders. Of the amounts provided
2
in this subsection:
3
(a) $998,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026, $998,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$618,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
6
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract for
7
three regional behavioral health mobile crisis response teams focused
8
on supported housing to prevent individuals with behavioral health
9
conditions at high risk of losing housing from becoming homeless,
10
identify
and
prioritize
serving
the
most
vulnerable
people
11
experiencing homelessness, and increase alternative housing options
12
to include short-term alternatives which may temporarily deescalate
13
situations where there is high risk of a household from becoming
14
homeless.
15
(b) $5,623,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
16
year 2026, $5,623,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
17
fiscal year 2027, and $3,748,000 of the general fund—federal
18
appropriation are provided solely to maintain and expand access to no
19
barrier, and low-barrier programs using a housing first model
20
designed to assist and stabilize housing supports for adults with
21
behavioral health conditions. Housing supports and services shall be
22
made available with no requirement for treatment for their behavioral
23
health condition and must be individualized to the needs of the
24
individual.
The
authority
and
department
of
commerce
shall
25
collaborate on this effort.
26
(c) $337,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $337,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a rental voucher and bridge
29
program and to implement strategies to reduce instances where an
30
individual leaves a state operated behavioral or private behavioral
31
health facility directly into homelessness. The authority must
32
prioritize this funding for individuals being discharged from state
33
operated behavioral health facilities.
34
(d)
(($2,487,000))
$2,237,000
of
the
general
fund—state
35
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $2,487,000)), $2,237,000 of
36
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
37
$500,000
of
the
criminal
justice
treatment
account—state
38
appropriation are provided solely for short-term rental subsidies for
39
p. 248
ESSB 5998.SL
individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. This
1
funding may be used for individuals enrolled in the foundational
2
community support program while waiting for a longer term resource
3
for rental support or for individuals transitioning from behavioral
4
health treatment facilities or local jails. Individuals who would
5
otherwise be eligible for the foundational community support program
6
but are not eligible because of their citizenship status may also be
7
served. ((Each December of the fiscal biennium, the authority must
8
submit
a
report
identifying
the
expenditures
and
number
of
9
individuals receiving short-term rental supports through the agency
10
budget during the prior fiscal year broken out by region, treatment
11
need, and the demographics of those served, including but not limited
12
to age, country of origin within racial/ethnic categories, gender,
13
and immigration status.))
14
(e) $4,211,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $4,211,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a targeted grant program to
17
three behavioral health administrative services organizations to
18
transition persons who are either being diverted from criminal
19
prosecution to behavioral health treatment services or are in need of
20
housing upon discharge from crisis stabilization services.
21
(f) (($1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2026, $1,250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
23
for fiscal year 2027, $3,500,000)) $6,000,000 of the criminal justice
24
treatment account—state appropriation((,)) and $4,000,000 of the
25
opioid abatement settlement account—state appropriation are provided
26
solely for the authority to provide short-term housing vouchers for
27
individuals with substance use disorders.
28
(g) $7,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 and $7,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to implement
31
homeless outreach stabilization teams pursuant to chapter 311, Laws
32
of 2021 (ESB 5476).
33
(h) $2,278,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026, $2,153,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$98,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
36
appropriation are provided solely for implementing a postinpatient
37
housing program designed for young adults in accordance with the
38
provisions of chapter 175, Laws of 2024 (2SHB 1929). Contracts with
39
p. 249
ESSB 5998.SL
the postinpatient housing providers are exempt from the competitive
1
procurement requirements in chapter 39.26 RCW.
2
(42) $361,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026, $361,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal
year
2027,
and
$482,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
5
appropriation are provided solely for the authority, in collaboration
6
with the department of social and health services research and data
7
analysis division, to implement community behavioral health service
8
data into the existing executive management information system. Of
9
these amounts, $288,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
10
fiscal year 2026, $288,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
11
for fiscal year 2027, and $384,000 of the general fund—federal
12
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to reimburse the
13
research and data analysis division for staff costs associated with
14
this project. The data elements shall be incorporated into the
15
monthly executive management information system reports on a phased-
16
in basis, allowing for elements which are readily available to be
17
incorporated in the initial phase, and elements which require further
18
definition and data collection changes to be incorporated in a later
19
phase. The authority must collaborate with the research and data
20
analysis division to ensure data elements are clearly defined and
21
must include requirements in medicaid managed care organization and
22
behavioral health administrative services organization contracts to
23
provide the data in a consistent and timely manner for inclusion into
24
the system. The community behavioral health executive management
25
system information data elements must include, but are not limited
26
to: Psychiatric inpatient bed days; evaluation and treatment center
27
bed days; long-term involuntary community psychiatric inpatient bed
28
days; children's long-term inpatient bed days; substance use disorder
29
inpatient, residential, withdrawal evaluation and management, and
30
secure withdrawal evaluation and management bed days; crisis triage
31
and stabilization services bed days; mental health residential bed
32
days; mental health and substance use disorder outpatient treatment
33
services; opioid substitution and medication assisted treatment
34
services; program of assertive treatment team services; wraparound
35
with intensive services; mobile outreach crisis services; recovery
36
navigator team services; foundational community supports housing and
37
employment services; projects for assistance in transition from
38
homelessness services; housing and recovery through peer services;
39
p. 250
ESSB 5998.SL
other housing services administered by the authority; mental health
1
and substance use disorder peer services; designated crisis responder
2
investigations and outcomes; involuntary commitment hearings and
3
outcomes; pregnant and parenting women case management services; and
4
single bed certifications and no available bed reports. Wherever
5
possible and practical, the data must include historical monthly
6
counts and shall be broken out to distinguish services to medicaid
7
and nonmedicaid individuals and children and adults. The authority
8
and the research and data analysis division must consult with the
9
office of financial management and staff from the fiscal committees
10
of the legislature on the development and implementation of the
11
community behavioral health data elements.
12
(43)
(($178,000))
$117,000
of
the
general
fund—state
13
appropriation for fiscal year 2026((, $58,000 of the general fund—
14
state appropriation for fiscal year 2027,)) and (($650,000)) $739,000
15
of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided solely for the
16
authority to continue development and implementation of the certified
17
community behavioral health clinic model for comprehensive behavioral
18
health services. Funding must be used to secure actuarial expertise,
19
conduct research into national data and other state models, including
20
obtaining resources and expertise from the national council for
21
mental well-being certified community behavioral health clinic
22
success center; and engage stakeholders, including representatives of
23
licensed community behavioral health agencies and medicaid managed
24
care organizations, in the process. The authority must conduct a
25
study built on the preliminary report submitted to the legislature in
26
December 2024 that includes:
27
(a) Overviews of options and considerations for implementing the
28
certified community behavioral health clinic model within Washington
29
state, including participation as a certified community behavioral
30
health clinic demonstration state or for independent statewide
31
implementation;
32
(b) An analysis of the impact of expanding the certified
33
community behavioral health clinic model on the state's behavioral
34
health systems;
35
(c) Relevant federal regulations and options to implement the
36
certified community behavioral health clinic model under those
37
regulations;
38
p. 251
ESSB 5998.SL
(d) Options for implementing a prospective payment system
1
methodology;
2
(e) An analysis of the benefits and potential challenges for
3
integrating
the
certified
community
behavioral
health
clinic
4
reimbursement model within an integrated care environment;
5
(f) Actuarial analysis on the costs for implementing the
6
certified
community
behavioral
health
clinic
model,
including
7
opportunities for leveraging federal funding; and
8
(g) Recommendations to the legislature on a pathway for statewide
9
implementation including a plan for implementation no later than
10
fiscal year 2027 that must include the following:
11
(i) Implementation of the certified community behavioral health
12
clinic model with clinics that adhere to the program standards under
13
the federal substance abuse and mental health services administration
14
demonstration program established under section 223 of the federal
15
protecting access to medicare act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a
16
note), as amended by the bipartisan safer communities act (P.L.
17
117-159);
18
(ii) Incorporation in the planned funding model of at least one
19
of the prospective payment system methodologies approved by the
20
centers for medicare and medicaid services;
21
(iii) The plan may allow for the certified community behavioral
22
health clinic funding model to be implemented either by applying for
23
and joining the federal demonstration program referenced in (g)(i) of
24
this subsection, applying to the centers for medicare and medicaid
25
services for a medicaid state plan waiver or amendment, or both;
26
(iv) Continued consultation with the national council for mental
27
wellbeing's certified community behavioral health clinic success
28
center for technical assistance and meaningful opportunities for
29
community behavioral health agencies to participate and offer
30
feedback throughout the implementation process; and
31
(v) Inclusion of services to children, youth, and families
32
through the certified community behavioral health clinic funding
33
model through providers that serve individuals of all ages as well as
34
specialty providers that serve children, youth, and families.
35
(44) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to renew a
38
contract with a Seattle based nonprofit organization with experience
39
matching voluntary specialty care providers with patients in need of
40
p. 252
ESSB 5998.SL
care to continue established pro bono counseling and behavioral
1
health services to uninsured and underinsured individuals with
2
incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty line. The authority
3
must provide the funding pursuant to a contract for documented
4
capacity-building to continue pro bono counseling and behavioral
5
health
services.
The
agreement
may
require
the
contracted
6
organization to seek, document, and report to the authority on
7
efforts to leverage local, federal, or philanthropic funding to
8
provide sustained operational support for the program.
9
(45) $219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $219,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely to continue to support the
12
children and youth behavioral health work group to consider and
13
develop longer term strategies and recommendations regarding the
14
delivery of behavioral health services for children, transitioning
15
youth, and their caregivers pursuant to chapter 76, Laws of 2022
16
(2SHB 1890).
17
(46) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
18
year 2026 ((and $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
19
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for the authority to
20
continue a contract to provide information and support related to
21
safe housing and support services for youth exiting inpatient mental
22
health and/or substance use disorder facilities to stakeholders,
23
inpatient treatment facilities, young people, and other community
24
providers that serve unaccompanied youth and young adults.
25
(47) $3,322,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2026, $3,322,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
27
for fiscal year 2027, $1,814,000 of the general fund—federal
28
appropriation, and $5,248,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
29
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
30
contract with opioid treatment providers to operate mobile methadone
31
units to address treatment gaps statewide. Within the amounts
32
provided, the authority must provide service support subsidies to all
33
mobile methadone units including those that began operations prior to
34
fiscal year 2024. The authority must work with the actuaries
35
responsible for setting medicaid managed care rates to explore
36
options for creating a specific rate for mobile medication units that
37
reflects the unique costs of these programs.
38
p. 253
ESSB 5998.SL
(48)(a) (($5,753,000)) $5,978,000 of the general fund—state
1
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and (($5,753,000)) $6,055,000 of
2
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are
3
provided solely for the authority to continue a program with coverage
4
comparable to the amount, duration, and scope of care provided in the
5
categorically needy medicaid program for adult individuals who:
6
(i) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for federal
7
medicaid or federal subsidies through the health benefit exchange;
8
(ii) Are age 19 and older, including over age 65, and have
9
countable income of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level;
10
and
11
(iii) Are not eligible for another full scope federally funded
12
medical assistance program, including any expansion of medicaid
13
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
14
(b) Within the amount provided in this subsection, the authority
15
shall use the same eligibility, enrollment, redetermination and
16
renewal, and appeals procedures as categorically needy medicaid,
17
except where flexibility is necessary to maintain privacy or minimize
18
burden to applicants or enrollees.
