Senate hears bill to create ombuds and registry for senior independent living

Senators heard SB 6,153 on Jan. 23, which would create a senior independent housing ombuds program administered by the Department of Commerce through a contracted nonprofit, require annual registration of senior independent housing, and establish a registration fee and dedicated account.

Chair Bateman, the bill's sponsor, described constituent cases where residents were prevented from speaking with elected officials and recounted situations of alleged harassment and billing disputes in independent living communities that lack oversight and access to long‑term care ombuds protections. "These individuals deserve to age with dignity," she said, arguing the bill fills a gap for people living in 55+ independent housing who are not covered by existing ombuds programs.

Advocacy groups and resident organizations backed the bill and emphasized the need for an advocate and a registry to identify how many communities exist statewide. Kathleen McCall and others said registration and a statewide database would improve transparency and provide clearer avenues for complaint resolution.

Provider groups cautioned about costs and implementation. Alisa Odegard of LeadingAge Washington and the Washington Health Care Association urged careful scoping, attention to registration fees for affordable providers, and additional work to define overlaps with assisted‑living or skilled nursing laws. Several witnesses suggested a task force or phased approach to finalize program design.

The committee closed testimony for SB 6,153 and adjourned for the day.