Senate gives unanimous approval to bill eliminating Oklahoma’s waiting list for developmental disabilities services

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate chamber burst into applause Friday after the unanimous final passage of a bill eliminating the state’s 13-year waiting list for developmental disability services.  House Bill 4466 provides $32.5 million, the largest funding increase to this program in state history, to clear that waitlist. 

Sen. Paul Rosino, chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, called the bill one of the most important he’d ever presented on the floor.

“We’re talking about more than 5,000 Oklahomans and their families who’ve been waiting years for the services they need to improve their lives.  This is huge, and the unanimous vote reflects that,” Rosino said.  “After years of working to address this issue, we are making our vow to eliminate this waiting list a reality.”

Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said the plan also includes a 25 percent increase to providers to ensure there are enough of them to deliver the services needed.  He said once everything is in motion, the waitlist should be cleared within the next 18 to 24 months.

The Senate vote was the final legislative hurdle for the bill.  HB 4466 now moves to the governor for his signature. 

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Paul Rosino at 405-521-5618 or email Paul.Rosino@oksenate.gov.