19
(c) The authority in collaboration with the health benefit
20
exchange, the department of social and health services, and community
21
organizations must develop and implement an outreach and education
22
campaign.
23
(d) The authority must provide the following information to the
24
governor's office and appropriate committees of the legislature by
25
February 1st and November 1st of each year:
26
(i) Actual and forecasted expenditures;
27
(ii) Actual and forecasted data from the caseload forecast
28
council; and
29
(iii) The availability and impact of any federal program or
30
proposed rule that expands access to health care for the population
31
described in this subsection, such as the expansion of medicaid
32
coverage for deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients.
33
(e) No later than January 1, 2027, the authority must transition
34
the program described in (a) of this subsection from a managed care
35
to a fee-for-service service delivery model.
36
(f)
Beginning
January
1,
2027,
the
authority
shall
open
37
enrollment for 5,000 individuals.
38
(g) The amount provided in this subsection is the maximum amount
39
that may be expended for the purposes of this program.
40
p. 254
ESSB 5998.SL
(h) By October 1, 2026, the authority shall provide a report to
1
the governor's office and fiscal committees of the legislature that
2
includes recommendations for how the program described in (a) of this
3
subsection can achieve savings through a reduction in services or
4
benefits to allow for an increase in enrollment capacity.
5
(49)(a) $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2026 and $125,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
7
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the authority to
8
reimburse the department of social and health services for staffing
9
costs related to tracking behavioral health community capacity
10
through
the
community
behavioral
health
executive
management
11
information system and providing annual reports on the implementation
12
of new behavioral health community capacity.
13
(b) The department of commerce, the department of health, and the
14
authority must cooperate with the department of social and health
15
services
in
collecting
and
providing
the
data
necessary
to
16
incorporate tracking of behavioral health beds into the behavioral
17
health executive management information system and to prepare the
18
required reports. The agencies must work to ensure they are using
19
consistent definitions in classifying behavioral health bed types for
20
the purpose of reporting capacity and utilization.
21
(c) The authority and the department of social and health
22
services must continue tracking behavioral health bed utilization for
23
medicaid and state funded clients by type of bed in the executive
24
management information system. The department of commerce shall
25
identify to the department of social and health services all
26
providers that have received funding through their capital grant
27
program since the 2013-2015 fiscal biennium. The department of social
28
and health services must incorporate tracking of services by provider
29
including an element to identify providers that have received funding
30
through the capital budget so that reports can be provided related to
31
the average daily client counts for medicaid and state funded clients
32
being served by provider and by facility type.
33
(d) The department of social and health services, in coordination
34
with the department of commerce, the department of health, and the
35
authority, must submit an annual report each November of the fiscal
36
biennium to the office of financial management and the appropriate
37
committees of the legislature that provides the following information
38
for each facility that has received funding through the capital
39
budget: (i) The amount received by the state and the total project
40
p. 255
ESSB 5998.SL
cost; (ii) the facility address; (iii) the number of new beds or
1
additional bed capacity by the service type being provided; (iv) the
2
utilization of the additional beds by medicaid or state funded
3
clients by service type; and (v) a comparison of capacity to demand
4
by service type by geographical region of the state.
5
(50) $3,045,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2026, $83,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027, $172,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation,
8
$2,000,000
of
the
criminal
justice
treatment
account—state
9
appropriation, and $5,041,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
10
account—state appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
11
expand efforts to provide opioid use disorder and alcohol use
12
disorder medication in city, county, regional, and tribal jails.
13
(51) (($55,988,000)) $66,269,000 of the general fund—federal
14
appropriation is provided solely for the authority to contract with
15
the University of Washington behavioral health teaching facility to
16
provide long-term inpatient care beds as defined in RCW 71.24.025.
17
The authority must coordinate with the department of social and
18
health services and the University of Washington to evaluate and
19
determine criteria for the current population of state hospital
20
patients, committed pursuant to the dismissal of criminal charges and
21
a civil evaluation ordered under RCW 10.77.086 or 10.77.088, who can
22
be effectively treated at the University of Washington behavioral
23
health teaching facility.
24
(52) $95,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026, $95,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
26
year 2027, and $264,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
27
provided solely for implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 1272
28
(children in crisis program). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
29
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
30
(53) (($36,306,000)) $33,581,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral
31
health
crisis
response
line
account—state
appropriation
and
32
$21,410,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
33
solely for the authority to continue to implement the provisions of
34
chapter 454, Laws of 2023 (E2SHB 1134). Within these amounts,
35
sufficient funding is provided for the authority to:
36
(a) Provide grants to new or existing mobile rapid response teams
37
and to community-based crisis teams to support efforts for meeting
38
the standards and criteria for receiving an endorsement pursuant to
39
p. 256
ESSB 5998.SL
provisions of the bill. In awarding grants under this subsection, the
1
authority must prioritize funding for proposals that demonstrate
2
experience
and
strategies
that
prioritize
culturally
relevant
3
services to community members with the least access to behavioral
4
health services;
5
(b) Expand and enhance regional crisis services provided by
6
mobile crisis teams and community-based crisis teams either endorsed
7
or
seeking
endorsement
pursuant
to
standards
adopted
by
the
8
authority; and
9
(c) Provide performance payments to mobile rapid response teams
10
and community-based crisis teams that receive endorsements pursuant
11
to chapter 454, Laws of 2023 (E2SHB 1134).
12
(54) $500,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
13
appropriation
is
provided
solely
for
Spanish
language
opioid
14
prevention services.
15
(55) (($16,814,000)) $21,656,000 of the tribal opioid prevention
16
and treatment account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
17
authority to pass through to tribes and urban Indian health programs
18
for opioid and overdose response activities. The funding must be used
19
for prevention, outreach, treatment, recovery support services, and
20
other strategies to address and mitigate the effects of the misuse
21
and abuse of opioid related products. The authority must provide the
22
tribes and urban Indian health programs the latitude to use the
23
funding as they see fit to benefit their communities, provided the
24
activities are allowable under the terms of the opioid settlement
25
agreements.
26
(56) Within existing resources, the authority shall collaborate
27
with the department of social and health services to develop a new
28
program for individuals admitted to a state hospital for purposes of
29
civil commitment under RCW 10.77.086. The program must prioritize the
30
use
of
assisted
outpatient
treatment
resources
for
eligible
31
individuals and draw upon existing programs, including the program of
32
assertive community treatment and the governor's opportunity for
33
supportive housing program to provide wraparound services for
34
individuals who may be ready to quickly return to the community
35
following an admission.
36
(57) $6,700,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
37
appropriation and $700,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
38
are provided solely for the authority to contract for the support of
39
p. 257
ESSB 5998.SL
an opioid recovery and care access center in Seattle. The contractor
1
must be an established Seattle based behavioral health provider that
2
has developed a partnership for the project and has leveraged
3
additional operations and research funding from other sources. The
4
contract is exempt from the competitive procurement requirements in
5
chapter 39.26 RCW.
6
(58) $2,000,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for the authority to increase access
8
to long-acting injectable buprenorphine products. The authority must
9
use these funds to cover the cost and administration of the drug for
10
uninsured individuals that do not qualify for other state or federal
11
health insurance programs.
12
(59) $4,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
13
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for bridge funding grants to
14
community
behavioral
health
agencies
participating
in
federal
15
certified community behavioral health clinic expansion grant programs
16
to sustain their continued level of operations following expiration
17
of federal grant funding during the planning process for adoption of
18
the certified community behavioral health clinic model statewide.
19
(60)
(($3,066,000))
$415,000
of
the
general
fund—state
20
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($5,446,000)) $5,728,000 of the
21
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
22
(($3,457,000)) $3,928,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation
23
are provided solely for the authority to contract for community
24
behavioral health services to be provided at the Olympic heritage
25
behavioral health facility.
26
(61) $3,884,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2026, $3,984,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
28
for fiscal year 2027, and $15,398,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral
29
health crisis response line account—state appropriation ((is)) are
30
provided
solely
for
startup,
implementation,
and
nonmedicaid
31
operational funding for ((three)) crisis relief centers and crisis
32
stabilization units beginning operations in the 2025-2027 fiscal
33
biennium.
Funding
must
be
distributed
to
behavioral
health
34
administrative services organizations based on the actual and
35
projected number of facilities operating in the region. ((The
36
authority must undergo a competitive solicitation process for this
37
funding that takes into account geographic needs, regional capacity,
38
and operational readiness, and must prioritize providers with limited
39
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ESSB 5998.SL
access to other funding sources and who are projected to have the
1
shortest timelines to utilize funding and begin operations. Of the
2
amounts provided in this subsection:
3
(a) $8,536,000 is provided solely for startup grants for hiring,
4
facility improvements, and other costs necessary to begin providing
5
services to clients.
6
(b) $4,925,000 is provided solely for six-month operational
7
subsidies for crisis centers that have begun operations as a bridge
8
to providing services at full capacity.
9
(c) $1,937,000 is provided for reimbursement for crisis relief
10
center services provided to individuals not covered by the state
11
medicaid program.))
12
(a) Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $100,000 of the
13
general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 is provided
14
solely for the authority to develop and submit a report detailing a
15
statewide implementation roadmap and funding plan for crisis relief
16
centers and crisis stabilization units to the governor and the
17
appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026. The
18
plan must include:
19
(i) An inventory of all existing, contracted, and planned
20
facilities;
21
(ii) A complete analysis of current and projected funding
22
sources; and identification of nonmedicaid funding gaps for uninsured
23
and underinsured populations;
24
(iii)
An
implementation
timeline
aligned
with
funding
25
availability;
26
(iv) Costs to operate stand-alone and combined 23-hour crisis
27
relief centers and crisis stabilization units;
28
(v) The impact of providing urgent care services at facilities;
29
and
30
(vi) Criteria ensuring no new facility is procured or contracted
31
without identified sustainable operating funds, including nonmedicaid
32
funding sufficient to support operations.
33
(b) As part of its 2027 supplemental and 2027-2029 biennial
34
operating budget requests to the governor, the authority must request
35
funding for nonmedicaid costs that exceed resources available to
36
behavioral health administrative services organizations in 23-hour
37
crisis relief centers, as defined in RCW 71.24.025, and crisis
38
stabilization units, as defined in RCW 71.05.020, that have opened or
39
p. 259
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are expected to open during the fiscal biennium in their services
1
area.
2
(62) $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a one-time grant to a
5
nonprofit organization for start-up costs and to provide services to
6
medicaid clients and uninsured clients in a crisis stabilization
7
facility located in Skagit county.
8
(63) (($9,500,000)) $8,250,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
9
account—state appropriation is provided solely for health engagement
10
hub pilot program sites in accordance with the provisions of chapter
11
1, Laws of 2023 sp. sess. (2E2SSB 5536). The authority may use
12
funding within this subsection to contract for technical assistance
13
and evaluation activities associated with the pilot program.
