In 1998, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 6751 to strengthen long-term care and support options for people with developmental disabilities. The law affirmed the state’s commitment to giving eligible individuals and their families a real opportunity to choose where they live, whether in community support services, in-home care, or in residential habilitation centers. It emphasized that people with developmental disabilities should be supported in their choices and that a full range of service options should be available, with quality and responsiveness across all settings. The bill also continued requirements for outreach and eligibility procedures so that people know about the services available to them.

Senate Bill 6751 included new requirements for planning and assessment of developmental disability services statewide. It directed the Department of Social and Health Services, in partnership with a stakeholder work group, to gather data on who is served, underserved, or unserved, and what supports and costs are involved. This analysis was to form the basis of a long-term strategic plan, looking at funding, services such as community supports, employment, crisis intervention, family support, and other needs, and presenting phased recommendations for future planning. The law aimed to ensure that service capacity in both community and residential supports remains stable, and that vacancies in services are used to expand access for people not yet receiving help.