14
(64) (($328,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
15
fiscal year 2026, $328,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
16
for fiscal year 2027, and $656,000 of the general fund—federal
17
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to implement
18
chapter 360, Laws of 2024 (2SHB 2320).
19
(65)
$2,650,000))
$1,325,000
of
the
general
fund—state
20
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $2,650,000)), $1,325,000 of
21
the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
22
$2,650,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are provided
23
solely for the authority to continue contracts with King county,
24
Kitsap county, Tacoma, Everett, and Spokane for street medicine teams
25
that rapidly assess and address the acute and chronic physical and
26
behavioral health needs of homeless people. Within the amounts
27
provided in this subsection, the authority may also expand the
28
program to contract for a street medicine team in Clallam county. The
29
teams must offer integrated, team-based medical, mental health,
30
substance use, and infectious disease treatment and prevention, and
31
navigation and case management services.
32
(((66)(a) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026, $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
34
for fiscal year 2027, and $500,000 of the general fund—federal
35
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to continue work
36
on the behavioral health comparison rate project, including:
37
(i) Developing phase 3 comparison rates for all major medicaid
38
managed care behavioral health services not addressed in phase 1 or
39
p. 260
ESSB 5998.SL
phase 2 of the behavioral health comparison rates project or through
1
other work streams; and
2
(ii) Preparing to implement a minimum fee schedule for behavioral
3
health services, including developing solutions to resolve any
4
current data and systems limitations.
5
(b) By October 1, 2025, the authority must provide a final report
6
to the office of financial management and appropriate committees of
7
the legislature that:
8
(i) Summarizes the new comparison rates developed as part of
9
phase 3;
10
(ii) Updates comparison rates developed in phase 1 and phase 2
11
for new salary and wage information based on most current bureau of
12
labor statistics data;
13
(iii) Estimates the cost and other impacts to fee-for-service and
14
managed care of incorporating additional behavioral health services
15
developed as part of phase 3 of the behavioral health comparison
16
rates project into a minimum fee schedule effective January 1, 2027;
17
(iv) Identifies planned actions and funding needs, if any, to
18
resolve any remaining limitations to implement the phase 3 minimum
19
fee schedule by January 1, 2027;
20
(v) Provides additional analysis of variation between the
21
comparison rates developed as part of phase 3 and current payment
22
levels at a service and regional level; and
23
(vi) Describes how the authority plans to propose to the
24
legislature implementation of the phase 3 minimum fee schedule by
25
January 1, 2027, to better match medicaid payments to the cost of
26
care.
27
(67))) (65) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the authority to fund the
29
second year of workforce grants to behavioral health agencies
30
contracted with the authority to establish occupational therapy
31
services for behavioral health clients. This funding must be used for
32
establishing and integrating occupational therapy into behavioral
33
health agency programs and operations. Funding may be used for
34
occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant services,
35
recruitment, training, technical assistance, fieldwork opportunities,
36
and for other approved activities targeted to increase access to
37
occupational
therapy
services
within
behavioral
health
agency
38
settings. The authority must submit a final report to the legislature
39
on the number of patients receiving occupational therapy through this
40
p. 261
ESSB 5998.SL
initiative, the programs in which services were provided, and the
1
number and type of fieldwork students trained in each participating
2
behavioral health agency program by January 1, 2027.
3
(((68))) (66)(a) (($81,542,000)) $80,120,000 of the general fund—
4
state appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($81,729,000)) $72,787,000
5
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027, and
6
(($167,792,000))
$152,747,000
of
the
general
fund—federal
7
appropriation are provided solely for supportive supervision and
8
oversight services pursuant to a 1915(i) state plan amendment. For
9
medicaid clients enrolled in managed care, the authority must
10
contract for these services through managed care organizations
11
utilizing an actuarially sound rate structure as established by the
12
authority and approved by the centers for medicare and medicaid
13
services. The authority may not implement a skills development and
14
restoration benefit until funding is provided for that specific
15
purpose. Within these amounts, funding is provided for:
16
(i) Implementing supportive supervision and oversight services in
17
adult family home settings in accordance with and contingent upon
18
execution of the collective bargaining agreement negotiated between
19
the state and the adult family homes and referenced in part IX of
20
this act;
21
(ii) Implementing supportive supervision and oversight services
22
in assisted living and enhanced services facilities settings;
23
(iii) Providing reimbursement for the state share of exceptional
24
behavioral health personal care services for individuals who have not
25
transitioned into the new 1915(i) state plan services; and
26
(iv) Administrative costs associated with implementation of the
27
new 1915(i) state plan.
28
(b) Within the amounts provided in this subsection, the authority
29
must assure that managed care organizations reimburse the department
30
of
social
and
health
services
aging
and
long
term
support
31
administration for the general fund—state cost of exceptional
32
behavioral health personal care services for medicaid enrolled
33
individuals who require these services because of a psychiatric
34
disability.
35
(((69))) (67) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
36
for fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state
37
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for grants to
38
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ESSB 5998.SL
tribes to implement the Icelandic model of prevention in their
1
communities.
2
(((70))) (68) $3,200,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
3
account—state appropriation is provided solely for a tribal opioid
4
prevention campaign to inform and educate tribal communities about
5
opioid misuse prevention, overdose response, and treatment.
6
(((71) $5,242,000)) (69) $4,456,000 of the opioid abatement
7
settlement account—state appropriation is provided solely for the
8
authority
to
provide
grants
to
providers
of
employment
and
9
educational services to individuals with substance use disorder.
10
(((72))) (70) $3,768,000 of the opioid abatement settlement
11
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the authority to
12
provide opioid treatment services through new opioid treatment
13
providers that were funded through grants pursuant to chapter 1, Laws
14
of 2023 sp. sess. (controlled substances).
15
(((73))) (71) $297,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
16
for fiscal year 2026, $97,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
17
for fiscal year 2027, and $140,000 of the general fund—federal
18
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
19
Second
Substitute
House
Bill
No.
1813
(medical
assistance
20
reprocurement). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
21
amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
22
(74)
$438,000))
(72)
$198,000
of
the
general
fund—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2026, (($438,000)) $198,000 of the
24
general
fund—state
appropriation
for
fiscal
year
2027,
and
25
(($284,000)) $128,000 of the general fund—federal appropriation are
26
provided solely for implementation of sections 2 and 3 of Second
27
Substitute House Bill No. 1427 (peer support specialists). ((If the
28
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
29
subsection shall lapse.
30
(75))) (73) $2,132,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account
31
—state appropriation and $570,000 of the general fund—federal
32
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract for a
33
program that provides Washington state emergency departments with
34
real-time medications for opioid use disorder clinical guidance and
35
follow-up appointment scheduling.
36
(((76))) (74) $1,000,000 of the statewide 988 behavioral health
37
crisis response line account—state appropriation is provided solely
38
for the purchase of electric vans for 988 behavioral health crisis
39
p. 263
ESSB 5998.SL
response and suicide prevention mobile rapid response crisis teams
1
and community-based crisis teams endorsed under RCW 71.24.903. Of the
2
amounts provided in this subsection:
3
(a) $700,000 of this amount is for mobile rapid response crisis
4
teams and community-based crisis teams endorsed under RCW 71.24.903;
5
and
6
(b) $300,000 of this amount is for mobile rapid response crisis
7
teams and community-based crisis teams endorsed under RCW 71.24.903
8
that are affiliated with a tribe in Washington state.
9
(((77))) (75) Within amounts appropriated in this section, the
10
authority and the governor's Indian health advisory council must
11
convene tribal representatives to identify the actual local costs for
12
tribes in their provision of substance use disorder services to non-
13
American Indian/Alaska Native medicaid enrollees receiving services
14
in tribal facilities. The authority must submit a report to the
15
office of financial management and the appropriate committees of the
16
legislature by December 1, 2025, that outlines options and a plan for
17
compensating tribes that is developed through this consultation
18
process that fully compensates tribes for their actual costs of
19
serving
non-American
Indian/Alaska
Native
medicaid
enrollees
20
receiving services in tribal facilities, and must consider and
21
address state and tribal budget impacts.
22
(((78) $2,000,000)) (76) $4,000,000 of the opioid abatement
23
settlement account—state appropriation is provided on a one-time
24
basis in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium solely for the authority to
25
contract for continued operations of the pilot program originally
26
funded in section 215(117), chapter 475, Laws of 2023 (ESSB 5187) to
27
reimburse a licensed pediatric transitional care facility in Spokane
28
county to provide neonatal abstinence syndrome services to infants
29
who have prenatal substance exposure.
30
(((79))) (77) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
31
for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 of the general fund—state
32
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the
33
authority to provide a grant to a program in south Seattle providing
34
supportive housing and clinical services for mothers recovering from
35
substance use disorders, and their children. The program must serve
36
pregnant women or mothers, regardless of age, race, religion, or
37
sexual orientation, who are exiting inpatient substance use disorder
38
treatment facilities and must serve individuals with co-occurring
39
p. 264
ESSB 5998.SL
disorders. The program must provide on-site support through a
1
dedicated team that offers daily assistance to help women become as
2
independent as possible while focusing on their recovery and
3
stability.
4
(((80))) (78) $91,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2026 and $91,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
6
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
7
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5745 (invol. treatment
8
counsel). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts
9
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
10
(81)))
(79)
Within
amounts
appropriated
in
this
section,
11
effective January 1, 2026, the authority shall reduce medicaid
12
managed care rates by one percent. Notwithstanding any other proviso
13
in the appropriations act for the current biennium, the authority may
14
adjust existing state directed payments, published fee schedules, or
15
make other administrative changes needed to comply with this
16
subsection.
17
(((82))) (80) Sufficient amounts are appropriated in this section
18
to maintain increases to medicaid reimbursement for community
19
behavioral
health
providers
contracted
through
managed
care
20
organizations to the extent that they align with subsection (((81)))
21
(79) of this section. The authority may adjust rates and existing
22
state directed payments to ensure compliance with subsection (((81)))
23
(79) of this section.
24
(((83))) (81) The authority shall continue to work with a
25
provider working to reopen a youth behavioral health facility in
26
Clark county to identify a licensing and service delivery pathway
27
that best reflects services delivered through an enhanced model of
28
care for youth residential substance use disorder treatment services.
29
In collaboration with the provider and medicaid managed care
30
organizations, the authority shall work toward developing an enhanced
31
rate
for
residential
substance
use
disorders
services
that
32
concurrently provide for the diagnosis, treatment, and medication
33
management of co-occurring mental health conditions as part of the
34
substance use disorder treatment plan. The authority shall submit the
35
new rate and cost impact to the office of financial management and
36
the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December
37
1, 2025, for consideration of funding in the 2026 legislative
38
session.
39
p. 265
ESSB 5998.SL
(((84))) (82) $250,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
1
for fiscal year 2026 ((and $250,000 of the general fund—state
2
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for the
3
authority to contract with a statewide mental health nonprofit
4
organization that provides free community and school-based mental
5
health education and support programs for consumers and families. The
6
contractor must use this funding to provide access to programs
7
tailored to peers living with mental illness as well as family
8
members of people with mental illness and the community at large.
9
Services provided by the contracted program shall include education,
10
support, and assistance to reduce isolation and help consumers and
11
families understand the services available in their communities.
12
(83) Within amounts appropriated in this section, effective
13
January 1, 2027, the authority must reduce medicaid managed care
14
rates to achieve a savings of $1,728,000 in general fund—state
15
between January and June of 2027. This savings must be implemented by
16
modification of the optional intensive behavioral health support
17
services program offered as an in-lieu-of service in the community
18
behavioral health managed care program. In modifying the program, the
19
authority
must
prioritize
remaining
funding
for
individuals
20
transitioning from state hospitals and other inpatient settings.
21
(84) $2,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal year 2027 and $1,346,000 of the general fund—federal
23
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to contract for
24
facility based crisis services in the Thurston-Mason region pursuant
25
to the Trueblood phase 3 settlement agreement implementation plan.
26
The authority must identify whether additional amounts are required
27
to meet the requirements of the settlement agreement implementation
28
plan for facility based crisis services in the region and must
29
request additional needed funding as part of its 2027 supplemental
30
and 2027-2029 biennial operating budget requests to the governor.
31
(85) $8,408,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2026, $8,408,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
33
for fiscal year 2027, and $12,038,000 of the general fund—federal
34
appropriation are provided solely for the parent child assistance
35
program. Of these amounts, $292,000 of the general fund—state
36
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 and $127,000 of the general fund—
37
federal appropriation are provided solely for the authority to
38
contract for an additional 32 slots for individuals involved with the
39
p. 266
ESSB 5998.SL
child welfare program. The authority and the department of children,
1
youth, and families must coordinate to identify whether existing
2
capacity within the authority's base funding levels can provide
3
additional slots for individuals involved with the child welfare
4
program.
5
(86) Within existing resources, the authority shall participate
6
in the advisory group for the behavioral health facilities program
7
referenced in chapter 474, Laws of 2023 and chapter 414, Laws of
8
2025. Responsibilities of the authority include the following:
9
(a) Attend monthly advisory group meetings;
10
(b) Designate subject matter experts to provide input and
11
technical assistance in developing program guidelines, notices of
12
funding availability, and application questions;
13
(c) Designate subject matter experts to serve as application
14
reviewers including scoring applications and making recommendations
15
on funding decisions;
16
(d)
Provide
guidance
and
technical
assistance
related
to
17
behavioral health facility development, behavioral health service
18
modalities, unmet demand for different types of behavioral health
19
facilities and services, insurance, and other programmatic issues;
20
and
21
(e) In coordination with the department of social and health
22
services, inform local jurisdictions annually on the progress of new
23
state
and
community
behavioral
health
facilities,
including
24
information about contracted providers and anticipated impacts on
25
local community services.
26
(87) $2,942,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
27
fiscal year 2027 and $8,734,000 of the general fund—federal
28
appropriation are provided solely for the authority to implement two
29
certified community behavioral health clinic sites in a federal
30
demonstration project for certified community behavioral health
31
clinics. In selecting demonstration sites, the authority must
32
prioritize selection of sites that make the state competitive for
33
being awarded a demonstration project while also giving consideration
34
to appropriated funding levels.
35
(88) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2027 is provided solely for the authority to contract for
37
services with a recovery cafe providing long-term recovery services
38
in north Kitsap county.
39
p. 267
ESSB 5998.SL
(89)(a) $100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
1
fiscal year 2027 is provided solely for the authority to convene a
2
task force composed of representatives from the authority, the
3
department of social and health services, and the office of financial
4
management; representatives of adult family home, assisted living,
5
and enhanced services facility providers that serve individuals
6
through the community behavioral health support program or intensive
7
behavioral
supportive
supervision
program;
behavioral
health
8
advocates; and other key stakeholders. The task force will conduct a
9
comprehensive review of services offered through the community
10
behavioral
health
support
program,
the
intensive
behavioral
11
supportive supervision program, and the residential services waiver
12
program with the goal of improving system-wide efficiencies, data-
13
driven outcomes, and cost effectiveness. The review shall include but
14
not be limited to:
15
(i) Exploration of opportunities for aligning requirements
16
between the community behavioral health support program, intensive
17
behavioral supportive supervision, and the residential service waiver
18
programs to reduce provider administrative burden and conflicting
19
requirements with specific attention provided to value-based patient-
20
centered purchasing models;
21
(ii) Establishment of uniform oversight and clear expectations
22
when
community
behavioral
health
support
program,
intensive
23
behavioral supportive supervision program, and residential service
24
waiver program services overlap;
25
(iii)
Creation
of
a
centralized
framework
for
matching
26
participants with complex behavioral health conditions to the most
27
appropriate setting or level of care;
28
(iv) Development of outcome metrics and a practical process for
29
gathering outcomes data such as reductions in hospital readmissions,
30
improved quality of life, and other metrics reflective of community
31
stability;
32
(v)
Identification
of
opportunities
for
streamlining
or
33
consolidation of programs to reduce overlap, ensure simpler referral
34
pathways, and deliver more consistent services across the state's
35
behavioral health continuum; and
36
(vi) Cost estimates for options developed by the task force which
37
examine potential cost impacts for both the authority and the
38
department of social and health services and include identification
39
of cost savings and offsets associated with the options presented.
40
p. 268
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) By December 1, 2026, the authority must provide a report to
1
the office of financial management and the appropriate committees of
2
the legislature which includes but is not limited to:
3
(i) A matrix of the community behavioral health support program,
4
intensive behavioral supportive supervision program, and other
5
programs at the department of social and health services that provide
6
overlapping services to clients which includes identification of the
7
number of individuals being served, where individuals receiving
8
services under these programs enter the system, the average monthly
9
expenditures at each agency, and the differential eligibility and
10
service requirements for the programs;
11
(ii) A summary of the findings and recommendations of the task
12
force;
13
(iii) If an amendment of the community behavioral health support
14
state plan amendment is recommended by the task force, specific
15
options identified by the work group for the amendment to reduce
16
provider administrative burden and improve cost effectiveness and
17
client outcomes; and
18
(iv) Identification of the estimated costs, risks, benefits, and
19
timeline of implementing the identified recommendations and options.
20
Sec. 215. 2025 c 424 s 215 (uncodified) is amended to read as
21
follows:
22
FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
23
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($5,057,000))
24
$5,499,000
25
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,079,000))
26
$5,705,000
27
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($3,036,000))
28
$3,035,000
29
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($13,172,000))
30
$14,239,000
31
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
32
conditions and limitations:
33
(1) $2,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
34
year 2026 and $3,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
35
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
36
Senate Bill No. 5104 (immigration status coercion). ((If the bill is
37
p. 269
ESSB 5998.SL
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
1
shall lapse.))
2
(2) $1,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $3,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
5
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5486 (motion picture captioning). ((If the
6
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
7
subsection shall lapse.))
8
Sec. 216. 2025 c 424 s 216 (uncodified) is amended to read as
9
follows:
10
FOR THE BOARD OF INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE APPEALS
11
Worker and Community Right to Know Fund—State
12
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,000
13
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($28,144,000))
14
$28,282,000
15
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . (($28,141,000))
16
$28,279,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($56,295,000))
18
$56,571,000
19
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
20
conditions and limitations: $100,000 of the accident account—state
21
appropriation
and
$102,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
22
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Senate Bill
23
No. 5463 (industrial insurance/duties). ((If the bill is not enacted
24
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
25
lapse.))
26
Sec. 217. 2025 c 424 s 217 (uncodified) is amended to read as
27
follows:
28
FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING COMMISSION
29
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($58,806,000))
30
$58,837,000
31
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($58,222,000))
32
$58,580,000
33
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $12,977,000
34
Death Investigations Account—State Appropriation. . . . . $1,720,000
35
Municipal Criminal Justice Assistance Account—State
36
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $460,000
37
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ESSB 5998.SL
Supplemental Criminal Justice Account—State
1
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000,000
2
Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Account—
3
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,167,000
4
Washington Internet Crimes Against Children Account—
5
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,270,000
6
24/7 Sobriety Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . $20,000
7
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($241,642,000))
8
$242,031,000
9
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
10
conditions and limitations:
11
(1) The criminal justice training commission may not run a basic
12
law enforcement academy class of fewer than 30 students.
13
(2) Funding in this section is sufficient for 75 percent of the
14
costs of providing 23 statewide basic law enforcement trainings in
15
each fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027. The criminal justice
16
training commission must schedule its funded classes to minimize wait
17
times throughout each fiscal year and meet statutory wait time
18
requirements. The criminal justice training commission must track and
19
report the average wait time for students at the beginning of each
20
class and provide the findings in an annual report to the legislature
21
due in December of each year. Each year, at least two classes must be
22
held in Spokane, two classes must be held in Vancouver, two classes
23
must be held in Arlington, and two classes must be held in Pasco.
24
(3) $1,312,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026, $1,306,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027, and $870,000 of the general fund—private/local
27
appropriation are provided solely for the commission to conduct four
28
additional corrections officer academy classes. These classes may be
29
conducted at the corrections officer academy in Burien or at one of
30
the
regional
training
academies,
located
in
Spokane,
Pasco,
31
Vancouver, or Arlington.
32
(4) $290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $290,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for academy training for limited
35
authority Washington peace officers employed by the Washington state
36
gambling commission, Washington state liquor and cannabis board,
37
Washington state parks and recreation commission, department of
38
natural resources, and the office of the insurance commissioner.
39
p. 271
ESSB 5998.SL
(a) Up to 30 officers must be admitted to attend the basic law
1
enforcement academy and up to 30 officers must be admitted to attend
2
basic law enforcement equivalency academy.
3
(b) Allocation of the training slots amongst the agencies must be
4
based on the earliest application date to the commission. Training
5
does not need to commence within six months of employment.
6
(c) The state agencies must reimburse the commission for the
7
actual cost of training.
8
(5)
$1,598,000
of
the
death
investigations
account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely for the commission to provide 240
10
hours of medicolegal forensic investigation training to coroners and
11
medical examiners to meet the recommendations of the national
12
commission on forensic science for certification and accreditation.
13
(6) $346,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of chapter 321, Laws
15
of 2021 (officer duty to intervene).
16
(7) $30,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
17
year 2026 and $30,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
18
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for additional grants to local
19
jurisdictions to investigate instances where a purchase or transfer
20
of a firearm was attempted by an individual who is prohibited from
21
owning or possessing a firearm.
22
(8) $2,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
23
year 2026 and $2,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
24
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the criminal justice
25
training commission to provide grant funding to local law enforcement
26
agencies to support law enforcement wellness programs. Of the amount
27
provided in this subsection:
28
(a) $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
29
year 2026 and $1,500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
30
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the commission to provide
31
grants to local law enforcement and corrections agencies for the
32
purpose of establishing officer wellness programs. Grants provided
33
under this subsection may be used for, but not limited to building
34
resilience, injury prevention, peer support programs, physical
35
fitness, proper nutrition, stress management, suicide prevention, and
36
physical or behavioral health services. The commission must consult
37
with a representative from the Washington association of sheriffs and
38
police chiefs and a representative of the Washington state fraternal
39
p. 272
ESSB 5998.SL
order of police and the Washington council of police and sheriffs in
1
the development of the grant program.
2
(b) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
3
year 2026 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Washington association
5
of sheriffs and police chiefs to establish and coordinate an online
6
or mobile-based application for any Washington law enforcement
7
officer; 911 operator or dispatcher; and any other current or retired
8
employee of a Washington law enforcement agency, and their families,
9
to
anonymously
access
on-demand
wellness
techniques,
suicide
10
prevention, resilience, physical fitness, nutrition, and other
11
behavioral health and wellness supports.
12
(9) $2,270,000 of the Washington internet crimes against children
13
account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation
14
of chapter 84, Laws of 2015.
15
(10) $5,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal
year
2026
and
$5,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
17
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided to the Washington
18
association of sheriffs and police chiefs solely to verify the
19
address and residency of registered sex offenders and kidnapping
20
offenders under RCW 9A.44.130.
21
(11) $4,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
22
fiscal
year
2026
and
$4,000,000
of
the
general
fund—state
23
appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the mental
24
health field response team program administered by the Washington
25
association of sheriffs and police chiefs. The association must
26
distribute $7,000,000 in grants to the phase one, phase two, and
27
phase three regions as outlined in the settlement agreement under
28
Trueblood, et. al. v. Department of Social and Health Services, et.
29
al., U.S. District Court-Western District, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
30
The association must submit an annual report to the Governor and
31
appropriate committees of the legislature by September 1st of each
32
year of the biennium. The report shall include best practice
33
recommendations on law enforcement and behavioral health field
34
response and include outcome measures on all grants awarded.
35
(12) $899,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
36
year 2026 and $899,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
37
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for crisis intervention training
38
for the phase one, phase two, and phase three regions as outlined in
39
p. 273
ESSB 5998.SL
the settlement agreement under Trueblood, et. al. v. Department of
1
Social and Health Services, et. al., U.S. District Court-Western
2
District, Cause No. 14-cv-01178-MJP.
3
(13) $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
4
year 2026 and $300,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
5
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the administration of the
6
firearms certificate program. The commission will raise the fees for
7
the program so that revenues collected by the program match these
8
expenditures.
9
(14) $401,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
10
year 2026 and $378,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
11
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for additional staff to improve
12
the delays in review and investigation of officer certification
13
complaint cases.
14
(15) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
15
year 2026 and $60,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Second
17
Substitute Senate Bill No. 5356 (criminal justice training). ((If the
18
bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this
19
subsection shall lapse.))
20
(16) Within existing resources, the commission must produce a
21
report detailing the expenditures of each agency that receives
22
allocations from the Washington auto theft prevention authority
23
account for fiscal year 2023, 2024, and 2025. The report must include
24
documentation of how expenditures were used in accordance with RCW
25
46.66.080 and recommendations based on outcomes from prior years'
26
expenditures for how funds from the account can be used to most
27
effectively prevent auto theft. The report must be submitted to the
28
office of financial management, the governor, and the legislature by
29
October 1, 2025.
30
(17) $330,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
31
year 2026, $305,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
32
fiscal year 2027, and $100,000,000 of the supplemental criminal
33
justice
account—state
appropriation
are
provided
solely
for
34
implementation of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2015 (public
35
safety funding). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the
36
amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
37
p. 274
ESSB 5998.SL
Sec. 218. 2025 c 424 s 218 (uncodified) is amended to read as
1
follows:
2
FOR THE OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS
3
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($14,663,000))
4
$15,170,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($14,801,000))
6
$15,911,000
7
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($29,464,000))
8
$31,081,000
9
Sec. 219. 2025 c 424 s 219 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
12
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($22,076,000))
13
$22,167,000
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($18,363,000))
15
$16,925,000
16
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($13,271,000))
17
$13,433,000
18
Asbestos Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $641,000
19
Electrical License Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($80,496,000))
20
$80,694,000
21
Farm Labor Contractor Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . $28,000
22
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
23
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
24
Worker and Community Right to Know Fund—State
25
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,164,000))
26
$1,163,000
27
Construction Registration Inspection Account—State
28
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($32,435,000))
29
$32,553,000
30
Public Works Administration Account—State
31
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($16,462,000))
32
$16,888,000
33
Manufactured Home Installation Training Account—
34
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($470,000))
35
$472,000
36
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($471,876,000))
37
$478,255,000
38
p. 275
ESSB 5998.SL
Accident Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($20,183,000))
1
$19,963,000
2
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . (($441,793,000))
3
$446,951,000
4
Medical Aid Account—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . (($3,960,000))
5
$3,740,000
6
Plumbing Certificate Account—State Appropriation. . . (($3,694,000))
7
$3,704,000
8
Pressure Systems Safety Account—State Appropriation. . (($5,202,000))
9
$5,214,000
10
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,132,364,000))
11
$1,143,041,000
12
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
13
conditions and limitations:
14
(1) $8,952,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
15
$8,952,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
16
provided solely for the labor and industries workers' compensation
17
information system replacement project and is subject to the
18
conditions, limitations, and review provided in section 701 of this
19
act. The department must:
20
(a) Submit quarterly data within 30 calendar days of the end of
21
each quarter on:
22
(i) The quantifiable deliverables accomplished and the amount
23
spent by each deliverable in each of the following subprojects:
24
(A) Business readiness;
25
(B) Change readiness;
26
(C) Commercial off the shelf procurement;
27
(D) Customer access;
28
(E) Program foundations;
29
(F) Independent assessment; and
30
(G) In total by fiscal year;
31
(ii) All of the quantifiable deliverables accomplished by
32
subprojects identified in (a)(i)(A) through (F) of this subsection
33
and in total and the associated expenditures by each deliverable by
34
fiscal month;
35
(iii) The contract full time equivalent charged by subprojects
36
identified in (a)(i)(A) through (F) of this subsection, and in total,
37
compared to the budget spending plan by month for each contracted
38
vendor and what the ensuing contract equivalent budget spending plan
39
p. 276
ESSB 5998.SL
by
subprojects
identified
in
(a)(i)(A)
through
(F)
of
this
1
subsection, and in total, assumes by fiscal month;
2
(iv) The performance metrics by subprojects identified in
3
(a)(i)(A) through (F) of this subsection, and in total, that are
4
currently used, including monthly performance data; and
5
(v) The risks identified independently by at least the quality
6
assurance vendor and Washington technology solutions, and how the
7
project:
8
(A) Has mitigated each risk; and
9
(B) Is working to mitigate each risk, and when it will be
10
mitigated; and
11
(b) Submit the report in (a) of this subsection to fiscal and
12
policy committees of the legislature.
13
(2) $258,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
14
$258,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
15
solely for the department of labor and industries safety and health
16
assessment research for prevention program to conduct research to
17
prevent the types of work-related injuries that require immediate
18
hospitalization. The department will develop and maintain a tracking
19
system
to
identify
and
respond
to
all
immediate
in-patient
20
hospitalizations and will examine incidents in defined high-priority
21
areas, as determined from historical data and public priorities. The
22
research must identify and characterize hazardous situations and
23
contributing factors using epidemiological, safety-engineering, and
24
human factors/ergonomics methods. The research must also identify
25
common factors in certain types of workplace injuries that lead to
26
hospitalization. The department must submit a report to the governor
27
and appropriate legislative committees no later than August 30th of
28
each year of the fiscal biennium summarizing work-related immediate
29
hospitalizations and prevention opportunities, actions that employers
30
and workers can take to make workplaces safer, and ways to avoid
31
severe injuries.
32
(3)(a) $1,700,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
33
fiscal year 2026 ((and $1,700,000 of the general fund—state
34
appropriation for fiscal year 2027)), $1,445,000 of the accident
35
account—state appropriation, and $255,000 of the medical aid account
36
—state appropriation are provided solely for grants to promote
37
workforce development in aerospace and aerospace related supply chain
38
industries by: Expanding the number of registered apprenticeships,
39
p. 277
ESSB 5998.SL
preapprenticeships, and aerospace-related programs; and providing
1
support for registered apprenticeships or programs in aerospace and
2
aerospace-related supply chain industries.
3
(b) Grants awarded under this section may be used for:
4
(i) Equipment upgrades or new equipment purchases for training
5
purposes;
6
(ii) New training space and lab locations to support capacity
7
needs and expansion of training to veterans and veteran spouses, and
8
underserved populations;
9
(iii) Curriculum development and instructor training for industry
10
experts;
11
(iv) Tuition assistance for degrees in engineering and high-
12
demand degrees that support the aerospace industry; and
13
(v) Funding to increase capacity and availability of child care
14
options for shift work schedules.
15
(c) An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this
16
subsection if it is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, or institution of
17
higher education that provides training opportunities, including
18
apprenticeships,
preapprenticeships,
preemployment
training,
19
aerospace-related degree programs, or incumbent worker training to
20
prepare workers for the aerospace and aerospace-related supply chain
21
industries.
22
(d) The department may use up to 5 percent of these funds for
23
administration of these grants.
24
(4) $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $500,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the crime victims'
27
compensation program to pay for medical exams for suspected victims
28
of domestic violence. Neither the hospital, medical facility, nor
29
victim is to pay for the cost of the medical exam. This funding must
30
not supplant existing funding for sexual assault medical exams. If
31
the cost of medical exams exceeds the funding provided in this
32
subsection, the program shall not reduce the reimbursement rates for
33
medical providers seeking reimbursement for other claimants, and
34
instead the program shall return to paying for domestic violence
35
medical exams after insurance.
36
(5) $250,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
37
appropriation is provided solely for the department to analyze
38
patients who are maintained on chronic opioids. The department must
39
p. 278
ESSB 5998.SL
submit an annual report of its findings to the governor and the
1
appropriate committees of the legislature no later than October 1st
2
of each year of the fiscal biennium. The report shall include
3
analysis of patient data, describing the characteristics of patients
4
who are maintained on chronic opioids and their clinical needs, and a
5
preliminary evaluation of potential interventions to improve care and
6
reduce harms in this population.
7
(6) $1,406,000 of the public works administration account—state
8
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is provided solely for the final
9
year
of
system
improvements
to
the
prevailing
wage
program
10
information technology system. This project is subject to the
11
conditions, limitations, and review provided in section 701 of this
12
act.
13
(7) (($205,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
14
year 2026 is)) $174,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
15
and $31,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
16
provided solely to continue conducting a four-year retention study of
17
state registered apprentices as provided in chapter 156, Laws of 2022
18
(apprenticeship programs). The study shall include the collection of
19
data from all apprentices three months into their apprenticeship to
20
understand
challenges
and
barriers
they
face
towards
program
21
participation. The aggregate data by trade must be displayed on a
22
publicly available dashboard. Study data must be provided with
23
apprenticeship coordinators to implement an early response to connect
24
apprentices with needed supports. The department shall submit an
25
annual report to the governor and appropriate legislative committees
26
on June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
27
(8) $2,879,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
28
$2,309,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
29
provided solely to expand access to worker rights and safety
30
information for workers with limited English proficiency (LEP)
31
through outreach and translation of safety-related information,
32
training, and other materials. $2,000,000 of the amount provided in
33
this subsection is provided solely for grants to community-based
34
organizations to provide workplace rights and safety outreach to
35
underserved workers.
36
(9) (($946,000)) $607,000 of the public works administration
37
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
38
chapter 342, Laws of 2023 (apprenticeship utilization).
39
p. 279
ESSB 5998.SL
(10) $1,072,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
1
$187,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
2
solely to create an effective information technology solution
3
necessary for the implementation of chapter 145, Laws of 2023 (fire-
4
resistant materials).
5
(11) $200,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation and
6
$200,000 of the accident account—state appropriation are provided
7
solely for the staffing of a resolution process for complaints
8
regarding light duty work under Title 51 RCW.
9
(12) $1,044,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
10
$183,000 of the medical account—state appropriation are provided
11
solely for implementation of chapter 250, Laws of 2024 (adult
12
entertainment workers).
13
(13) (($1,840,000)) $2,697,000 of the accident account—state
14
appropriation and (($1,838,000)) $2,695,000 of the medical aid
15
account—state appropriation are provided solely for claims management
16
staffing to expand capacity to reduce claims caseload, effective July
17
1, 2025.
18
(14) $3,477,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
19
$614,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
20
solely
for
wage
payment
act,
retaliation,
child
labor,
and
21
determinations, and fiscal units staffing to expand capacity to
22
conduct timely worker complaint investigations, effective July 1,
23
2025.
24
(15) $1,495,000 of the construction registration inspection
25
account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
26
chapter 213, Laws of 2023 (contractor consumer protection).
27
(((17)))
(16)
$126,000
of
the
accident
account—state
28
appropriation
and
$24,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
29
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
30
Senate Bill No. 5101 (worker leave/hate crimes). ((If the bill is not
31
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
32
shall lapse.
33
(18))) (17) $636,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
34
and $113,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
35
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5104
36
(immigration status coercion). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
37
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 280
ESSB 5998.SL
(19))) (18) $4,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
1
and $1,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
2
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5408
3
(wage and salary disclosures). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
4
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
5
(20))) (19) $608,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
6
and $605,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
7
provided
solely
for
implementation
of
Senate
Bill
No.
5463
8
(industrial insurance/duties). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
9
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
10
(21))) (20) $818,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
11
and $144,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
12
provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5501
13
(employee driving requirement). ((If the bill is not enacted by June
14
30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
15
(22))) (21) $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
16
fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
17
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for a grant to an
18
organization in Pierce county experienced in providing peer-to-peer
19
training to continue implementation of a program aimed at reducing
20
workplace
sexual
harassment
in
the
agricultural
sector.
The
21
department may use up to five percent of the amount provided in this
22
subsection for administration of this grant. The organization
23
receiving the grant must:
24
(a) Continue peer-to-peer trainings for farmworkers in Yakima
25
county and expand to provide peer-to-peer trainings for farmworkers
26
in Grant and Benton counties;
27
(b)
Support
an
established
network
of
peer
trainings
as
28
farmworker leaders, whose primary purpose is to prevent workplace
29
sexual harassment and assault through leadership, education, and
30
other tools; and
31
(c) Share best practices from the peer-to-peer model at a
32
statewide conference for farmworkers, industry representatives, and
33
advocates.
34
(((23)))
(22)
$1,213,000
of
the
accident
account—state
35
appropriation
and
$213,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
36
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
37
Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5217 (pregnancy accommodations).
38
p. 281
ESSB 5998.SL
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
1
in this subsection shall lapse.
2
(24))) (23) $350,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026 is provided solely to support the underground
4
economy task force created in section 906, chapter 376, Laws of 2024.
5
(((25)))
(24)
$4,420,000
of
the
accident
account—state
6
appropriation
and
$780,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
7
appropriation are provided solely for the department, in coordination
8
with the Washington state apprenticeship council, to administer,
9
amend, or extend current or new grants to continue the growth of
10
behavioral health apprenticeship programs. Grants may be awarded for
11
provider implementation costs, apprentice tuition and stipend costs,
12
curriculum development, and program administration. Grant awardees
13
must use a minimum of one-half of amounts provided to compensate
14
behavioral
health
providers
for
employer
implementation
costs
15
including mentor wage differentials, related instruction wages, and
16
administrative costs. In awarding this funding, special preference
17
must be given to entities with experience in implementation of
18
behavioral
health
sector
apprenticeships
and
labor-management
19
partnerships. By June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, grantees must
20
report to the department on the number of individuals that were
21
recruited and upskilled in the preceding fiscal year. The department
22
may use up to five percent of the amount provided in this subsection
23
for administration of these grants.
24
(((26)))
(25)
$850,000
of
the
accident
account—state
25
appropriation
and
$150,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
26
appropriation are provided solely for the department, in coordination
27
with the Washington state apprenticeship training council, to
28
administer, amend, or extend current or new grants to address the
29
behavioral health workforce shortage through behavioral health
30
preapprenticeship
and
behavioral
health
entry
level
training,
31
including nursing assistant certified programs. Grants may cover
32
program costs including, but not limited to, provider implementation
33
costs, apprentice tuition and stipend costs, curriculum development,
34
and program administration. In awarding this funding, special
35
preference
must
be
given
to
entities
with
experience
in
36
implementation of behavioral health sector apprenticeships and labor-
37
management partnerships. By June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027,
38
grantees must report to the department on the number of individuals
39
p. 282
ESSB 5998.SL
that were recruited and upskilled in the preceding fiscal year. The
1
department may use up to five percent of the amount provided in this
2
subsection for administration of these grants.
3
(((27))) (26) $56,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
4
fiscal year 2026 and $59,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
5
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of
6
chapter 298, Laws of 2024 (supporting victims of human trafficking
7
and sexual abuse).
8
(((28)))
(27)
$250,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
9
appropriation
and
$250,000
of
the
accident
account—state
10
appropriation are provided solely for the department of labor and
11
industries safety and health assessment and research for prevention
12
program to conduct research to address the high injury rates of the
13
janitorial workforce. The research must quantify the physical demands
14
of common janitorial work tasks and assess the safety and health
15
needs of janitorial workers. The research must also identify
16
potential risk factors associated with increased risk of injury in
17
the janitorial workforce and measure workload based on the strain
18
janitorial work tasks place on janitors' bodies. The department must
19
conduct interviews with janitors and their employers to collect
20
information on risk factors, identify the tools, technologies, and
21
methodologies used to complete work, and understand the safety
22
culture and climate of the industry. The department must produce
23
annual progress reports through the year 2025 or until the tools are
24
fully developed and deployed. The annual progress report must be
25
submitted to the governor and legislature by December 1st of each
26
year such report is due.
27
(((29))) (28) The department shall promptly notify the office of
28
the attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf
29
of a federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
30
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
31
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
32
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
33
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
34
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
35
impact expenditures for such services. The department of labor and
36
industries shall require contracted entities to notify the department
37
of labor and industries promptly upon receipt of a request from a
38
p. 283
ESSB 5998.SL
federal agency or law enforcement authority as described in this
1
subsection.
2
(((30)))
(29)
$3,774,000
of
the
accident
account—state
3
appropriation
and
$890,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
4
appropriation are provided solely for the creation of an agriculture
5
compliance unit within the division of occupational safety and
6
health. The compliance unit will perform compliance inspections and
7
provide bilingual outreach to agricultural workers and employers.
8
(((31))) (30) $1,642,000 of the medical aid account—state
9
appropriation is provided solely to cover the overhead rent costs to
10
increase the number of labor and industry vocational specialists
11
embedded in WorkSource offices and to implement a comprehensive
12
quality-assurance team to ensure the continuous improvement of
13
vocational
services
for
injured
workers
through
the
workers'
14
compensation program.
15
(((32)))
(31)
$639,000
of
the
accident
account—state
16
appropriation
and
$157,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
17
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Second
18
Substitute House Bill No. 1524 (isolated employees). ((If the bill is
19
not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
20
shall lapse.
21
(33))) (32) $85,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
22
and $15,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
23
provided solely for implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 1879
24
(hospital worker breaks). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
25
2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
26
(34))) (33) $1,251,000 of the public works administration account
27
—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of
28
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1549 (responsible bidder
29
criteria). ((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount
30
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
31
(35)
$197,000
of
the
electrical
license
account—state
32
appropriation, $136,000)) (34) $302,000 of the accident account—state
33
appropriation((,)) and (($24,000)) $54,000 of the medical aid account
34
—state appropriation are provided solely for implementation of
35
Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1533 (specialty electricians).
36
((If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided
37
in this subsection shall lapse.
38
p. 284
ESSB 5998.SL
(36))) (35) $255,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
1
and $254,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
2
provided solely for implementation of Second Substitute House Bill
3
No. 1788 (worker's compensation). ((If the bill is not enacted by
4
June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
5
(37)))
(36)
$1,031,000
of
the
accident
account—state
6
appropriation
and
$180,000
of
the
medical
aid
account—state
7
appropriation are provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
8
Substitute House Bill No. 1644 (working minor). ((If the bill is not
9
enacted by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection
10
shall lapse.
11
(38))) (37) $269,000 of the accident account—state appropriation
12
and $46,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are
13
provided solely for implementation of Engrossed Substitute House Bill
14
No. 1875 (sick leave/immigration). ((If the bill is not enacted by
15
June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
16
(38) $220,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
17
$220,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
18
solely to replace a loss of federal funds from the national institute
19
for occupational safety and health for the Washington fatality
20
assessment and control evaluation program, occupational respiratory
21
disease
surveillance
program,
and
adult
blood
lead
exposure
22
surveillance system for fiscal year 2027. These funds may only be
23
used if the equivalent amount in federal funds is not received.
24
(39) $256,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
25
$45,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
26
solely for implementation of Second Substitute House Bill No. 1128
27
(child care workforce board). If the bill is not enacted by June 30,
28
2026, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
29
(40) $857,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
30
$154,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
31
solely for implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 2355 (domestic
32
workers). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts
33
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
34
(41) $459,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
35
$114,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
36
solely for implementation of Second Substitute House Bill No. 2479
37
(unpaid wage recovery). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026,
38
the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
39
p. 285
ESSB 5998.SL
(42) $378,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
1
$976,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
2
solely for implementation of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill
3
No. 5847 (workers' comp. medical care). If the bill is not enacted by
4
June 30, 2026, the amounts provided in this subsection shall lapse.
5
(43) $5,000 of the accident account—state appropriation and
6
$5,000 of the medical aid account—state appropriation are provided
7
solely for implementation of Senate Bill No. 5944 (language access
8
providers). If the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amounts
9
provided in this subsection shall lapse.
10
(44) $385,000 of the public works administration account—state
11
appropriation is provided solely for implementation of Engrossed
12
Substitute Senate Bill No. 6302 (public works/finishing trade). If
13
the bill is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the amount provided in this
14
subsection shall lapse.
15
*Sec. 220. 2025 c 424 s 220 (uncodified) is amended to read as
16
follows:
17
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
18
(1) The appropriations in this section are subject to the
19
following conditions and limitations:
20
(a) The department of veterans affairs shall not initiate any
21
services that will require expenditure of state general fund moneys
22
unless expressly authorized in this act or other law. The department
23
may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW 43.79.260 through 43.79.282,
24
federal moneys that are unrelated to the coronavirus response and not
25
anticipated in this act as long as the federal funding does not
26
require expenditure of state moneys for the program in excess of
27
amounts
anticipated
in
this
act.
If
the
department
receives
28
unanticipated unrestricted federal moneys that are unrelated to the
29
coronavirus response, those moneys must be spent for services
30
authorized in this act or in any other legislation that provides
31
appropriation authority, and an equal amount of appropriated state
32
moneys shall lapse. Upon the lapsing of any moneys under this
33
subsection, the office of financial management shall notify the
34
legislative
fiscal
committees.
As
used
in
this
subsection,
35
"unrestricted federal moneys" includes block grants and other funds
36
that federal law does not require to be spent on specifically defined
37
projects or matched on a formula basis by state funds.
38
p. 286
ESSB 5998.SL
(b) Each year, there is fluctuation in the revenue collected to
1
support the operation of the state veteran homes. When the department
2
has foreknowledge that revenue will decrease, such as from a loss of
3
census or from the elimination of a program, the legislature expects
4
the department to make reasonable efforts to reduce expenditures in a
5
commensurate manner and to demonstrate that it has made such efforts.
6
In response to any request by the department for general fund—state
7
appropriation to backfill a loss of revenue, the legislature shall
8
consider the department's efforts in reducing its expenditures in
9
light of known or anticipated decreases to revenues.
10
(2) HEADQUARTERS
11
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($5,001,000))
12
$5,046,000
13
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($5,031,000))
14
$5,946,000
15
Charitable, Educational, Penal, and Reformatory
16
Institutions Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . $10,000
17
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($10,042,000))
18
$11,002,000
19
(3) FIELD SERVICES
20
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($10,759,000))
21
$10,636,000
22
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($11,204,000))
23
$11,468,000
24
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,834,000))
25
$8,835,000
26
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($6,547,000))
27
$6,548,000
28
Veteran Estate Management Account—Private/Local
29
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $719,000
30
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($38,063,000))
31
$38,206,000
32
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
33
following conditions and limitations:
34
(a) $1,020,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
35
year 2026 and $900,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
36
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to contract
37
for veteran service officers.
38
p. 287
ESSB 5998.SL
(i) Of the amounts provided in this subsection (3)(a), $750,000
1
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and
2
$750,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027
3
are provided solely to support one veteran service officer position
4
in each of the following counties: Walla Walla, Clallam, Stevens,
5
Asotin, and Skamania.
6
(ii) Of the amounts provided in this subsection (3)(a), $270,000
7
of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and
8
$150,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027
9
are provided solely to support two veteran service officer positions
10
in Island county.
11
(b) Funding is sufficient for the department to maintain
12
operations for the suicide prevention community-based services grant
13
program established in RCW 43.60A.260.
14
(4) STATE VETERANS HOMES PROGRAM
15
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($16,710,000))
16
$8,717,000
17
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($17,786,000))
18
$7,519,000
19
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($159,652,000))
20
$188,457,000
21
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($21,757,000))
22
$10,554,000
23
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($215,905,000))
24
$215,247,000
25
The appropriations in this subsection are subject to the
26
following conditions and limitations:
27
(a) If the department receives additional unanticipated federal
28
resources that are unrelated to the coronavirus response at any point
29
during the remainder of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, an equal
30
amount of general fund—state must be placed in unallotted status so
31
as not to exceed the total appropriation level specified in this
32
subsection. The department may submit as part of the policy level
33
budget submittal documentation required by RCW 43.88.030 a request to
34
maintain the general fund—state resources that were unallotted as
35
required by this subsection.
36
(b) Appropriations have been adjusted in this section to reflect
37
anticipated changes in state, federal, and local resources as a
38
p. 288
ESSB 5998.SL
result of census changes. The department shall incorporate these
1
adjustments in the governor's projected maintenance level budget
2
required in RCW 43.88.030.
3
(5) CEMETERY SERVICES
4
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . . . . $188,000
5
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . . (($207,000))
6
$205,000
7
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,042,000
8
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,437,000))
9
$1,435,000
10
*Sec. 220 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 221. 2025 c 424 s 221 (uncodified) is amended to read as
11
follows:
12
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
13
(1) The appropriations to the department of health in this act
14
shall be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
15
this act. Appropriations made in this act to the department of health
16
shall initially be allotted as required by this act. Subsequent
17
allotment modifications shall not include transfers of moneys between
18
sections of this act except as expressly provided in this act, nor
19
shall allotment modifications permit moneys that are provided solely
20
for a specified purpose to be used for other than that purpose.
21
(2)(a) The appropriations to the department of health in this act
22
must be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in
23
this act, except as provided in (i) and (ii) of this subsection
24
(2)(a):
25
(i) After May 1, 2026, unless prohibited by this act, the
26
department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal
27
year 2026 among programs and subprograms after approval by the
28
director of the office of financial management. However, the
29
department may not transfer state appropriations that are provided
30
solely for a specified purpose except as expressly provided in (b) of
31
this subsection.
32
(ii) After May 1, 2027, unless prohibited by this act, the
33
department may transfer general fund—state appropriations for fiscal
34
year 2027 and appropriations for the 2025–2027 fiscal biennium among
35
programs and subprograms after approval by the director of the office
36
of financial management. However, the department may not transfer
37
p. 289
ESSB 5998.SL
appropriations that are provided solely for a specified purpose
1
except as expressly provided in (b) of this subsection.
2
(b) To the extent that transfers under (a) of this subsection are
3
insufficient to fund actual expenditures, the department may transfer
4
appropriations that are provided solely for a specified purpose. The
5
department may not transfer funds, and the director of the office of
6
financial management may not approve the transfer, unless the
7
transfer is consistent with the objective of conserving, to the
8
maximum extent possible, the expenditure of state funds. The director
9
of the office of financial management shall notify the appropriate
10
fiscal committees of the legislature in writing seven days prior to
11
approving any allotment modifications or transfers under this
12
subsection. The written notification shall include a narrative
13
explanation and justification of the changes, along with expenditures
14
and allotments by budget unit and appropriation, both before and
15
after any allotment modifications or transfers.
16
(c) Within ((30)) 90 days after the close of fiscal year 2026,
17
the department must provide the office of financial management and
18
the fiscal committees of the legislature with an accounting of any
19
transfers under this subsection. The accounting shall include a
20
narrative explanation and justification of the changes, along with
21
expenditures and allotments by subprogram and appropriation, both
22
before and after any allotment modifications or transfers. The
23
department must also provide recommendations for revisions to
24
appropriations to better align funding with the new budget structure
25
for the department in this act and to eliminate the need for the
26
transfer authority in future budgets.
27
(3) The department of health shall not initiate any services that
28
will require expenditure of state general fund moneys unless
29
expressly authorized in this act or other law. ((The)) With the
30
exception of phase one section implementation designated in the board
31
of health legislative report published in 2025, the department of
32
health and the state board of health may begin the rule-making
33
process on subsequent phases, but shall not implement any new or
34
amended rules pertaining to primary and secondary school facilities
35
until the rules and a final cost estimate have been presented to the
36
legislature, and the legislature has formally funded implementation
37
of the rules through the omnibus appropriations act or by statute. To
38
control costs and assist schools in the implementation of phase one,
39
the department shall develop models for any required plans, and
40
p. 290
ESSB 5998.SL
shall, as resources allow, make radon tests available to schools at
1
no cost.
2
(4) The department may seek, receive, and spend, under RCW
3
43.79.260 through 43.79.282, federal moneys not anticipated in this
4
act as long as the federal funding does not require expenditure of
5
state moneys for the program in excess of amounts anticipated in this
6
act. If the department receives unanticipated unrestricted federal
7
moneys, those moneys shall be spent for services authorized in this
8
act
or
in
any
other
legislation
that
provides
appropriation
9
authority, and an equal amount of appropriated state moneys shall
10
lapse. Upon the lapsing of any moneys under this subsection, the
11
office of financial management shall notify the legislative fiscal
12
committees. As used in this subsection, "unrestricted federal moneys"
13
includes block grants and other funds that federal law does not
14
require to be spent on specifically defined projects or matched on a
15
formula basis by state funds.
16
(((4))) (5) In accordance with RCW 43.70.110 and 71.24.037, the
17
department is authorized to adopt license and certification fees in
18
fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the costs of the regulatory
19
program. The department's fee schedule shall have differential rates
20
for providers with proof of accreditation from organizations that the
21
department has determined to have substantially equivalent standards
22
to those of the department, including but not limited to the joint
23
commission on accreditation of health care organizations, the
24
commission on accreditation of rehabilitation facilities, and the
25
council on accreditation. To reflect the reduced costs associated
26
with regulation of accredited programs, the department's fees for
27
organizations with such proof of accreditation must reflect the lower
28
costs of licensing for these programs than for other organizations
29
which are not accredited.
30
(((5))) (6) Within the amounts appropriated in this act, and in
31
accordance with RCW 70.41.100, the department shall set fees to
32
include the full costs of the performance of inspections pursuant to
33
RCW 70.41.080.
34
(((6))) (7) In accordance with RCW 43.70.110 and 71.24.037, the
35
department is authorized to adopt fees for the review and approval of
36
mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs in fiscal
37
years 2026 and 2027 as necessary to support the costs of the
38
regulatory
program.
The
department's
fee
schedule
must
have
39
differential rates for providers with proof of accreditation from
40
p. 291
ESSB 5998.SL
organizations
that
the
department
has
determined
to
have
1
substantially equivalent standards to those of the department,
2
including but not limited to the joint commission on accreditation of
3
health care organizations, the commission on accreditation of
4
rehabilitation facilities, and the council on accreditation. To
5
reflect the reduced costs associated with regulation of accredited
6
programs, the department's fees for organizations with such proof of
7
accreditation must reflect the lower cost of licensing for these
8
programs than for other organizations which are not accredited.
9
(((7))) (8) The health care authority, the health benefit
10
exchange,
the
department
of
social
and
health
services,
the
11
department of health, the department of corrections, and the
12
department of children, youth, and families shall work together
13
within existing resources to establish the health and human services
14
enterprise coalition (the coalition). The coalition, led by the
15
health care authority, must be a multi-organization collaborative
16
that provides strategic direction and federal funding guidance for
17
projects
that
have
cross-organizational
or
enterprise
impact,
18
including information technology projects that affect organizations
19
within the coalition. Washington technology solutions shall maintain
20
a statewide perspective when collaborating with the coalition to
21
ensure that projects are planned for in a manner that ensures the
22
efficient use of state resources, supports the adoption of a cohesive
23
technology and data architecture, and maximizes federal financial
24
participation. The work of the coalition and any project identified
25
as a coalition project is subject to the conditions, limitations, and
26
review provided in section 701 of this act.
27
(((8))) (9) Within the amounts appropriated in this act, and in
28
accordance with RCW 43.70.110 and 71.12.470, the department shall set
29
fees to include the full costs of the performance of inspections
30
pursuant to RCW 71.12.485.
31
(((9))) (10) The department must report to and coordinate with
32
the department of ecology to track expenditures from climate
33
commitment act accounts, as defined and described in RCW 70A.65.300
34
and chapter 173-446B WAC. If an expenditure is expected to result in
35
greenhouse gas emission reductions, the department must use a
36
department of ecology approved calculator tool or methodology.
37
(((10))) (11) The department shall promptly notify the office of
38
the attorney general upon the receipt of a request from or on behalf
39
of a federal agency or a federal, state, or local law enforcement
40
p. 292
ESSB 5998.SL
authority for health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010,
1
program eligibility information for individuals, information that may
2
identify a health care provider's or facility's delivery of health
3
care services to noncitizens, or the delivery of protected health
4
care services as defined in RCW 7.115.010 where the request may
5
impact expenditures for such services. The department shall require
6
contracted entities to notify the department promptly upon receipt of
7
a request from a federal agency or law enforcement authority as
8
described in this subsection.
9
*Sec. 222. 2025 c 424 s 222 (uncodified) is amended to read as
10
follows:
11
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—ADMINISTRATION
12
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($24,861,000))
13
$21,890,000
14
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($23,978,000))
15
$17,164,000
16
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($56,636,000))
17
$54,200,000
18
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($19,121,000))
19
$18,755,000
20
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
21
(FY 2026). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($442,000))
22
$410,000
23
Dedicated Cannabis Account—State Appropriation
24
(FY 2027). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($478,000))
25
$419,000
26
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($587,000))
27
$937,000
28
Climate Investment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($137,000))
29
$91,000
30
Foundational Public Health Services Account—State
31
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000
32
Hospital Data Collection Account—State Appropriation. . (($103,000))
33
$97,000
34
Health Professions Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($36,706,000))
35
$27,093,000
36
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account—State
37
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($101,000))
38
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ESSB 5998.SL
$99,000
1
Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems
2
Trust Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($1,623,000))
3
$367,000
4
Medicaid Fraud Penalty Account—State Appropriation. . . (($124,000))
5
$332,000
6
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($17,000))
8
$12,000
9
Abortion Savings Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . $144,000
10
Safe Drinking Water Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($2,171,000))
11
$2,085,000
12
Drinking Water Assistance Account—Federal
13
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,637,000))
14
$4,564,000
15
Waterworks Operator Certification Account—State
16
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($499,000))
17
$445,000
18
Drinking Water Assistance Administrative Account—
19
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($525,000))
20
$497,000
21
Site Closure Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($33,000))
22
$31,000
23
Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($290,000))
24
$233,000
25
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,541,000))
27
$1,321,000
28
Medical Test Site Licensure Account—State
29
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($869,000))
30
$477,000
31
Secure Drug Take-Back Program Account—State
32
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($241,000))
33
$221,000
34
Youth Tobacco and Vapor Products Prevention Account—
35
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($518,000))
36
$506,000
37
Public Health Supplemental Account—Private/Local
38
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($512,000))
39
p. 294
ESSB 5998.SL
$506,000
1
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . (($65,000))
2
$60,000
3
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($8,000))
4
$5,000
5
Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Line
6
Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . (($4,646,000))
7
$4,766,000
8
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($6,962,000))
10
$9,250,000
11
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($188,431,000))
12
$166,981,000
13
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
14
conditions and limitations:
15
(1)
(($1,164,000))
$1,234,000
of
the
general
fund—state
16
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $1,164,000 of the general
17
fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided
18
solely for the child profile health promotion notification system.
19
(2) (($296,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
20
year 2026 and $296,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
21
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to maintain
22
the master person index as part of the health and human services
23
coalition master person index initiative.
24
(3))) $127,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
25
year 2026 and $127,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
26
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to coordinate
27
work related to dementia, including but not limited to:
28
(a) Coordinating dementia-related activities with the department
29
of social and health services, the health care authority, and other
30
state agencies as needed;
31
(b)
Implementing
recommendations
from
the
dementia
action
32
collaborative in the updated state Alzheimer's plan within the
33
department; and
34
(c) Other dementia-related activities as determined by the
35
secretary.
36
(((4)
$166,000))
(3)
$193,000
of
the
general
fund—state
37
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 ((and $166,000 of the general fund
38
—state appropriation for fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely
39
p. 295
ESSB 5998.SL
for community compensation stipends for low-income individuals who
1
participate in priority engagements across the department.
2
(((5))) (4) $130,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
3
fiscal year 2026 and $130,000 of the general fund—state appropriation
4
for fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for staffing to support an
5
office of tribal policy at the department.
6
(5) $1,690,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
7
appropriation is provided solely for prevention, treatment, and
8
recovery support services to remediate the impacts of the opioid
9
epidemic. This funding must be used consistent with conditions of the
10
opioid settlement agreements that direct how funds deposited into the
11
opioid abatement settlement account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be
12
used.
13
(6) $2,662,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
14
appropriation is provided solely to launch a telebuprenorphine
15
hotline that facilitates access to medications for opioid use
16
disorder. This funding must be used consistent with conditions of the
17
opioid settlement agreements that direct how funds deposited into the
18
opioid abatement settlement account created in RCW 43.79.483 must be
19
used.
20
(7) Within existing resources, the department shall transition
21
sending newsletters for the watch me grow program from physically
22
mailed newsletters to newsletters delivered electronically. The
23
department shall cease sending physical newsletters beginning fiscal
24
year 2027.
25
*Sec. 222 was partially vetoed. See message at end of chapter.
Sec. 223. 2025 c 424 s 223 (uncodified) is amended to read as
26
follows:
27
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—HEALTH SCIENCES
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($25,569,000))
29
$27,626,000
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($26,432,000))
31
$29,568,000
32
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($73,411,000))
33
$75,235,000
34
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($44,311,000))
35
$60,397,000
36
Drinking Water Assistance Account—Federal
37
p. 296
ESSB 5998.SL
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12,000
1
Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($573,000))
2
$598,000
3
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
4
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($501,000))
5
$974,000
6
Foundational Public Health Services Account—State
7
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($60,000))
8
$56,000
9
Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
10
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($6,836,000))
11
$6,637,000
12
Public Health Supplemental Account—Private/Local
13
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$83,000
14
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($177,788,000))
15
$201,186,000
16
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
17
conditions and limitations:
18
(1) $85,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
19
year 2026 and $85,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
20
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to pass-
21
through to a nonprofit Washington-based organization with expertise
22
in end-of-life care and in chapter 70.245 RCW (death with dignity
23
act), to provide training, outreach, and education to medical
24
professionals, hospice teams, and other Washingtonians, to support
25
the provision of care under chapter 70.245 RCW.
26
(2) $36,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
27
year 2026 and $36,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
28
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
29
Senate Bill No. 5163 (child fatalities). ((If the bill is not enacted
30
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
31
lapse.))
32
(3) $80,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
33
year 2026 and $18,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
34
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for implementation of Substitute
35
Senate Bill No. 5093 (pregnancy loss). ((If the bill is not enacted
36
by June 30, 2025, the amounts provided in this subsection shall
37
lapse.))
38
p. 297
ESSB 5998.SL
(4) $76,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
1
year 2026 is provided solely for implementation of Substitute Senate
2
Bill No. 5030 (vital records access). ((If the bill is not enacted by
3
June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection shall lapse.))
4
(5) $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
5
year 2026 and $689,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
6
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the Snohomish county health
7
department to:
8
(a) Maintain sexually transmitted infection clinical services at
9
the Snohomish county health department and identify opportunities to
10
expand sexual health services provided outside of clinical settings;
11
(b) Conduct research on opportunities to expand jail-based sexual
12
health services;
13
(c) Maintain an epidemiology and technical team;
14
(d) Provide field-based treatment for syphilis; and
15
(e) Maintain an in-house comprehensive, culturally responsive
16
sexual health clinic at the Snohomish county health department.
17
(6) $5,909,000 of the opioid abatement settlement account—state
18
appropriation is provided solely for the department to expand the
19
distribution of naloxone through the department's overdose education
20
and naloxone distribution program. Funding must be prioritized to
21
fill naloxone access gaps in community behavioral health and other
22
community settings, including providing naloxone to agency staff in
23
organizations such as syringe service programs, housing providers,
24
and street outreach programs.
25
Sec. 224. 2025 c 424 s 224 (uncodified) is amended to read as
26
follows:
27
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH
28
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2026). . . . . . (($9,579,000))
29
$12,382,000
30
General Fund—State Appropriation (FY 2027). . . . . . (($9,707,000))
31
$10,907,000
32
General Fund—Federal Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($31,114,000))
33
$31,845,000
34
General Fund—Private/Local Appropriation. . . . . . . (($26,883,000))
35
$32,666,000
36
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account—State
37
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($544,000))
38
p. 298
ESSB 5998.SL
$546,000
1
((Opioid Abatement Settlement Account—State
2
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000))
3
Safe Drinking Water Account—State Appropriation. . . (($11,212,000))
4
$13,260,000
5
Drinking Water Assistance Account—Federal
6
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($22,281,000))
7
$37,535,000
8
Waterworks Operator Certification Account—State
9
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($2,432,000))
10
$2,893,000
11
Drinking Water Assistance Administrative Account—
12
State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($1,988,000))
13
$2,016,000
14
Site Closure Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . (($167,000))
15
$169,000
16
Biotoxin Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($976,000))
17
$1,012,000
18
Model Toxics Control Operating Account—State
19
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (($9,522,000))
20
$9,264,000
21
Climate Investment Account—State Appropriation. . . . . (($561,000))
22
$607,000
23
Climate Commitment Account—State Appropriation. . . . (($16,745,000))
24
$16,445,000
25
Natural Climate Solutions Account—State
26
Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(($60,000))
27
$65,000
28
Accident Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . . (($327,000))
29
$332,000
30
Medical Aid Account—State Appropriation. . . . . . . . . (($52,000))
31
$55,000
32
TOTAL APPROPRIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . (($144,159,000))
33
$171,999,000
34
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following
35
conditions and limitations:
36
(1) $416,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
37
year 2026 ((and $416,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
38
fiscal year 2027 are)) is provided solely for the department to
39
p. 299
ESSB 5998.SL
coordinate with local health jurisdictions to establish and maintain
1
comprehensive group B programs to ensure safe drinking water. These
2
funds shall be used for implementation costs, including continued
3
development
and
adoption
of
rules,
policies,
and
procedures;
4
technical assistance; and training.
5
(2) $157,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal
6
year 2026 and $157,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for
7
fiscal year 2027 are provided solely for the department to test for
8
lead in child care facilities to prevent child lead exposure and to
9
The text is cut here.